Ascensus, the nation’s largest independent retirement plan and college savings services provider, announces the appointment of Rick Irace as Chief Operating Officer of the company’s retirement division. In this newly created role, Mr. Irace will be responsible for Ascensus’ retirement service and operations teams.
“Rick has spent the last 25+ years of his career leading service and operations teams in the retirement space, making him an ideal addition to our team,” states Shannon Kelly, president of retirement at Ascensus.
Prior to joining Ascensus, Rick served as managing director and head of institutional retirement and benefit plan relationship management and communications consulting for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He was responsible for delivering integrated benefits and investment solutions to mega- and large-market companies, including proprietary 401(k), non-qualified deferred compensation, and defined benefit plan administration. His team was also responsible for providing strategic expertise, thought leadership, and best practice communication solutions to enable plan sponsors to promote the value of their plans and help plan participants achieve financial wellness.
Previously, he served as head of integrated benefit solutions, where he first developed a relationship with Ascensus. Rick connected with members of Ascensus’ advisor network first-hand and was introduced to the company’s sales and service model.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey, and holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 24 certifications.
“Rick brings deep industry knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the service needs of our advisors, clients, and retirement plan participants to his role as chief operating officer,” adds Kelly. “His addition to our leadership team will enable us to focus even more closely on our clients, our associates, our processes, and our overall service experience.”
