We are a leading provider of educational workshops and programs for retirement plan professionals. We provide opportunities for professional growth by offering relevant, comprehensive, quality programs and by offering local networking.

Board of Directors

Michelle Lara, President

Special Counsel, Compensation & Benefits practice group 

Cooley, LLP            

Joe Plum, APA, Vice President                                  

Director, Client Executive                                                    

Transamerica Retirement Solutions

Annette Blach, Treasurer

Benefits Advisory & Compliance Consultant                                                

Towers Watson

Shareen Balkey, Board Member                            

Regional Account Manager                                                 

John Hancock Retirement Plan Services                         

Denise Mehus, CRSP, CISP, Board Member                  

Vice President & Manager, Retirement Plan Services    

First American Trust

Cyndie Fessenden, APR, Board Member 

Pension Consultant

San Diego Pension Consultants                                 

Steve Lamm, APA, Secretary                          

Pension Consultant                                                       

Hicks Pension Services

Lisa Meyer, APA,  Board Member                                 

Pension Consultant                                                     

Means & Associates

Bill Peartree, APR Board Member        

Principal Director, Retirement Services                         

Barney & Barney 

Howard Joelson, Board Member

Senior Vice President

John Hancock Retirement Services

Henry Schneider

Sr. Vice President Compliance and Administration

City National Bank

Cheney Hunt, Board Member

Vice President

Great West Retirement Services

Volunteer Opportunities

Our Board works continuously to meet members needs and to fulfill professional and educational goals. 

Volunteering is a great opportunity for networking. It can also be a pathway to NIPA leadership positions. We invite NIPA members to serve on the local San Diego NIPA Board or to provide industry focused workshops aimed at enhancing the knowledge our retirement plan community and profession.  

Members interested in volunteering to serve on a committee may contact us at admin@sdnipa.com.