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Prime Pensions

Leadership

The Prime Pensions management team

Executive team

Building a national firm

Our executive team brings decades of experience leading acquisitions, integrating firms, and scaling operations, and guides Prime Pensions as it brings leading regional practices together.

  • Mark Cantin

    Mark Cantin

    Chief Executive Officer

    30+ years of financial services leadership

    Mark Cantin

    Chief Executive Officer

    Mark Cantin is the Chief Executive Officer of Prime Pensions, where he leads the firm’s strategy and growth as it brings leading regional retirement plan practices together into one national firm. He is a growth-focused executive and board director with more than 30 years of experience across insurance underwriting and distribution, and a track record of leading large-scale transformations that deliver sustained growth and stronger financial performance.

    Most recently, Mark was President and CEO of Brightway Insurance, where he transformed a family-owned insurance distribution franchisor into a national, private-equity-backed enterprise. He delivered strong revenue growth and EBITDA expansion, modernized operations, and built a new executive leadership team. Before Brightway, Mark was President, Field Operations at QBE North America, where he owned the P&L across North America, served on the North American Executive Committee, and chaired the QBE Foundation.

    Earlier in his career, Mark spent six years at USI Insurance Services, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, directing carrier and placement strategy for the firm’s property and casualty and employee benefits practices. He began his career at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he held leadership roles over nearly two decades, including Northeast Regional Accounts General Manager. Mark also serves on the board of SecondSight, which applies AI to the cyber insurance market.

  • Benton Berman

    Benton Berman

    Head of Strategic Growth & Revenue Operations

    25+ years deploying collaborative approaches

    Benton Berman

    Head of Strategic Growth & Revenue Operations

    Benton Berman is the Head of Strategic Growth & Revenue Operations at Prime Pensions, where he builds the sales processes, data and tools that help the firm grow profitably. He has more than 25 years of experience in insurance sales, distribution and operations.

    Most recently, Benton was Vice President of Revenue Operations at Corvus Insurance. Before that, he led sales operations at QBE North America, where he brought its business units onto a shared sales platform. He began his career at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he spent 14 years leading sales teams and working with agents and brokers. He holds an MBA.

  • Shane Blazek

    Shane Blazek

    Chief Technology Officer

    20+ years of technology transformation

    Shane Blazek

    Chief Technology Officer

    Shane Blazek is the Chief Technology Officer at Prime Pensions, where he leads the firm’s technology strategy, platforms and security. He has spent more than 20 years building engineering teams and the systems companies depend on, both at startups and at larger firms going through major change.

    Much of that time has been in insurance. Before joining Prime, Shane was Chief Technology Officer at Brightway Insurance, a national private-equity-backed franchise, where he led its technology transformation. Before that, he built engineering teams from the ground up at two insurance startups, Vouch and Mylo. He began his career as a software engineer and holds several patents.

  • Rucelle Dizon

    Rucelle Dizon

    Chief Corporate Development Officer

    25+ years leading strategic acquisitions

    Rucelle Dizon

    Chief Corporate Development Officer

    Rucelle Dizon is the Chief Corporate Development Officer at Prime Pensions, where she leads the firm’s acquisition strategy. She has 25 years of experience leading acquisitions in human capital management, industrial and market research companies, and is a frequent guest lecturer at Rutgers Business School.

    Most recently, Rucelle was Head of M&A and Strategic Partnerships at Circana. Before that, she led M&A for TE Connectivity’s industrial business and spent about ten years in ADP’s corporate M&A group, where she worked on acquisitions, divestitures and the spin-off of its dealer services business. She began her career as an investment banker at JPMorgan and Credit Suisse. Rucelle holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

  • Casey Garamoni

    Casey Garamoni

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    15+ years evolving human capital strategies

    Casey Garamoni

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    Casey Garamoni is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Prime Pensions, where she leads the firm’s people strategy, including bringing the teams of acquired firms together into one organization. She has more than 15 years of experience in talent strategy, organization design and bringing companies together after acquisitions, in the industrial and healthcare industries.

    Most recently, Casey was Vice President of Human Resources at Medxcel. Before that, she spent more than a decade at Danaher Corporation, where she led HR globally for several of its businesses, including Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and Integrated DNA Technologies. She began her career in the mergers and acquisitions group at The Dow Chemical Company, and serves on the board of Indiana Wish.

  • Eliah Kahn

    Eliah Kahn

    Head of Integration Strategy & Transformation

    35+ years of driving client experiences

    Eliah Kahn

    Head of Integration Strategy & Transformation

    Eliah Kahn is the Head of Integration Strategy & Transformation at Prime Pensions, where he helps bring the firms that join Prime onto a common operating model while protecting the service their clients rely on. He has spent more than 35 years in financial services operations and customer experience, helping organizations run more efficiently while growing revenue.

    Most recently, Eliah led client success and advisory services at Patra Corporation, which works with insurance brokers and agencies, and before that ran customer experience at Brightway Insurance. Earlier, he was a Partner and Managing Director at Accenture, advising insurers and financial services firms, and held senior operations roles at Prudential, Cigna and Mercer. Over his career he has brought together contact centers, service teams and offices around the world.

  • Karthik Mohan

    Karthik Mohan

    Chief Operating Officer

    CPCU

    23+ years of financial services operations

    Karthik Mohan

    Chief Operating Officer

    CPCU

    Karthik Mohan is the Chief Operating Officer at Prime Pensions, where he oversees day-to-day operations so that clients’ retirement plans are administered efficiently and in compliance, and leads the integration of firms that join Prime. He has more than 23 years of experience in financial services, mostly in insurance, across operations, strategic planning, technology, risk management and compliance, sales and distribution, partnerships, marketing and customer service.

    Before joining Prime, Karthik held leadership roles at Helmsman Management Services, Ironshore, Simply Business and Liberty Mutual. He holds an MBA from Villanova University and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and holds Massachusetts producer licenses for property, casualty, accident and health, and life insurance.

  • Alex Salcedo

    Alex Salcedo

    Interim Chief Financial Officer

    20+ years of finance and strategy leadership

    Alex Salcedo

    Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Alex Salcedo is the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Prime Pensions. A finance, strategy and operations executive and board director, he has spent more than 20 years helping organizations grow and change, from Fortune 100 companies and private equity firms to startups, government agencies and non-profits.

    His work has covered financial planning and analysis, controllership, valuation, and mergers and acquisitions, including integrating companies after a deal. He co-founded a biotech company and served as its CFO, and led the business transformation of New Jersey’s largest developmental disabilities service provider. Alex is an adjunct professor at Rutgers Business School, where he teaches Global Corporate Strategy and M&A, and studied at Harvard Business School.

  • Martin Smith

    Martin Smith

    Chief Compliance Officer

    FCA · ASA · EA · MAAA

    40+ years in the retirement plan industry

    Martin Smith

    Chief Compliance Officer

    FCA · ASA · EA · MAAA

    Martin is the Chief Compliance Officer for Prime Pensions. With over 40 years' experience in the retirement plan industry, he is particularly skilled in Cash Balance / Defined Benefit and 401(k) combination plans. His focus is the development of new business and strategic partnerships for the firm, client consulting, and complex plan design. Martin has been a frequent speaker to CPAs, Financial Advisors, and Attorneys.

    Martin has been a business owner and was a Licensed Financial Advisor for several years, giving him a unique perspective on what small business owners are trying to accomplish.

    Martin graduated Magna Cum Laude with Degrees in Mathematics and Economics. He also holds industry designations as a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries (FCA), an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA), he is an Enrolled Actuary (EA), and is a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

    He has served on the Education and Examination committee for the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA), and currently serves on the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA).

Managing directors

Decades of industry expertise

Many of our managing directors founded or led the regional firms that joined Prime Pensions. They bring deep, hands-on experience in plan design, administration, and actuarial work, and continue to serve clients directly.

  • Heidi Bigley

    Heidi Bigley

    Managing Partner

    • ERPA
    • CPC

    25+ years as a retirement plan consultant

    Heidi Bigley

    Managing Partner

    ERPA · CPC

    Heidi is a Managing Partner for Prime Pensions, with over 25 years of experience as a Retirement Plan Consultant, providing design, implementation, administration, plan governance, fiduciary oversight, audit representation, and personalized consulting services to businesses sponsoring defined contribution plans.

    She has a deeply technical background, with extensive experience working with complex plan designs, applying unique compliance testing strategies, as well as identifying and resolving challenging compliance issues, earning a reputation for high-touch service and technical expertise.

    Heidi enjoys building relationships with her clients as well as developing and supporting an exceptionally talented team. Heidi is a graduate of Oregon State University and resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and son.

  • Jeffrey Daby

    Jeffrey Daby

    Managing Director

    Consulting with APC since 2007

    Jeffrey Daby

    Managing Director

    Jeff joined Associated Pension Consultants (APC) as a Consultant in 2007 after several years in the retirement plan business prior. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1999.

    Jeff focuses on cultivating new business opportunities and enjoys educating clients and financial professionals about the intricacies of plan design, tax planning strategies, and their integration with successful business development. He maintains a high-touch service model that's both efficient and builds close relationships. Jeff regularly provides training to professionals in the tax preparation and financial advice sectors.

    Jeff and his family reside in Shingle Springs, CA and he is a passionate outdoorsman, with particular interests in hunting, fishing, and water sports.

  • Dena Hadzinikolov

    Dena Hadzinikolov

    VP of Operations

    • QKC
    • QKA

    With Valley Forge since 2003

    Dena Hadzinikolov

    VP of Operations

    QKC · QKA

    Dena has been with Valley Forge Pension Management, now part of Prime Pensions, since 2003. She leads the team's day-to-day operations, including workflow management and employee training. She and her team work closely with plan sponsors and take a personal approach to the administration of their retirement plans.

    Dena graduated from Lycoming College with a degree in Business Administration and Management. She lives in Muncy, PA with her husband Nick, their three children and their dogs, and spends her spare time with family and friends.

  • Luci Hartman

    Luci Hartman

    Managing Director

    With Valley Forge since 1999

    Luci Hartman

    Managing Director

    Luci joined Valley Forge Pension Management in 1999. She works with corporate clients on qualified plan design, compliance issues and communicating the plan to employees.

    Luci graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Health Planning and Administration. She lives on a family farm in Danville, PA with her husband John and their two children. In her spare time she volunteers with the Warrior Run Women's Club and her church, and enjoys traveling and time with family and friends.

  • Bob Presberg

    Bob Presberg

    Managing Partner & Actuary

    • EA
    • MSEA

    Founded Presberg Pensions in 2003

    Bob Presberg

    Managing Partner & Actuary

    EA · MSEA

    Bob founded Presberg Pensions, Inc. in January of 2003 after being associated with several prior firms in the industry. A graduate from Boston University with a B.S. in Mathematics Education and Statistics, he began his actuarial career at New England Mutual Life Insurance company in Boston. He loves solving problems and building long-term relationships with clients and advisors. Bob directs the development of new business, providing potential clients with creative pension strategies to owners and key employees. Presberg Pensions has been fortunate to have maintained a dedicated staff of pension professionals full of passion and integrity over its 23-year history. Bob maintains his enrolled actuary's designation and is a member of The Society of Enrolled Actuaries (MSEA).

    Moving to California in 1983, he met his future wife, Donna and started his family. He and his wife recently became proud grandparents to a gorgeous baby girl, Ellie Rose. Bob now enjoys spending time in Lake Tahoe, skiing, hiking and admiring the beautiful surroundings.

  • Bill Raymond

    Bill Raymond

    Managing Partner

    • APA
    • CPA

    Administering tax-qualified plans since 2003

    Bill Raymond

    Managing Partner

    APA · CPA

    Bill has been working with tax-qualified plans since 2003, overseeing all aspects of plan administration to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and smooth operations. As the primary administrator, he also manages the organization's overall operations, keeping processes on track and efficient.

    Bill is an Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) through the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Brigham Young University. Additionally, he is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

    Bill resides in Mesa, AZ, with his family.

  • Tim Raymond

    Tim Raymond

    Managing Partner

    • APA

    Working with tax-qualified plans since 1999

    Tim Raymond

    Managing Partner

    APA

    Tim has been working with tax-qualified plans since 1999, offering clients a wealth of expertise and a pleasant, professional service. His primary responsibility is to develop new business for the firm, while also overseeing the ongoing administration for several clients.

    Tim is an Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) through the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, as well as a Master of Administration in Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

    Tim resides in Gilbert, AZ, with his family.

  • Marc M. Roberts

    Marc M. Roberts

    Director

    • ERPA
    • APR

    With APC since 1983

    Marc M. Roberts

    Director

    ERPA · APR

    Marc M. Roberts joined Associated Pension Consultants (APC) in 1983. He is President of the firm and manages the office in Sacramento, CA. He completed undergraduate studies in Economics at the University of California, Davis and earned a Master’s Degree in Finance from California State University, Sacramento.

    During his career, Marc has been sought out by large companies, small businesses and individual professionals for his guidance on retirement plan design and implementation, and for his problem-solving skills on complex retirement plan issues. He is frequently invited to speak on topics including the impact of retirement plan legislation at conferences and seminars for accountants, attorneys, insurance professionals, investment advisors and professional associations.

    Marc served on the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA) for 10 years and is a past President of NIPA. In 2014 he received the NIPA Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of service and contributions to the pension industry. He was recently chosen to receive the NIPA Leadership Above & Beyond Award for his accomplishments in the retirement plan field, an honor NIPA has given only twice in its history.

    He is an Affiliate Member of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA), an active member and former board member of the Western Pension and Benefits Conference (WP&BC), and a past member of the Board of Directors of the Employee Benefits Roundtable of Sacramento.

    In his continuing support of the retirement industry, Marc is past Chairman and a founding member of the American Institute of Retirement Education (AIRE) in Washington, D.C., which developed and administered the Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) program for the Internal Revenue Service. He has met with members of Congress and consulted with numerous federal agencies, including the General Accounting Office (GAO), Small Business Administration (SBA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Labor (DOL), providing insight and guidance on issues relating to small business retirement plans. Marc currently sits on the ASPPA Government Affairs Committee.

  • Debbie Smith

    Debbie Smith

    Regional President

    • APA

    Nearly 40 years in the retirement plan industry

    Debbie Smith

    Regional President

    APA

    Debbie has nearly 40 years of experience in the retirement plan industry encompassing all facets of retirement plan administration and firm management. Her specialties include personnel management and career development, financial modeling and forecasting, workflow and CRM database development, profitability analysis, and management of strategic partnerships. In her role, she is primarily focused on client consulting, sophisticated plan design, and all aspects of retirement plan operations.

    Debbie has considerable experience working on large, national/multi-location/audited plans. Debbie also spent many years of her career working in the daily valuation/recordkeeping environment where she was tasked with managing the relationships and administration of the firm's largest clients.

    Debbie has earned industry designations through the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA) and the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA).

  • David Strom

    David Strom

    Managing Director

    • QKA
    • QKC
    • QPA

    Cash balance & pension plan specialist

    David Strom

    Managing Director

    QKA · QKC · QPA

    David is a Managing Director for Prime Pensions. He endeavors to provide high quality, cost-effective services for our clients. He is a creative retirement plan expert who designs, consults and administers qualified retirement plans for profitable businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes. He specializes in cash balance plans and pension plans to provide for enhanced tax-deferred retirement contributions for partners and shareholders of closely held firms.

    David communicates the complex technical rules of qualified plans in an understandable and down to earth way to put his clients at ease. David is a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) and has the Qualified Plan Administrator (QPA), Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA), and the Qualified 401(k) Consultant (QKC) designations.

    He attended UCLA where he graduated summa cum laude.