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Retirement Plan Services

Comprehensive Administration and Compliance Solutions for your 401(k), 403(b) and Pension Plans

two finance professionals look at a computer together

About Blue Ridge Retirement Plan Services

When it comes to choosing a partner for your 401(k), 403(b) and pension plans, you can trust the team at Blue Ridge. As a premier provider in the industry, we specialize in designing and administering tailored retirement plans that meet the unique needs of your business and employees.

Our Retirement Plan Services

Customized Plan Design

We learn about your employee demographics, business goals, financial resources, and tax objectives. We design a customized plan to meet your specific needs and objectives.

Plan Design

Plan Compliance

We focus on all the complex rules of retirement plans so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have the best retirement plan for your company.

Plan Compliance

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.

A financial advisor talks to her client

Why Choose Blue Ridge Retirement Plan Services?

Unmatched Experience and Expertise

At Blue Ridge, our team consists of some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, with an average of over 10 years of retirement plan expertise. This deep knowledge allows us to offer insightful and strategic guidance, ensuring that your retirement plan is not only compliant but also perfectly aligned with your business goals.

Customized and Flexible Retirement Plan Design

We collaborate with financial advisors, retirement plan consultants and national recordkeepers to design retirement plans that optimize your business needs.

Our consultative approach begins with a thorough understanding of your specific goals, followed by:

  • Listening: We take the time to understand your current needs and future objectives.
  • Assessing: Our plan design consultants evaluate which plan features will best support your team and organizational goals.
  • Designing: We create a custom retirement plan tailored to your exact requirements.
  • Serving: Our dedicated team ensures that your plan is administered efficiently, helping your employees prepare for a successful retirement.

Commitment to Service and Responsiveness

Client satisfaction is at the core of what we do. Our values are rooted in delivering exceptional service, being responsive to your needs, and building long-term relationships. We pride ourselves on being accessible and supportive, ensuring that we are there for you every step of the way. Our dedication to service excellence is reflected in our high client retention rate and the strong, lasting relationships we build.

Proven Track Record

Blue Ridge is known for delivering high-quality retirement plans and administration services. Our commitment to excellence and reliability has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in the retirement planning industry. We handle all types of qualified retirement plans with the expertise and attention to detail that our clients expect.

“Suntide has been working with Blue Ridge 401(k) for several years now and we couldn’t be happier. We receive timely and well thought out responses to our questions, receive great care and attention, and feel understood and heard always. They know our business and understand the way we work. They have always been a pleasure to work with. Thank you for looking after us and our account!”
Barb Shuba
CFO/COO Suntide Commercial Realty

Meet the Retirement Plan Services Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer | Retirement Plan Services

Daniel Liss

Daniel Liss serves as Chief Executive Officer – Retirement Plan Services, 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.

Chief Revenue Officer | Retirement Plan Services

JJ McKinney

JJ McKinney serves as Chief Revenue Officer | Retirement Plan Services, 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.

Chief Operating Officer | Retirement Plan Services

Dawn Genz

Dawn Genz serves as Chief Operating Officer – Retirement Plan Services, 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.

Chief Actuary

Norman Levinrad

Norman Levinrad serves as 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.

Senior Vice President, Compliance

Erin Gray

Erin Gray serves as Senior Vice President, Compliance, where she provides strategic leadership and technical expertise to financial professionals, plan sponsors, and colleagues. She oversees compliance and plan document services while providing training and ERISA support to the Blue Ridge team. Erin is focused on delivering thoughtful solutions that help clients navigate the complexities of retirement plan administration and compliance.

Erin brings more than 20 years of experience consulting on defined contribution plans, 403(b) plans, nonqualified plans, and IRAs. Her expertise spans plan design, plan documents, plan operations, compliance, and plan corrections. As an Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA), Erin represents clients before the IRS, including submissions under the Voluntary Correction Program and plans undergoing examination. She holds the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) and Tax-exempt and Governmental Plans Consultant (TGPC) designations through ASPPA and serves on the board of the ASPPA Benefits Council of the Greater Twin Cities.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys golfing, mountain biking, skiing, reading, and spending time with her children. She is passionate about sharing her expertise, supporting the retirement plan community, and helping clients and colleagues navigate an ever-changing regulatory environment.

VICE PRESIDENT, COMPLIANCE | Retirement Plan Services

Juhl Stoesz, JD

Juhl Stoesz serves as the Vice President, Compliance 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 Retirement Plan Services 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 Retirement Plan Services 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.

Juhl Stoesz headshot
Senior Vice President, Operations | Retirement Plan Services

Lindsay Lopez

Lindsay Lopez serves as Senior Vice President, Operations at Blue Ridge Associates, where she provides leadership in developing efficient operational processes while supporting and mentoring a team of Regional Managers. She brings more than 14 years of retirement plan administration experience and is passionate about coaching, collaboration, and helping her team deliver exceptional service to clients.

Lindsay began her career in the retirement plan industry in 2007 and has earned the Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) and Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) designations. Her experience and leadership play an important role in strengthening operations and supporting the evolving needs of clients and colleagues.

Lindsay resides in Agoura Hills, California, with her husband and their three sons. She and her husband, a financial planner, enjoy discussing their work and “nerding out” about industry changes. Outside of work, they love traveling and spending time with their boys.

VICE PRESIDENT, CONSULTING | Retirement Plan Services

Julianne Condiff

Julianne Condiff serves as Vice President, Consulting at Blue Ridge, 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.

Julianne Condiff headshot
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS | Retirement Plan Services

Pam Walker

Pam Walker serves as Executive Vice President, Operations at Blue Ridge, 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.

Pam Walker headshot
Senior Vice President, Operations | Retirement Plan Services

Forrest Knowles

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, Operations 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 Retirement Plan 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.

Forrest Knowles | blue Ridge Associates
VP - NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR | Retirement Plan Services

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.

Kevin Tavares headshot
Regional Vice President & Manager, Internal Sales Partners

Tali Vaughn

Tali serves as Regional Vice President of Sales & Consulting and Internal Sales Partner Manager at Blue Ridge Associates, bringing more than 20 years of experience in retirement plan administration, compliance, and design. Since beginning her career in 2003, she has developed deep expertise across all facets of retirement plans and remains committed to continually expanding her knowledge of the benefits and retirement industry. She earned her Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) designation through ASPPA in 2009 and her Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plan Consultant (TGPC) certificate in 2010.

Throughout her career, Tali has developed a particular expertise in working with construction and prevailing wage contractors. Her earlier experience as a bookkeeper and office manager for contractors gave her valuable insight into certified payroll, government contracts, and the unique benefit obligations faced by prevailing wage contractors. While she brings specialized knowledge to the construction industry, Tali works comfortably with clients across a wide range of industries and is passionate about helping them navigate the complexities of retirement plan administration and compliance.

Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting

John Kelly

John Kelly serves as Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting at Blue Ridge Associates, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the retirement services industry. Known as a trusted “401(k) insider,” John combines technical expertise with a practical approach to helping advisors and plan sponsors navigate the complexities of retirement planning. He is passionate about bringing innovative solutions and market insights to clients while helping them achieve clearly defined retirement objectives.

John transitioned into sales leadership in 2012 and has held a variety of leadership roles, most recently serving as Sales Director for Definiti for four years. At Blue Ridge, he partners with advisors and plan sponsors to design, manage, and evaluate tailored retirement plan solutions, providing strategic insight and hands-on support throughout the process.

John lives just outside Chicago with his wife, Taryn, their two sons, Aidan and Owen, and their energetic Cairn Terrier, Scout. Outside of work, John is active in the travel baseball community, coaching Owen’s team and traveling throughout the Midwest to cheer on Aidan during tournaments.

Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting

David Bard

David serves as Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting at Blue Ridge Associates, bringing more than 20 years of experience providing retirement plan fiduciaries and committees with thoughtful, timely guidance. He brings deep expertise in retirement plan design, compliance, communications, recordkeeping, investments, and industry best practices, with a focus on developing solutions that align with each client’s unique goals and needs.

In his role, David collaborates closely with advisors, CPAs, and attorneys to deliver tailored retirement plan solutions and exceptional service. He believes strong client relationships begin with understanding each client’s needs and being accessible when questions, challenges, or changes arise. David holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS), and Qualified 401(k) Specialist (QKS) designations and is a graduate of Hobart College.

Originally from Westchester, New York, David now resides in Buffalo with his two grown children, Jake and Lauren, and his beagle, Max. Outside of work, he serves as Treasurer of the Buffalo Club Foundation and enjoys playing squash and golf, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on his Buffalo sports teams.

Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting

Craig Franke

Craig Franke serves as Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting at Blue Ridge Associates, bringing a diverse background in accounting, retirement plan administration, sales, training, and management. After beginning his career as a CPA, Craig transitioned to the retirement industry in 2006 and has developed a broad perspective that drives his outcome-focused approach to client service. He is passionate about creating positive client experiences and delivering solutions that align with each partner’s unique goals.

Craig works closely with financial advisors, RIAs, CPAs, and plan sponsors to develop tailored retirement plan solutions. He also plays an important role in helping Blue Ridge Associates continually strengthen its capabilities, service offerings, and value in the marketplace.

Craig and his wife, Ashley, have two sons, Eli and Abraham. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing outdoor activities, including golfing, running, biking, camping, and hiking. Craig also has a passion for learning and teaching and served as an adjunct professor of Intermediate Accounting and Auditing for seven years.

Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting

Jason Bolstad

Jason Bolstad serves as Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting 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.

Jason Bolstad headshot
Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting

Lincoln Franke

With over 33 years of experience in retirement plan and ESOP consulting, Lincoln Franke serves as Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting at Blue Ridge Associates. Lincoln partners with financial advisors and employers to design customized retirement programs, with a specialized focus on mature business owners seeking tax-efficient strategies for retirement savings and business succession.

At Blue Ridge, Lincoln focuses on partnering with advisors and employers to custom-design retirement programs that meet each business’s unique needs. He specializes in working with mature business owners to implement high-impact retirement savings strategies that leverage tax advantages, while also providing guidance on tax-efficient exit planning, including business transitions through ESOPs, to help finance retirement and preserve legacy.

Prior to joining Blue Ridge, Lincoln held senior sales leadership roles at Great West (now Empower) and OneAmerica, where he spent over two decades supporting advisors and clients across the country with both traditional retirement plans and ESOP solutions. His consultative approach and extensive experience make him a trusted resource for advisors and employers alike.

Lincoln earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. He is an active member of the Western Pension & Benefits Council and the Exit Planning Institute, reflecting his commitment to both technical excellence and business transition planning.

Lincoln Franke - Blue Ridge Associates
Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting

Ben Henry

With over 17 years of experience in the retirement plan industry, Ben Henry, MBA, CPFA, serves as Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting at Blue Ridge, where he partners with financial advisors, recordkeeping providers, and other industry professionals to help businesses deliver meaningful retirement benefits to their employees. Ben is passionate about expanding access to effective retirement plans and improving participant outcomes through education, strategic plan design, and thoughtful collaboration.

Ben’s primary responsibilities at Blue Ridge include working closely with advisors to identify opportunities for creating or enhancing retirement plans, consulting directly with business leaders to align benefit programs with company goals, and engaging the advisor community through educational content focused on legislative updates, plan design innovations, and cost management strategies.

Before joining Blue Ridge, Ben spent more than 15 years at Qualified Retirement Plan Services (QRPS), where he held various roles including Plan Consultant, Implementation Specialist, and Director of Advisor Services. This progression gave him a hands-on understanding of plan administration and the full retirement plan lifecycle.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with concentrations in Finance and Accounting from North Carolina State University and earned his MBA from the University of Florida’s Hough Graduate School of Business. He is a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) through NAPA and is an active member of several industry organizations, including the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), the Triangle Benefits Forum, and serves on the T. Rowe Price TPA Advisory Council. He previously served on the American Funds TPA Advisory Council.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and their dog, Reese’s. Whether coaching youth soccer, baseball, and basketball, attending NC State and Carolina Hurricanes games, or staying active in the local community, Ben finds joy in connecting with others and supporting those around him.

Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting

Mike Gschwind

Mike Gschwind serves as Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting 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.

Mike Gschwind headshot

Partner with the Leaders in Retirement Plan Services

At Blue Ridge, we are dedicated to helping businesses and their employees achieve financial security and peace of mind through expertly designed retirement plans. Whether you are establishing a new retirement plan or optimizing an existing one, our team is here to provide the guidance and support you need.

Contact us today to discover how the Blue Ridge Retirement Plan Services team can help you create a successful retirement benefit program for your employees. Let’s build a brighter financial future together.