401(k) & Pension Services

Daniel Liss serves as Chief Executive Officer – 401(k) & Pension, where he provides strategic leadership to support the continued growth and evolution of the business. Daniel is focused on advancing the organization’s long-term vision, fostering a collaborative and client-centric culture, and delivering innovative retirement plan solutions that help clients and partners achieve their goals.

Daniel brings more than 18 years of experience in retirement plan administration, actuarial consulting, and executive leadership. He joined EGPS in 2003 and became an Enrolled Actuary in 2009. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, leading strategic acquisitions, expanding the organization’s sales capabilities, and building a team of retirement professionals committed to exceptional client service. His leadership is guided by a people-first philosophy and a belief that an organization’s greatest strength is its people.

Daniel is an Enrolled Actuary (EA) and holds the Member of the Society of Pension Actuaries (MSPA) designation. He resides in New York with his wife and five children. Outside of work, he enjoys playing soccer and traveling with his family.

JJ McKinney serves as Chief Revenue Officer | 401(k) & Pension, where he provides strategic leadership to drive growth, strengthen relationships with advisors and recordkeepers, and enhance the overall client experience. He is focused on expanding the organization’s market presence, fostering strong partnerships, and delivering innovative retirement plan solutions that help clients and partners achieve their goals.

JJ brings more than 25 years of experience in retirement plan consulting, business development, operations, and executive leadership. Since entering the retirement plan industry in 1998, he has built a diverse career spanning operations development and implementation, government compliance, consulting, quality assurance, and new client acquisition. He has also shared his expertise by teaching retirement plan and business management courses and authoring articles for ASPPA ASAP, Plan Consultant magazine, and the Journal of Pension Benefits. His leadership is guided by a collaborative, relationship-driven approach and a commitment to delivering exceptional value for clients and partners.

JJ holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from St. Edward’s University and is a Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) and Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA). He resides in Georgia with his wife, Jennifer, and their nine children. Outside of work, he enjoys running, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, playing guitar, singing, dancing, and spending time outdoors with his family. He also serves as an ordained deacon in the Diocese of Savannah.

Dawn Genz serves as Chief Operating Officer – 401(k) & Pension, where she provides strategic leadership to enhance operational excellence, support organizational growth, and deliver exceptional service to clients and partners. She is focused on optimizing processes, fostering collaboration across teams, and driving initiatives that strengthen the organization’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the retirement plan industry.

Dawn brings more than 30 years of experience in retirement plan administration, ERISA consulting, investment advising, sales, and executive leadership. Throughout her career, she has led strategic business initiatives, streamlined operations, strengthened financial oversight, and successfully managed organizational change while maintaining a strong focus on client service and operational efficiency. Her leadership is guided by a commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and helping teams deliver outstanding results for clients and partners.

Dawn resides in Brainerd, Minnesota, with her husband, Alan. They have three children and four grandchildren, who are at the center of much of their family life. Outside of work, Dawn enjoys golfing, biking, walking, gardening, and watching sunrises and sunsets, especially at the beach. She is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, where she served during Desert Storm and earned the Army Achievement Medal.

Pam Walker is the Executive Vice President of the 401(k) and Pension department, bringing over 30 years of extensive experience in retirement plan administration and sales. Previously the founder, president, and owner of Coastal Pension Services, Pam has a distinguished track record of managing retirement plans of all sizes, from simple individual arrangements to complex, high-value plans.

Her deep industry knowledge equips her with unique insights into the intricacies of retirement planning, making her a sought-after expert among advisors, CPAs, attorneys, and wholesalers. Pam is a frequent lecturer at industry conferences and serves on several TPA advisory boards, where she shares her expertise and addresses challenging compliance issues. Her commitment to excellence and innovation in retirement plan solutions continues to drive success for her clients and the industry at large.

Norman Levinrad serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Actuary, where he provides strategic leadership in actuarial consulting, retirement plan design, and regulatory compliance. He is focused on delivering innovative retirement plan solutions, supporting clients and partners with deep technical expertise, and helping navigate the evolving retirement plan landscape.

Norman brings more than 35 years of experience in actuarial consulting and retirement plan administration. A graduate of UCLA with a degree in Applied Mathematics, he is an Enrolled Actuary (EA), Certified Pension Consultant (CPC), and Fellow of the Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (FSPA). In 1989, he founded Summit Benefit and Actuarial Services, Inc., where he provided retirement plan administration and actuarial services to clients and third-party administrators for more than three decades. Throughout his career, Norman has been an active leader in the retirement industry, speaking at industry conferences, publishing articles in The ASPPA Journal and the Journal of Pension Benefits, and serving in numerous leadership roles within the profession. His leadership is guided by a commitment to technical excellence, innovation, and exceptional client service.

Outside of work, Norman enjoys riding his motorcycle, watching soccer, and spending time outdoors hiking and kayaking.

With over 33 years of experience in the retirement plan administration and compliance field, Forrest Knowles brings extensive industry knowledge and strategic leadership to his role as Senior Vice President at Blue Ridge. Prior to joining Blue Ridge, Forrest was a founding leader at Qualified Retirement Plan Services, Inc. (QRPS), where he spent over three decades building a reputation for technical excellence and client service in the retirement plan space. Forrest plays a key role in overseeing the integration of QRPS into Blue Ridge’s 401(k) and Pension Services division, while supporting the growth and management of the practice and providing expert guidance on qualified plan documents and compliance.

Forrest earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from East Carolina University. He is an active member of the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA) and a former member of The Cerrado Group, reflecting his continued engagement with the retirement industry community.

Outside of work, Forrest enjoys spending time on the North Carolina coast with his family including his wife, two daughters, their goldendoodle and friends and exploring the shoreline by boat.

Kevin Tavares serves as the Vice President and National Sales Director at Blue Ridge, where he is instrumental in shaping the sales distribution strategy for 401(k) and pension plans. With over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, Kevin excels in team coaching and mentoring, ensuring that his team is equipped to meet client needs effectively. He fosters collaboration among key accounts and Blue Ridge associates, driving success across the organization.

Prior to joining Blue Ridge, Kevin spent 20 years with Fidelity Investments, dedicating 14.5 years to the Defined Contribution Investment Only market. His extensive experience includes working closely with record keepers, 401(k) advisors, consultants, third-party administrators, and other retirement plan centers of influence.

Kevin earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a Minor in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Outside of work, Kevin cherishes time spent with his family, including his wife, two daughters, and their goldendoodle. The Tavares family enjoys a variety of activities together, such as boating, fishing, skiing, and playing tennis and soccer.

Julianne Condiff serves as the VP of Plan Administration, where she is responsible for overseeing the 401(k) Administration department and is a direct resource for Team Leaders. She is responsible for staffing teams with the appropriate resources to meet the demands of new business and ensuring that incoming plans are allocated effectively. Additionally, she is involved in the hiring process, training new consultants and ensuring that the team is equipped to provide exceptional service.

With 27 years of experience at TSC 401K, now Blue Ridge, Julianne has built a strong foundation in retirement plan administration, developing expertise that supports the success of the organization. Her extensive tenure has allowed her to cultivate deep knowledge and understanding of the industry.

Her wealth of experience and hands-on approach make her an invaluable asset to the Blue Ridge team.

Jennifer Schwientek is Vice President, Client Experience Consulting at Blue Ridge, where she focuses on fostering strong connections with clients and financial advisors. In her role, Jennifer arranges face-to-face meetings to review annual reports, discuss nondiscrimination testing and administration, and suggest enhancements to plan design that improve participation and streamline administrative functions. She also assists consultants with complex and escalated issues, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of service to meet their needs and expectations.

Among her top responsibilities, Jennifer meets with plan sponsors and financial advisors to assess administration and plan design, addresses escalated issues and concerns, and stays informed about legislative changes. This proactive approach allows her to assist internal staff, clients, and financial advisors in navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

Before joining Blue Ridge, Jennifer gained valuable experience as a Mid-Market Plan Administrator at Ascensus (formerly BISYS), where she advanced from the small market team to service 15 – 20 plans with assets over $20M. This role involved national travel to meet with plan sponsors, financial advisors, and Board members, allowing her to understand the diverse needs of participants and develop tailored solutions. Additionally, her background as a studio and family/wedding photographer equipped her with unique interpersonal skills, enabling her to connect with people in various situations.

Jennifer holds the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) designation, obtained in 2021, and is an active member of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). Outside of her professional responsibilities, Jennifer has volunteered with Junior Achievement USA, reflecting her dedication to community engagement and education. Her blend of expertise, relationship-building skills, and passion for client service makes her an invaluable asset to the Blue Ridge team.

Juhl Stoesz serves as the Vice President of Compliance and Document Services at Blue Ridge, where he leverages his legal expertise to provide top-notch compliance and technical support for retirement plans. Juhl leads Blue Ridge’s 401(k) and Pension compliance and document team. His approach merges legal and technical knowledge with practical business insights, enabling him to deliver effective solutions for complex compliance challenges. With 16 years of experience in the industry, Juhl is dedicated to ensuring that Blue Ridge, its employees, and clients navigate the complexities of retirement plan compliance with confidence and success.

Juhl provides ongoing support and training to the 401(k) and Pension staff at Blue Ridge, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to navigate the regulatory landscape. He also supervises a team of document consultants responsible for drafting and maintaining essential retirement plan documents. This includes everything from preparing amendments to comply with the latest laws to drafting new plan documents and facilitating plan mergers and spinoffs. He is actively engaged in improving client deliverables, and focuses on optimizing communication strategies and developing innovative services to enhance the overall client experience.

Before joining Blue Ridge, Juhl held similar roles at TSC 401K (now Blue Ridge) and Beneco in Scottsdale, AZ, where he gained valuable experience in the retirement plan sector.

Juhl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Minnesota (2002) and a Juris Doctor degree with distinction from the University of North Dakota (2007). He is an active member of the American Association of Pension Professionals and has achieved the Associated Professional Member (APM) credential. Additionally, Juhl is a past president and board member of the ASPPA Benefits Council of the Greater Twin Cities.

Jason Bolstad serves as a Director of Retirement Plan Design Consulting for the 401(k) and Pension department at Blue Ridge, where he plays a pivotal role in driving new business initiatives and enhancing client relationships. With over 21 years of diverse experience, Jason specializes in collaborating with Financial Advisors, Recordkeepers, and Accounting partners to design tailored retirement plans that align with the unique goals of each business. His expertise includes optimizing retirement solutions for new plan sponsors and improving existing plans to adapt to the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Prior to joining Blue Ridge, Jason spent eight years as a structural engineer, focusing on the design of bridges and buildings. This unique background equips him with exceptional problem-solving skills and logical thinking, allowing him to navigate the complexities of retirement plan design effectively.

Jason graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University in 1995. His engineering expertise, combined with his dedication to compliance-based consultation, positions him as a valuable resource for clients and partners alike.
Outside of his professional commitments, Jason is actively engaged in industry associations, furthering his knowledge and contributions to the field.

Scott Rogneby is a Senior Retirement Plan Consultant at Blue Ridge, where he specializes in helping corporations and non-profit organizations develop customized strategies for their ERISA and non-ERISA retirement plan needs. With over 44 years of experience in the financial services industry, Scott is a trusted advisor in the creation and maintenance of retirement plan designs, investment policy statements, and portfolio consulting. He is also deeply involved in investment monitoring and regularly collaborates with financial advisors to ensure clients’ retirement plans are optimized for success.

Scott is a frequent speaker at business, industry, and civic group events, where he educates organizations and their employees on various aspects of retirement planning. He also hosts educational forums designed to improve employee participation and investment decisions within their employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and has earned multiple prestigious industry designations, including the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), and Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P®) credential, awarded in partnership with UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

In addition to his professional certifications, Scott is actively involved in the retirement planning industry and stays at the forefront of best practices and emerging trends. His extensive experience and deep expertise in retirement plan design, employee education, fiduciary responsibility, and asset allocation make him a valuable resource to both clients and colleagues.

Mike Gschwind is a Director of Plan Design Consulting specializing in 401(k) and pension plans at Blue Ridge. With 13 years of experience in the retirement planning industry, Mike has built a strong reputation for his ability to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs and goals of clients. In his current role, Mike is responsible for driving sales growth, providing plan design and consulting expertise, and fostering strong, long-term relationships with financial advisors and clients. He is well-respected for ensuring a smooth sales process with clear communication every step of the way.

Mike spent 13 years with TSC 401(k), now a Blue Ridge company, where he started as a Retirement Plan Administrator. His extensive experience in the 401(k) industry, combined with his solid foundation in client service, has enabled him to deliver exceptional results for a wide range of clients.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stout in 2010, providing him with a comprehensive academic background that supports his practical expertise.