Leadership Overview
Ascensus has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, marketing, human resources, legal, and government savings.
Driven by a commitment to financial empowerment, Ascensus delivers technology-enabled platforms that simplify tax-advantaged savings programs for millions of individuals, employers, and government organizations across the United States.
Driven by a commitment to financial empowerment, Ascensus delivers technology-enabled platforms that simplify tax-advantaged savings programs for millions of individuals, employers, and government organizations across the United States.
Leadership Roles at Ascensus
David Musto - President & Chief Executive Officer
David Musto, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Ascensus, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. By overseeing the integration of financial-services infrastructure and recordkeeping capabilities, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the platform remains the premier choice for tax-advantaged savings programs. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to align operational goals with market demands. David Musto maintains a focus on scaling the business to support millions of savers while fostering partnerships with financial institutions and investment managers. Through the prioritization of technological innovation, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the company toward sustained growth and market leadership. Ultimately, Musto secures the stability of the firm by balancing administrative excellence with the evolving needs of the retirement and education savings landscape.

Marc Mehlman - Chief Financial Officer
Marc Mehlman, the Chief Financial Officer at Ascensus, oversees the financial health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. By managing fiscal planning and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains the resources necessary to support its expansive technology platform. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions regarding retirement and healthcare-related savings products. Marc Mehlman collaborates with executive leadership to drive revenue growth and maintain cost-effective operations. Through the rigorous oversight of financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer protects the interests of institutional partners and government clients. Mehlman focuses on long-term financial sustainability, ensuring that the firm remains a competitive force in the financial services industry. By aligning fiscal strategy with corporate objectives, the Chief Financial Officer enables the continued expansion of the company's reach across the American savings market.

Jim Gearin - Chief Operating Officer
Jim Gearin, the Chief Operating Officer at Ascensus, manages the daily execution of the company's technology-enabled platform and administrative services. By optimizing recordkeeping capabilities and data management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless delivery of savings programs to employers and government entities. This role involves streamlining internal processes to enhance efficiency across all service lines. Jim Gearin monitors operational performance metrics to guarantee high-quality outcomes for financial advisors and institutional clients. Through the coordination of cross-functional teams, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of the firm's infrastructure. Gearin focuses on scaling operational capacity to meet the demands of a growing user base, ensuring that the platform remains reliable and secure. By refining service delivery models, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of simplifying complex financial programs for diverse stakeholders.

Mike Dunn - President of Newport, An Ascensus Company
Mike Dunn, the President of Newport, An Ascensus Company at Ascensus, leads the integration and growth of the Newport business unit within the broader corporate structure. By focusing on specialized retirement and executive benefit services, the President of Newport, An Ascensus Company expands the firm's reach into niche financial markets. This role involves coordinating with the parent organization to leverage shared technology and administrative capabilities. Mike Dunn drives the strategic direction of the Newport division to ensure it meets the specific needs of high-net-worth clients and institutional partners. Through the management of specialized service teams, the President of Newport, An Ascensus Company enhances the overall value proposition of the company. Dunn focuses on maintaining high service standards while scaling operations to support new business opportunities. By aligning the division's goals with the company's mission, the President of Newport, An Ascensus Company contributes to the firm's comprehensive financial services portfolio.
Peg Creonte - President, Government Savings
Peg Creonte, the President, Government Savings at Ascensus, directs the strategy and operations for state-sponsored savings programs. By overseeing the administration of 529 plans and other government-led initiatives, the President, Government Savings ensures that millions of families have access to effective education and retirement savings tools. This role involves managing relationships with state governments and public sector partners to deliver reliable, technology-enabled services. Peg Creonte leads the development of platform features that simplify the user experience for government clients. Through the expansion of these programs, the President, Government Savings drives the company's mission to provide accessible financial solutions across the country. Creonte focuses on operational excellence and regulatory compliance within the public sector space. By scaling these government-focused initiatives, the President, Government Savings plays a vital role in the company's commitment to helping individuals achieve long-term financial security through state-sponsored programs.

Tim Friday - President, Trust & Custody
Tim Friday, the President, Trust & Custody at Ascensus, manages the fiduciary and custodial services that underpin the company's financial platform. By overseeing the secure handling of assets and trust administration, the President, Trust & Custody ensures the safety and reliability of the firm's savings programs. This role involves maintaining rigorous standards for asset protection and regulatory adherence. Tim Friday leads the team responsible for the technical infrastructure that supports trust operations for financial institutions and individual savers. Through the optimization of custodial processes, the President, Trust & Custody enhances the efficiency of the company's broader service offerings. Friday focuses on building trust with institutional partners by providing transparent and secure financial management. By ensuring the integrity of the firm's trust services, the President, Trust & Custody supports the company's mission to provide a stable and effective platform for managing tax-advantaged savings across the nation.

Emily Pachuta - Chief Marketing Officer
Emily Pachuta, the Chief Marketing Officer at Ascensus, directs the brand strategy and market positioning for the company's suite of savings programs. By crafting messaging that resonates with financial advisors, employers, and individual savers, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the firm's footprint in the retirement and education savings sectors. This role involves analyzing consumer behavior to refine outreach efforts and increase platform adoption. Emily Pachuta leads initiatives to communicate the value of the company's technology-enabled services to a broad audience. Through the development of targeted campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the brand's reputation as an independent leader in financial services. Pachuta focuses on driving engagement across all digital channels, ensuring that the company's mission remains clear to all stakeholders. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer supports the growth of the business and enhances the overall market impact.

Edward Baker-Greene - Chief Human Resources Officer
Edward Baker-Greene, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascensus, leads the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the firm. By fostering a culture of expertise and innovation, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the company attracts the professionals necessary to maintain its technology-enabled platform. This role involves designing programs that support employee growth and align the workforce with the company's mission of managing tax-advantaged savings. Edward Baker-Greene oversees performance management and compensation structures to retain top-tier talent. Through the implementation of inclusive workplace initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the organizational foundation. Baker-Greene focuses on building a resilient team capable of navigating the complexities of the financial services industry. By prioritizing professional development and operational alignment, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company remains well-equipped to serve millions of savers and institutional partners across the country.
Jeri Hawthorne - Chief Human Resources Officer
Jeri Hawthorne, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascensus, manages the strategic human capital initiatives focused on internal operational efficiency and employee engagement. By refining the organizational structure, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that teams remain agile and responsive to the needs of the financial services market. This role involves developing training frameworks that enhance the technical proficiency of staff supporting retirement and healthcare savings programs. Jeri Hawthorne collaborates with leadership to cultivate a high-performance environment that drives the company's service-oriented mission. Through the optimization of internal communication and feedback loops, the Chief Human Resources Officer improves overall productivity. Hawthorne focuses on aligning human resources policies with the company's long-term growth objectives. By championing a culture of excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the firm's ability to deliver consistent, high-quality administrative services to its diverse client base.

Phillip Gillespie - Chief Legal, Risk, & Compliance Officer
Phillip Gillespie, the Chief Legal, Risk, & Compliance Officer at Ascensus, directs the regulatory and legal framework governing the company's financial services. By overseeing risk management protocols, the Chief Legal, Risk, & Compliance Officer ensures the platform adheres to all standards required for managing tax-advantaged savings programs. This role involves navigating complex legal landscapes to protect the firm and its institutional partners. Phillip Gillespie leads the compliance team in monitoring industry changes and implementing necessary safeguards. Through the proactive identification of potential risks, the Chief Legal, Risk, & Compliance Officer maintains the integrity of the company's data and administrative services. Gillespie focuses on establishing robust governance structures that support the firm's expansion. By providing legal counsel and strategic guidance, the Chief Legal, Risk, & Compliance Officer enables the company to operate securely while serving millions of savers across the United States.

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