Ascensus Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ascensus has 9 executives leading key functions including marketing, operations, finance, human resources, retirement, insurance, and education services.

Driven by a commitment to empowering financial professionals, employers, and individuals, Ascensus provides comprehensive retirement and college savings solutions, solidifying its market leadership through expert administration and program management.

Leadership Roles at Ascensus

  • Chief Financial Officer - Marc Mehlman
  • Chief Operating Officer - James Gearin
  • President, Retirement - Daniel Morrison
  • President - Margaret Creonte
  • President of Newport, An Ascensus Company - Michael Dunn
  • President of FuturePlan - Kasey Price
  • Division Group President, Insurance & Education Services - Anthony Pascotti
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Emily Pachuta
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jeri Hawthorne
  • Marc Mehlman - Chief Financial Officer

    Marc Mehlman, the Chief Financial Officer at Ascensus, directs the company's financial strategy and fiscal management. Overseeing all financial operations, Mehlman ensures robust financial planning, accurate reporting, and strategic resource allocation to support Ascensus's growth objectives. This leadership position involves managing investments, optimizing capital structure, and driving profitability across the organization's diverse service lines, including retirement and college savings. By maintaining strong financial discipline, Marc Mehlman underpins Ascensus's ability to provide tailored solutions to financial professionals, employers, and individuals. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is crucial for navigating the complexities of the finance industry and securing the company's long-term financial health and stability.
    Marc Mehlman

    James Gearin - Chief Operating Officer

    James Gearin, the Chief Operating Officer at Ascensus, oversees the operational efficiency and scalability of the company's extensive service offerings. Directing day-to-day operations, Gearin ensures the seamless delivery of record keeping, administrative, and program management services for retirement plans and college savings accounts. This critical role involves optimizing internal processes and implementing best practices to enhance service quality and client satisfaction across North America. By focusing on operational excellence, James Gearin supports Ascensus's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of financial professionals, employers, and individuals. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight guarantees the robust infrastructure necessary for Ascensus's continued expansion and market leadership in the finance industry.
    James Gearin

    Daniel Morrison - President, Retirement

    Daniel Morrison, the President, Retirement at Ascensus, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's retirement services division. Overseeing all aspects of retirement plan administration and program management, Morrison ensures Ascensus delivers exceptional value to employers, financial professionals, and participants. This leadership role involves driving innovation in retirement solutions and expanding market reach within the United States. By focusing on client success and product development, Daniel Morrison directly supports Ascensus's core mission of empowering individuals to achieve their retirement goals. The President, Retirement's deep industry expertise is instrumental in maintaining Ascensus's leadership position in the retirement savings sector.

    Margaret Creonte - President

    Margaret Creonte, the President at Ascensus, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight across key business segments. Overseeing the integration and growth of various Ascensus offerings, Creonte ensures the company effectively serves financial professionals, employers, and individuals with tailored retirement and college savings solutions. This executive position involves fostering cross-functional collaboration and advancing the company's market position within the finance industry. By focusing on strategic partnerships and operational excellence, Margaret Creonte directly contributes to Ascensus's mission of empowering financial security. The President's leadership ensures Ascensus maintains its commitment to innovation and client satisfaction across its diverse service portfolio.
    Margaret Creonte

    Michael Dunn - President of Newport, An Ascensus Company

    Michael Dunn, the President of Newport, An Ascensus Company, directs the strategic vision and operational management for this specialized division. Overseeing the integration and growth of Newport's services, Dunn ensures Ascensus's comprehensive retirement and college savings solutions are enhanced by Newport's unique offerings. This leadership role focuses on expanding market share and delivering exceptional client experiences within the United States. By driving strategic initiatives and fostering operational synergy, Michael Dunn directly supports Ascensus's mission to empower financial professionals, employers, and individuals. The President of Newport's expertise is critical for maintaining Ascensus's competitive edge and commitment to innovation in the financial services sector.

    Kasey Price - President of FuturePlan

    Kasey Price, the President of FuturePlan, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for this Ascensus company. Overseeing the delivery of specialized retirement plan solutions, Price ensures FuturePlan effectively serves small to mid-sized businesses and their employees across the United States. This role is pivotal in driving growth and enhancing the client experience within the retirement savings market. By focusing on innovation and service excellence, Kasey Price directly contributes to Ascensus's mission of empowering financial professionals, employers, and individuals. The President of FuturePlan's leadership ensures the continued success and expansion of Ascensus's commitment to accessible retirement planning.

    Anthony Pascotti - Division Group President, Insurance & Education Services

    Anthony Pascotti, the Division Group President, Insurance & Education Services at Ascensus, directs the strategic development and operational oversight for these critical business units. Overseeing the expansion and integration of insurance and education service offerings, Pascotti ensures Ascensus provides comprehensive solutions that complement its retirement and college savings services. This leadership role focuses on driving market penetration and enhancing client value across diverse segments within the United States. By fostering innovation and operational efficiency, Anthony Pascotti directly supports Ascensus's mission to empower financial professionals, employers, and individuals. The Division Group President's expertise is key to Ascensus's diversified growth strategy and commitment to comprehensive financial wellness.

    Emily Pachuta - Chief Marketing Officer

    Emily Pachuta, the Chief Marketing Officer at Ascensus, directs all marketing strategies and brand initiatives. Overseeing the development and execution of integrated campaigns, Pachuta ensures Ascensus's tailored solutions for financial professionals, employers, and individuals are effectively communicated across all channels. This leadership role involves driving market penetration and enhancing customer acquisition through data-driven insights and innovative outreach. By aligning marketing efforts with the company's core mission of supporting retirement and college savings, Emily Pachuta directly contributes to Ascensus's growth and market presence. The Chief Marketing Officer's focus extends to fostering strong client relationships and amplifying the company's value proposition in the competitive finance sector.
    Emily Pachuta

    Jeri Hawthorne - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jeri Hawthorne, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascensus, leads all human capital strategies and talent management initiatives. Overseeing the development and implementation of programs that foster a high-performance culture, Hawthorne ensures Ascensus attracts, retains, and develops top talent across its operations. This role is vital for supporting the company's mission of providing expert retirement and college savings services by cultivating an engaged and skilled workforce. By focusing on employee development and organizational effectiveness, Jeri Hawthorne directly contributes to Ascensus's ability to meet the evolving needs of financial professionals, employers, and individuals. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic guidance shapes the employee experience and reinforces Ascensus's position as an industry leader.
    Jeri Hawthorne

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ascensus Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ascensus?
    Ascensus is led by Marc Mehlman (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as James Gearin (Chief Operating Officer) and Daniel Morrison (President, Retirement).
    Who is part of Ascensus’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ascensus includes leaders such as Marc Mehlman (Chief Financial Officer), James Gearin (Chief Operating Officer), Daniel Morrison (President, Retirement) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ascensus have?
    Ascensus has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ascensus’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ascensus includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Retirement, President, President of Newport, An Ascensus Company.