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James Kelley, President, HANYS Benefit Services, Joins the Retirement Advisor Council

HANYS Benefit Services (HBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of James J. Kelley, President, to the Retirement Advisor Council, effective January 1, 2018.



The Retirement Advisor Council is a national organization that advocates for successful qualified plan and participant retirement outcomes through the collaborative efforts of experienced, qualified retirement plan advisors, investment managers, and defined contribution plan service providers. To advance its mission, the Council undertakes initiatives in the areas of research, public relations and promotion, public education, regulatory positions, and practice management. The Council accomplishes this mission by:


  • identifying duties, responsibilities, and attributes of the professional retirement plan advisor; 

  • sharing professional standards with plan sponsors who are responsible for the success of their plans; 

  • providing collective thought capital to decision makers, product providers, legislators, and the public; 

  • giving voice to the retirement plan advisor community; and 

  • offering tools to evaluate advisors to ensure the quality of services provided. 



An acknowledged expert and thought leader with more than 25 years’ experience in the retirement industry, Mr. Kelley is an in-demand speaker at industry events. The Executive Board of the Retirement Advisor Council approved his nomination in January of 2018 after a comprehensive review process that took multiple factors into consideration, including his extensive industry experience and standing as a leading retirement plan expert.



"I am honored to now be a part of this organization,” Mr. Kelley said. “The Retirement Advisor Council is an assemblage of thought leadership from top advisory firms from around the country. Each member is genuinely interested in the advancement of plan sponsor and participant outcomes. The collective impact of the Council is amazing.”



As President of HBS, Mr. Kelley sets firm policy and directs all activities and services. His responsibilities include oversight of all operations, customer service, and personnel for retirement plan services, employee benefits, and all other advisory services.

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