About ASPPA
ASPPA—the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries—is the premier national organization for career retirement plan professionals. The membership is comprised of the many disciplines supporting retirement income management and benefits policy. Members are part of the diversified, technical, and highly regulated benefits industry. ASPPA represents the most committed individuals of the profession—those who have made a career of retirement plan and pension policy work.
The purpose of ASPPA is twofold:
- To educate retirement plan and benefits professionals
- To preserve and enhance the private pension system
Based in the nation’s capital, ASPPA is a non-profit professional organization acting on behalf of its 6,000+ members to improve retirement income policy. In pursuit of these goals, ASPPA offers extensive educational opportunities for its members—from professional credentialing to continuing education. ASPPA Government Affairs department keeps a close watch on all legislative and regulatory activities affecting retirement benefits and pension policy.
ASPPA was founded in 1966 originally as an actuarial organization. Since then, ASPPA has carefully tracked the changing needs of the retirement plan industry. As a result, ASPPA has expanded and diversified its membership to include all types of pension professionals--from actuaries, consultants, and administrators to insurance professionals, financial planners, accountants, attorneys, and human resource managers. Embracing diversity, the 6,000+ members of ASPPA are united by their commitment to the private pension system.
President
Sheldon H. Smith, APM
Sheldon H. Smith, APM, is a partner at Holme Roberts & Owens, LLP, practicing in its Compensation and Benefits Practice Group in the firm’s Denver office. Sheldon counsels clients on qualified retirement plans, executive compensation, and fiduciary duties. He represents clients before the IRS, the US Department of Labor (EBSA) and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. With 35 years of litigation experience, Sheldon defends his clients in ERISA, tax and probate litigation. He is a fellow in the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, and he has gained distinction as one of the Best Lawyers in America, Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in American Education and as a Colorado Super Lawyer. He is also a past president of the Western Pension & Benefits Conference.