Measuring What Matters: Rethinking Plan Health in Public DC Plans

What does a “healthy” retirement plan actually look like in the public sector? In this episode of NAGDCA Conversations, Executive Director Matt Petersen talks with Nick Amaral, VP of Data, Analytics & Insights at Fidelity, about how plan sponsors can look beyond traditional benchmarks to evaluate performance, improve participant outcomes, and tailor their strategies to the unique structure of public plans. Nick shares how Fidelity’s Retirement Plan Health Score, financial wellness tools, and participant engagement analytics are helping plan sponsors redefine success in more holistic and meaningful ways.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T08:39:54-05:00August 27th, 2025|Comments Off

Inflation & DC Plans

Inflation may have cooled for now, but uncertainty remains—and public sector plan sponsors are left wondering how to prepare. In this episode, NAGDCA’s Matt Petersen sits down with Kevin Kneafsey, Senior Investment Strategist, to discuss how inflation impacts DC plans and what sponsors can do to build more resilient investment menus. Learn why inflation is so hard to predict, why traditional “inflation-hedging” assets often fall short, and how portfolio design—not participant timing—is the key to long-term protection.

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:53:56-04:00July 23rd, 2025|Comments Off

Bringing Private Assets to Public DC Plans

What role can private markets play in defined contribution plans—and how are new investment structures making them more accessible? In this episode of NAGDCA Conversations, Matt Petersen talks with Steve Ulian, Managing Director at Apollo, about how recent innovations are helping public sector DC plans tap into the potential of private equity, real assets, and private credit. Steve explains why now is the right time to consider these investments, how they’ve become “DC-ready,” and what fiduciaries should know about liquidity, structure, and risk management.

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:54:10-04:00June 18th, 2025|Comments Off

Expanding Access: Washington State’s Auto Enrollment Success Story

In this episode of NAGDCA Conversations, Executive Director Matt Petersen sits down with Malia Bonham and Seth Miller from the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems to discuss how the state successfully expanded automatic enrollment from state employees to local governments. Malia and Seth offer a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and lessons learned. Whether you're exploring auto enrollment for the first time or looking to refine your existing approach, this episode provides practical insights and inspiration for state and local plan sponsors alike.

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:54:21-04:00May 20th, 2025|Comments Off

Managing Uncertainty in DC Plans

The newest episode of NAGDCA Conversations features a timely discussion on volatility, risk, and retirement. Join NAGDCA Executive Director Matt Petersen and Josh Cohen from PGIM as they discuss how public sector DC plan sponsors can adapt to rising market volatility and uncertainty.

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:54:52-04:00April 29th, 2025|Comments Off

Understanding Stable Value in Public DC Plans

Stable value funds play a critical role in public sector retirement plans, but how do they really work? In this episode of NAGDCA Conversations, Matt Petersen talks with Mike Norman, President of Galliard Capital, to break it all down: New PRRL research on stable value allocation trends Why some younger participants are investing in stable value How different stable value structures impact risk and returns The role of interest rates and what’s ahead for stable value funds Liquidity rules and plan sponsor considerations

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:54:52-04:00March 19th, 2025|Comments Off

SECURE 2.0 Implementation: Insights from a Plan Sponsor

NAGDCA Executive Director Matt Petersen and Kelly Hiers, Defined Contribution Plans Administrator for the Virginia Retirement System, discuss the challenges and decision-making process around implementing both mandatory and optional provisions of SECURE 2.0. Kelly shares insights on plan design, participant needs, and administrative considerations that may help inform your approach.

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:55:30-04:00March 18th, 2025|Comments Off

Understanding Asset Allocation in Public DC Plans

This time, Matt Petersen sits down with Justin Harvey from T. Rowe Price to explore the critical role of asset allocation in public sector DC plans. Key topics include: Why asset allocation drives 90% of investment returns How demographics and plan structure shape investment strategies The role of DB plans and Social Security in determining risk tolerance Custom vs. off-the-shelf target-date fund considerations Practical insights for both large and small public plans

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:55:30-04:00February 18th, 2025|Comments Off

Industry Trends and Solutions for Public Sector DC Plans

In our first episode, NAGDCA Executive Director Matt Petersen sits down with industry expert David Levine from Groom Law Group to explore: The impact of industry consolidation on recordkeepers and advisors. New plan design features, like managed accounts and emergency savings options. Innovations in investments, including personalized target-date funds and income products. Strategies for navigating the unique challenges facing public plans.

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:55:30-04:00January 18th, 2025|Comments Off

SECURE 2.0: Insights and Implementation Strategies

This webinar, hosted by NAGDCA Executive Director Matt Petersen, Emily Lockwood, Managing State Director at Empower, and Keith Mancini, VP of Government Affairs at Empower, dives deep into the complexities of SECURE 2.0 implementation for public sector plans.

By Carly Abernathy|2025-07-23T07:55:30-04:00January 17th, 2025|Comments Off

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