It’s hard to imagine a small subsection of the Internal Revenue Code, added in 1978, to have such an outsized and radical impact on Americans’ livelihoods. Yet we have now all seen how that particular subsection has revolutionized retirement saving and brought forth the concept of defined contribution as a mainstream force in society at large.
And in an industry that is now a little defined by lethargy, perhaps unfairly given its regulatory and fiduciary nature, an impetus for innovation and transformation seems needed, especially in light of all the great changes that have been occurring in other aspects of finance and asset management. We have already seen how a combination of auto-features and QDIAs like target-date funds can thrust the state of retirement security forward, we now ponder on the makeups of the next era in defined contribution for plan sponsors to enact and implement.
The shift of plan sponsors’ focus to decumulation, for one, is a popular topic as the industry debates and rethinks the idea of retirement income beyond annuities. New and non-traditional investment options like private assets and ESG are being considered by a growing number of plan sponsors in the face of inflation, new economic uncertainties, and calls for crafting a more sustainable investment landscape. The ever-changing world of technology provides further opportunities and inspirations for revolutionizing the industry. With so much to consider and discuss, join the DC institute again at Half Moon Bay this year to meet new and familiar faces as we collectively and collaboratively mull over the path forward.
The Defined Contribution Institute was created to serve DC plan sponsors, and we rely upon an Advisory Board of plan sponsors to help conceptualize and guide each event’s agenda. We sincerely thank this year’s Advisory Board as well as everyone who has provided — and will continue to provide — input to ensure that the topics we are addressing are current, practical, and pertinent.
Bernie Knobbe, Vice President, Global Benefits, AECOM (Chair)
Jaime Erickson, Director, US and PR Retirement Plans, Abbott Laboratories
Lynna Soller, Director, Employee Benefits, Arizona State University
Matt Adamson, Benefits, Americas, Bloomberg L.P.
Sandy Blair, Director, CalSTRS
Patricia Campbell, Executive Director, Employee HRIS, Benefits, EAP, Wellness, Service Recognition, Cedars-Sinai
Eric Newman, Accountant/Treasury Manager/Trustee, City of Stamford
Johnny Liang, Senior Director, Compensation & Benefits, Dolby Laboratories
Chip Weule, Chief Benefits Officer, Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado
Eleazar “Ely” De Gracia Jr., Benefits Manager, Genentech
Daniel Marafino, Financial Benefits Specialist, Google
Bob Landry, Director, Investments & Retirement, H-E-B
Roger Paschke, Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, Hearst
Anita Volta, US HR Ops Program Manager, Micro Focus
Pam Hembrow, Director, Global Benefits, Microsoft
Stephen McCaffrey, Senior Counsel for Plans, National Grid USA
Ron Shaw, Financial Wellbeing & Retirement Manager, Paychex
Susan Long, N.A. Retirement Benefits Manager, Unilever
Gay Lynn Bath, Director of Retirement Plans Management, University of Oregon
Carl Gagnon, Assistant Vice President, Global Retirement Programs, Unum Group
Malika Terry, Vice President, Global Total Rewards, UPS

The Defined Contribution Institute is a private membership organization for the nation’s DC plan sponsors as well as supporting members from the industry’s leading asset management firms, providers, and consultants. Members and supporting members come together for meetings which foster idea exchange and the achievement of common goals. The environment at these events is collegial, collaborative and confidential in accordance with Chatham House Rules. Built by plan sponsors for plan sponsors, the agenda for each DC Institute meeting draws heavily on an incomparable well of industry insight contributed by our plan sponsor and expert attendees. Each program addresses the issues most relevant to the nation’s plans.
The Ritz-Carlton
1 Miramontes Point Road
Half Moon Bay, California 94019 United States
+1 650 712 7000
Set atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers an impressive setting for meetings, conferences and retreats. Within easy reach of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, our Northern California resort offers more than dynamic event spaces. Here, planners will find a conference setting that offers flexibility and modern technology, as well as opportunities for team-building, fine dining and recreation.

Physical Distancing

Disinfect and Sanitize

Face Masks

Temperature Checks
QUESTIONS?
For more information, please contact:
Jon Ljekocevic, Deputy Director, Investor Relations
+1 212 224 3479
jon.ljekocevic@institutionalinvestor.com