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Western Pension & Benefits Council History

A 70 Year History of Joining Pension Specialists

The Western Pension & Benefits Council (WP&BC) was founded in 1954 to address the educational needs of pension specialists. Through the years, WP&BC has expanded their scope and to include education opportunities for those with responsibilities in the health and welfare fields. Today, the WP&BC is recognized as one of the premier educational and professional organizations in the western United States for the dynamic field of employee benefits.

WP&BC is a tax exempt educational organization with a Governing Board consisting of all Chapter Presidents and an Executive Committee appointed from their ranks. The world of employee benefits is constantly changing. Today, more than ever, you need the tools and resources to effectively manage your responsibilities as a benefits professional.

WP&BC Orange County Chapter
The Orange County Chapter has been a part of the WP&BC for more than 32 years. Our Chapter promotes an exchange of information and ideas among employee benefits professionals. Our members include ERISA attorneys, CPAs, third party administrators, investment industry benefits specialists, financial advisors, actuaries, benefits consultants and plan sponsors' in-house benefits professionals.

Our WP&BC Orange County Chapter 2026-2027 Board Members

President:
Aksana Munoz
Benefit Services Financial Group
Aksanam@bfsg.com

Programs Co-Chair:
Shannon Main
World Advisors
shannon.main@worldadvisors.com

Sponsor/Membership Chair:
Andrew Hermann
Empower Retirement
Andrew.Hermann@empower.com

President-Elect/Webinars:
Katrina Veldkamp
Boutwell Fay LLP
katrinaveldkamp@boutwellfay.com

Programs Co-Chair:
Paul Yossem
Nationwide
yossemp@nationwide.com

Director at Large:
Janelle Sotelo
Capital Group
Janelle.Sotelo@capgroup.com

Past President:
Samantha Graboff
Windes
SGraboff@windes.com

Programs Co-Chair:
Lyle Flatebo
Pension Profit Sharing Services
lflatebo@ppssinc.com

Director at Large:
Hitz Burton
AON
hitz.burton@aon.com

Secretary:
Kathleen Bass
KLB Law Group
kbass@klblawgroup.com

Treasurer:
Mark Murphy
CBiz
Mark.Murphy@CBiz.com

Our WP&BC Orange County Chapter Past Presidents

Samantha Graboff, 2023-2026

Tom Drosky, 2022-2023

Shannon Main, 2020-2022

Hitz Burton, 2018-2020

Doug Van Galder, 2016-2018

Dylan Porter, 2014-2016

Margaret Martinazzi, 2012-2014

Kathleen Bass, 2010-2012

Stuart Hack, 2006-2010

Tim Verrall, 2006

Alison Smith Fay, 2004-2006

Rick Blain, 2002-2004

Dan Malone, 2001-2002

Roni Renfro, 1999-2001

Harley L. Bjelland, 1997-1999

Alison Smith Fay, 1996-1997

Martha A. Santos, 1995-1996

David W. Barby, 1994-1995

Michael L. McGuire, 1993-1994

H.B.’Ben’ Benjamin, 1992-1993

C. James Christenson, A.P.A., 1991-1992