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2020 PenChecks QKA Scholarship Recipients Recognized

Education and Career Development

Six industry professionals were selected for the 2020 PenChecks QKA Scholarship after the recent 2020 ASPPA All Access virtual conference. The winners are:

  • Cara Anderson, Retirement Plan Administrator at Thomas Howell Ferguson
  • Tamme Ford, Retirement Plan Counselor 
  • Jason Gravlin, Life Agent at Corporate Benefit Systems
  • Bradley Hanovich, Senior Benefits Specialist for the Boston Red Sox
  • Mary Korkes, BB&T Trust Officer at BB&T
  • Patrick Spieler, Retirement Plan Administrator at Pension Administrators 

Launched in 2014, the PenChecks Trust® ASPPA QKA Scholarship is awarded to six individuals who make the most compelling case for how the prestigious QKA designation will enhance their career in the retirement plan industry. The scholarship is designed to cover the expenses associated with course registration and materials necessary to attain the QKA credential. It also covers one year of membership to ASPPA. 

Kaitlin Schaefer, who was awarded the scholarship in 2014, shared her thoughts regarding the scholarship’s impact on her professional development. “The PenChecks scholarship was very helpful in my career,” she said. “It gave me a huge sense of accomplishment and confidence to move forward in this industry. The scholarship helped me complete the required testing in under one year and receive my QKA after only two years in the industry.” 

“We are proud to support financial education in our industry and partner with ASPPA to identify deserving recipients for the scholarship”, said Spiro Preovolos, CEO of PenChecks Trust. 

Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association, and Executive Director of ASPPA, stated that, “In a complex and constantly changing retirement plan environment, it is critically important that industry professionals maintain a high level of proficiency. The QKA credential was designed with that need in mind, and we appreciate PenChecks’ continued commitment to this scholarship program as a way of bringing focus to the importance of the QKA credential.”

Clayton Richey is Education Manager at the American Retirement Association.