Tom Finnegan, the inaugural President of the American Retirement Association (ARA), passing in August has left ASEA members to reflect on his unparalleled contributions to our industry. Finnegan was a leader, cherished friend, and colleague to many within the ARA and the broader industry.
Finnegan held prestigious positions, serving as the president of both ASPPA and the ASPPA College of Pension Actuaries (ACOPA), which has since been renamed the American Society of Enrolled Actuaries (ASEA).
Brian Graff, ARA Chief Executive Officer, remembered him fondly. “Tom was a fixture,” he said, highlighting that Finnegan spoke at virtually every ASPPA and ASEA conference. Finnegan’s commitment to education in the field was recognized with ASPPA’s Educator of the Year Award; he also was the recent recipient of the Harry T. Eidson Founders Award, named after ASPPA’s first president, Harry T. Eidson. Moreover, Finnegan was honored with the ASPPA Educators Award and the 2020 Edward E. Burrows Distinguished Achievement Award.
Finnegan’s illustrious career, spanning over three decades, was dedicated to the employee benefits field. He offered his expertise in actuarial, design, and consulting services to a diverse range of plan sponsors in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He served as the President of the Actuarial Services Division at CBIZ Retirement Plan Services and was a former board member of the American Academy of Actuaries (AAA).
He leaves behind his wife Renee, his son Tom, and stepdaughter Samantha. Tom and Renee’s paths crossed while they were both serving on ASPPA’s Education Committee, marking the beginning of their journey together.
The industry has been pouring in tributes, remembering Finnegan’s remarkable contributions. ASPPA Past President Stephen Rosen reflected, “The profession has indeed been enhanced because of him and the impact that he had on the folks he touched along the way.” Ellen Kleinstuber, Chief Actuary at Bolton, remarked, “He was one of a kind, a legend in our profession to those who knew him or had the honor to hear him speak on one of the thousands of topics he knew like the back of his hand.” Kizzy Gaul, an ERISA Attorney at Ascensus, said, “Tom was truly remarkable, and his brilliance, wit, and kindness will be greatly missed.” Alan Stone, ASEA 2018-19 Vice President and Executive Editor of ASEA Monthly, commented that Finnegan was “a great person and actuary.”
Brian Graff concluded, “To say the least, Tom’s service to our industry and to this organization was without peer. It is truly a sad day for all of us. Our thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace, Tom.”
Tom Finnegan’s passing is indeed a monumental loss to the industry. His enduring impact, profound knowledge, and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire and guide the future generations of actuaries and professionals in the retirement and pension planning industry.
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