2025 Executive Board Member-at-Large Election
Voting closes Friday, August 15.
NAGDCA received four nominations for the Member-at-Large position. We’re pleased to have such talented individuals interested in serving the NAGDCA membership as a volunteer Executive Board member. Please click below to meet the candidates and cast your vote.
Please note, only one vote is allowed per organization. Thank you in advance for participating!
Meet the Candidates
Malia Bonham, Defined Contribution Plan Manager
WA State Department of Retirement Systems (WADRS)
With nearly 20 years in the retirement industry, Malia Bonham is the Defined Contribution Plan Manager for the State of Washington, overseeing operations, policy, and stakeholder engagement for plans totaling over $32 billion. She has administered DC plans at both local and state levels, bringing a unique perspective on cross-jurisdictional collaboration and participant-focused innovation. Malia is passionate about transforming how participants engage with their retirement plans while advancing fiduciary excellence and strategic partnerships. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College, where she focused on psychology, leadership, and organizational development.
How long have you been in your current position and how does it relate to the defined contribution industry?
I have nearly 20 years of experience in the retirement industry, spanning both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plans. Since 2018, my career has been fully dedicated to managing Defined Contribution plans. Currently, I oversee the Washington State DRS Defined Contribution Plans (including both 401(a) and 457 plans) as of January 2024. Prior to this, I administered the City of Seattle Deferred Compensation Plan for six years, gaining valuable hands-on experience managing large-scale public sector DC programs.
What leadership positions have you held within the deferred compensation/defined contribution community, as well as with other organizations (professional or volunteer), that have bearing on potential NAGDCA leadership responsibilities?
I serve as the Defined Contribution Plan Manager for the State of Washington, leading the operations team responsible for day-to-day plan administration. I also support policy development, stakeholder collaboration, and manage our record keeper relationship. I lead initiatives focused on fiduciary oversight, plan modernization, and participant engagement. I prioritize strategic governance and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders—skills that align well with NAGDCA leadership. Having administered DC plans at both state and local levels, I’ve worked extensively with intergovernmental groups to improve fiduciary standards and operational practices, contributing to statewide legislative reforms that strengthen the public sector retirement system.
What special skills or training do you possess that would benefit the association?
With nearly 20 years in the defined contribution industry, I bring a unique perspective from administering both a local government plan and now managing Washington State’s $32 billion DC program. This experience has helped me build strong cross-jurisdictional and industry partnerships. I excel in stakeholder engagement and have led award-winning, participant-focused initiatives—such as the In-Language campaign that earned NAGDCA’s Presidential Award. My training in organizational leadership and change management supports my ability to drive innovation, equity, and strategic transformation. These strengths align closely with NAGDCA’s mission to promote best practices, education, and forward-thinking leadership in public sector retirement.
What has been your previous experience with NAGDCA? (First year of participation, specific contributions to association such as newsletter articles, committee service, conference presentations, etc.).
Washington State DRS has maintained a NAGDCA membership since I joined in 2006, during which I was peripherally involved in related activities. After transitioning to the City of Seattle in 2018 and focusing fully on defined contribution plans, I became more actively engaged. I’ve since built strong connections within the NAGDCA community—responding to member inquiries, attending conferences, serving on committees, and contributing to peer learning, including a Connect Conversation. I’ve also received multiple leadership recognition awards. Looking ahead, I’m eager to deepen my involvement and contribute through newsletter articles, conference presentations, or other opportunities to support the organization.
Why do you want to be Board Member? What are your goals for NAGDCA and how can your involvement contribute to execution of the strategic plan?
I’m passionate about shaping the future of the defined contribution landscape in the public sector. With nearly 20 years of experience, I see a critical opportunity to rethink how we engage participants—making communication more inclusive, accessible, and relevant. My goals include promoting innovative approaches to participant engagement and plan design, and strengthening relationships with industry partners to drive meaningful, system-wide change. I believe in challenging traditional models and embracing solutions that reflect today’s workforce. I’m excited to support NAGDCA’s strategic plan by helping modernize member resources, build stronger year-round connections, and advance the future of public DC plans.
G. Ben Hensarling, Deputy Director of Member Services
Florida State University System Optional Retirement Program
G. Ben Hensarling began his career in retail banking, and was employed with a firm that practices employment and civil rights law, and returned to the financial services industry with the State of Florida Deferred Compensation Plan and ultimately serving as Plan Administrator.
He is now the Deputy Director of Member Services and administers the Florida Retirement System and the State University System Optional Retirement Program, with additional responsibilities related to local retirement plans.
How long have you been in your current position and how does it relate to the defined contribution industry?
My current position is responsible for Member Service for the Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, as well as serving as the Plan Administrator to the Florida SUSORP, a $9 Billion defined contribution alternative to participation in the FRS, and I have held this role since November 2023. Prior to this role I served as the Plan Administrator for the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan, a $6B supplemental DC plan, for over five years and was also an Investment Analyst and Marketing Representative for an additional four years.
What leadership positions have you held within the deferred compensation/defined contribution community, as well as with other organizations (professional or volunteer), that have bearing on potential NAGDCA leadership responsibilities?
For the past two years I have served on the Leadership Awards Committee, and was Chair for the current iteration. Outside of professional roles, I volunteer as a parent at my sons’ school and Scout Pack, as well as lead in fraternal organizations. I also serve as a member of the Leon County Investment Oversight Committee.
What special skills or training do you possess that would benefit the association?
From serving as a Plan Administrator for several plans, and partnering with the major industry providers and record keepers(AIG/VALIC/Corebridge, ING/Voya, Empower/GreatWest, Nationwide, , TIAA, Jefferson National, Equitable), I have developed good working relationship across the industry.
What has been your previous experience with NAGDCA? (First year of participation, specific contributions to association such as newsletter articles, committee service, conference presentations, etc.).
I first participated in the Annual Conference in 2017, but as a Marketing Representative with a plan, was instrumental in submitting proposals for Leadership Awards beginning in 2014, and was awarded multiple times. Additionally I assisted with creating a marketing publication for NAGDCA, and have served on its Leadership Awards Committee, including as the Chair.
At the 2023 Conference it was an honor to moderate the Economic Outlook panel, and in 2024 a panel for Fiduciary Best Practices.
Why do you want to be Board Member? What are your goals for NAGDCA and how can your involvement contribute to execution of the strategic plan?
It is always important to share the experience of supporting an organization to accomplish its common goals, and use the skills I posses to better that outcome. I am always willing to share insight and opinion to improve the experience, and will bring that to the Board in an effort to continue the organization’s impact as the premier organization for the DC industry.
Karla Kirkling, Executive Director, Healthcare & Benefits
Chicago Public Schools 403(b) and 457(b) Tax-Deferred Compensation Plans
Karla Kirkling is a dynamic leader with over 20 years in public sector education. She oversees CPS tax-deferred compensation plans with over $2.3B in assets and is skilled in managing fast-paced, unionized environments. Karla is passionate about holistic health and financial wellness, working to improve the lives of CPS employees and their communities. Nationally recognized for her leadership, she has successfully revamped the CPS 403b and 457 retirement plans leading to improved participant outcomes. In her free time, Karla enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, dancing, and practicing self-care through pilates and meditation.
How long have you been in your current position and how does it relate to the defined contribution industry?
I have been serving as the Executive Director of Healthcare & Benefits overseeing healthcare benefits and supplemental retirement plans for the past six years. In this role, I am responsible for ensuring that our employees and retirees are well-prepared for retirement. I ensure the tax-deferred plans are managed according to industry best practices. My focus is on offering a simplified and diverse lineup of investment options that can meet diverse needs and financial goals while providing significant growth opportunities. Through this work, I contribute to the industry by advancing retirement readiness, promoting financial wellness, and setting high standards for plan administration and innovation.
What leadership positions have you held within the deferred compensation/defined contribution community, as well as with other organizations (professional or volunteer), that have bearing on potential NAGDCA leadership responsibilities?
I have held several leadership roles relevant to NAGDCA, including Advisory Board Member for the 2023 P&I DC East Conference, where I collaborated with industry peers to shape educational content for plan sponsors. As Executive Director for CPS 403(b) and 457(b) Plans, I oversee retirement benefits for 51,000+ participants and chair the CPS Supplemental Retirement Oversight Committee, working with diverse stakeholders to ensure strong governance. My leadership has been recognized with the 2022 NAGDCA Recognition Award, the 2022 DCIIA Excellence & Innovation Award, and the 2024 P&I Eddy Award, reflecting my commitment to plan excellence.
What special skills or training do you possess that would benefit the association?
My specialized skills and training uniquely position me to benefit the Association. As a passionate advocate for financial wellness and retirement readiness in the public sector and K-12 education, I have led strategic vendor consolidation and investment lineup improvements in a large school district. My experience navigating complex, political environments and building consensus among diverse stakeholders has deepened my understanding of plan sponsor challenges and opportunities. I am committed to sharing my expertise, advancing the Association’s mission, and promoting industry best practices to support plan sponsors and participants. My guidance and advocacy will be a valuable asset to the organization.
What has been your previous experience with NAGDCA? (First year of participation, specific contributions to association such as newsletter articles, committee service, conference presentations, etc.).
My involvement with NAGDCA began in 2022 as a Leadership Recognition Award recipient for Plan Design & Administration excellence. Since then, I have actively contributed as a government member and conference participant, collaborating with peers to share best practices and innovative strategies. I have led discussions on optimizing retirement programs, holistic plan management, and adapting benefits to employee needs. My leadership extends to engaging diverse audiences, including the Council of Greater City Schools and P&I DC West panels, fostering dialogue to address industry challenges and promote inclusive retirement solutions.
Why do you want to be Board Member? What are your goals for NAGDCA and how can your involvement contribute to execution of the strategic plan?
I am eager to serve as a NAGDCA Board Member to advance best practices that empower plan sponsors and improve participant outcomes. With experience in vendor management and plan administration, I understand the importance of fiduciary responsibility and innovative design in securing public employees’ financial futures. My goals align with NAGDCA’s mission to promote excellence and advocate for high standards, especially for K-12 and higher education organizations. I am committed to supporting the strategic plan by shaping policy, sharing knowledge, and addressing unique sector needs, helping drive positive change and enhance defined contribution plan administration.
Nicole Wagner, Retirement and Benefits Officer
State of Connecticut
Nicole currently works as a Retirement and Benefits Officer, administering the State of Connecticut defined contribution plans in the Office of the State Comptroller. She was previously employed as a Plan Administrator at USI Consulting Group, working as a defined benefit plan recordkeeper, with a focus on church plans.
Nicole earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and American Studies from Fordham University.
How long have you been in your current position and how does it relate to the defined contribution industry?
I have been with the State of Connecticut Comptroller’s Office for four years. I am currently a Retirement and Benefits Officer, working with our recordkeeper to administer the five State of Connecticut DC plans: a 457(b) plan, a 403(b) plan, two 401(a) plans, and a 457(f) plan. Among the five plans, there are over 100,000 participants and over $10 billion in assets.
What leadership positions have you held within the deferred compensation/defined contribution community, as well as with other organizations (professional or volunteer), that have bearing on potential NAGDCA leadership responsibilities?
I have served on the NAGDCA Legislative Committee since 2023.
In 2024, I led a state-wide system upgrade to modernize plan administration. As part of this project, I led the design of the new program, collaborated with developers to create customized processes, and developed and administered training for over 200 employees. Since implementation in January 2025, there has been an over 70% decrease in errors, increased efficiency, and we are on track to implement all required SECURE 2.0 provisions on schedule.
I have volunteered in U.S. Senate and Congressional offices and led a student group to lobby members of Congress.
What special skills or training do you possess that would benefit the association?
In 2023, I earned the Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plan Consultant credential through the National Tax-deferred Savings Association. I am currently working toward earning the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
I am relatively new to the defined contribution industry, but I have made great effort to get involved in the community and take every opportunity to broaden my knowledge. I have utilized my skills to analyze issues and apply my research to our plans, resulting in a better experience for our participants.
What has been your previous experience with NAGDCA? (First year of participation, specific contributions to association such as newsletter articles, committee service, conference presentations, etc.).
I have been serving on the Legislative Committee since 2023. I also attend the conference each year, participate in Peer-to-Peer Exchanges, and join webinars.
Why do you want to be Board Member? What are your goals for NAGDCA and how can your involvement contribute to execution of the strategic plan?
My goals include increasing membership and continuing to create resources for plan sponsors. NAGDCA has been invaluable to me as I have entered the defined contribution world, and I would like to build on its work to provide similar assistance to others.
I believe I would bring a valuable and unique perspective to the Board, as a member who is involved in our plans on a day-to-day operational level rather than an executive level. My experience informs my understanding of the nuance and detail within daily operations and helps me understand what members want to see from the organization.
