Barb Shuba
CFO/COO Suntide Commercial Realty
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401(k) & Pension Services
Comprehensive Administration and Compliance Solutions for your 401(k), 403(b) and Pension Plans
Advisor Collaboration is Our Key to Success
We provide professional retirement plan consulting solutions to financial advisors of all specialties and levels of expertise. We believe that to provide the best possible experience for our clients, we need our services to complement and enhance the work of financial advisors.
Group President | 401(k) & Pension
Matt Slyter
Matthew H. Slyter serves as the Group President of 401(k) & Pension at Blue Ridge, where he is dedicated to aligning the organization’s goals with exceptional client service. With a focus on fostering a supportive environment, Matthew is committed to helping team members achieve their career aspirations while ensuring that the service model remains consistent with the company’s mission to deliver outstanding service to clients and referral sources.
Prior to joining Blue Ridge, Matthew spent 29 years at TSC 401K, where he honed his expertise in retirement plan management and client relations. His extensive experience has provided him with a deep understanding of the industry and the unique challenges clients face.
Matthew earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Moorhead State University in 1994. He holds the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) certification, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and industry standards.
An active member of industry associations, Matthew is involved with the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA) and the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA), and he serves on several recordkeeper advisory boards. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, finding joy at his lake cabin, and is an avid golf enthusiast.
Executive Vice President | 401(k) & Pension
Pam Walker
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.
VP - National Sales Director | 401(k) & Pension
Kevin Tavares
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.
Vice President of Operations | 401(k) & Pension
Kelsey Larson, QKA
Kelsey Larson brings over 11 years of experience in the financial services industry to her role as Vice President of Operations at Blue Ridge. In this capacity, Kelsey excels in cross-department collaboration, process improvement, and strategic planning, ensuring that the organization operates smoothly and efficiently.
A graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, Kelsey earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with a Business Minor in 2012. She is also a Qualified 401(k) Administrator, underscoring her expertise in retirement plan management.
Kelsey is actively involved in several industry associations, including the Nationwide TPA Advisory Board, The Standard TPA Advisory Board, ASPPA, and WIPN. She is committed to professional development, industry advocacy and advancing best practices in the field.
At Blue Ridge, Kelsey is passionate about fostering a collaborative work environment and driving initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness, positioning the company for continued success.
Vice President of Plan Administration | 401(k) & Pension
Julianne Condiff
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.
Director of Client Relations | 401(k) & Pension
Jennifer Schwientek, QKA
Jennifer Schwientek is a dedicated Relationship Manager 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.
Director, Retirement Plan Design Consulting | 401(k) and Pension
Jason Bolstad
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.
Vice President of Compliance and Document Services | 401(k) & Pension
Juhl Stoesz, JD
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.
Senior Retirement Plan Consultant, Blue Ridge
Scott Rogneby, AIF, CRPS, C(k)P
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.
Sales Consultant, 401(k) & Pension, Blue Ridge
Mike Gschwind
Mike Gschwind is a Sales Consultant 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.
