Member Spotlight

October 2019 Member Spotlight

Lisa A. Showalter, CPC, QPA, QKA

Director of Business Development

The Retirement Advantage, Inc.

My current job involves… providing strategic thought leadership to TRA’s Leadership and Sales Team by identifying and assessing new business opportunities and implementing business development strategies with the potential to increase sales;and to create long-term value for our clients, our advisor community and our other strategic industry partners. I also serve as a technical resource to our Sales Team in delivering creative plan designs and services to Plan Sponsors that result in successful participant retirement savings outcomes.

My first job in the retirement industry was… as an entry level Plan Administrator preparing year-end testing and reporting. I read the Pension Answer Book as my training! Fifteen years later I was honored to become a principal owner in Markley Actuarial Services, Inc. In March of 2018, Markley was acquired by The Retirement Advantage, Inc. to expand TRA’s actuarial capabilities and to ensure Markley’s clients continued to receive best in class services, data security, and technology to run their plans.

I first learned about WiPN… a few years ago from industry colleagues. I’ve watched WiPN continue to grow and expand its membership, including creation of more and more Local Chapters. Now my participation in WiPN is allowing me to get to know many amazing women who are excited about making meaningful contributions to the future of the retirement industry.

I love the retirement industry because… it is always evolving and changing. Over the last 30 years of my career, there have been many positive changes to the private pension system. I am excited about the future of our industry. New technology coupled with collaborative problem solving among all types of service providers will allow us to successfully contribute to more and more Americans reaching their retirement savings goals. As a National Third Party Administration Firm, TRA is right in the mix of this collaboration.

I wish I’d known years ago that… life is not meant to be lived perfectly! “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow.” – Mary Tyler Moore

Lisa Showalter

Leslie Lowery

Institutional Relationship Management & Sales Support

FuturePlan, an Ascensus Company

My current job involves… developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with our recordkeeping and broker-dealer partners on a national level.

My first job in the retirement industry was… an Administrative Assistant.

I love the retirement industry because… regardless of your role within the industry, you are impacting lives for today and for the future.

Other women should join WiPN because… it allows you to connect and share with women who continue to grow within their careers. Each member has a unique path that inspries others to expand their knowledge and well-being, both personally and professionally.

When I’m not working I am…. spending time with my family and tackling new home projects.

Leslie Lowery