founder and president

Tom Burns

Tom started the company with the belief that having a company retirement plan should be a rewarding benefit for business owners and their employees. Our mission is to help employers with smart plan design by aligning and maximizing workplace and employee retirement plan goals. With over 21 years of industry experience Tom has worked with over 3,000 companies to make sponsoring a company retirement plan easier; he has helped them establish or restructure their business retirement plan to ensure it meets the specific benefit goals of the company.

Tom and the team at Premier Plan Consultants know the rules and regulations can be tricky, so they focus on keeping it simple and making sure all clients have a positive customer service experience.

When Tom is offline, he resides in Carlsbad, CA with his wife Cassandra and his kids Carlie and Caden. He enjoys golfing, skiing, surfing and spending time watching Carlie cheer competitions and Caden’s hockey games.

Industry Positions: Tom is the Vice President of the San Diego NIPA Board

founder and vp of client relations

Tammy Anderson, APA

Tammy brings more than 18 years of experience providing Third Party Administrative (TPA) services in the retirement plan field. As VP of Client Relations, she manages the implementation of the retirement plans and ensures a smooth on-boarding process for our clients. She focuses on the client’s needs and experiences, going the extra mile to guarantee our clients satisfaction.
Tammy is a dog lover and has two fur babies, Harley Quinn (Pit Bull) and Taylor (German Shepard Rottweiler). She enjoys spending time with family and friends, loves to read, enjoys sand, sun and sea and is a barley and hops kind of girl.

Industry Positions: Tammy has an Accredited Pension Administration designation

founder and vp of operations

Stacey Mumby, APA

Stacey is a seasoned plan administrator with over 20 years of experience in the retirement plan industry. As VP of Operations, she organizes and oversees the daily operations of the company. By managing procedures and coaching people, she ensures the business stays efficient and productive. In her role as a senior administrator, she helps our clients understand and comply with the rules of qualified plans and heads up our administration team to maintain high levels of customer service year after year.

Stacey is a San Diego native who enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking and reading, and an occasional indulgence in binge-watching on Netflix.

Industry Positions:
Stacey has an Accredited Pension Administration designation and was a past member of the Board of the San Diego Chapter of NIPA

director of administration

Steve Allen

Steve Allen is the Director of Administration and has more than two decades of experience in the retirement plan industry. He started as a Plan Consultant and gradually moved up the ladder to his current leadership role. Steve is passionate about helping his employees understand the importance of client service standards and improve their skillset in compliance testing and consulting.

Growing up in a small town in New Jersey, he moved to Chicago after high school and attended college at Purdue University. Steve and his wife later moved to California to escape the cold, but he still considers himself a small-town person at heart. He values simplicity and kindness in life.

When he is not working, he enjoys working in his backyard garden, experimenting with new recipes, reading non-fiction, and spending time in nature. Two things on his bucket list are to visit every major league baseball stadium and attend a 30-day meditation retreat.

director of compliance

Cyndie Fessenden

Cyndie Fessenden is a seasoned professional in the retirement plan industry, boasting over 25 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has helped numerous business owners to create and maintain plans that align with their specific needs, while also ensuring that their employees’ lives are positively impacted. With a passion for enhancing the retirement planning experience, Cyndie is a respected and valued member of the industry.

Outside of her work, Cyndie is a supporter of local sustainability initiatives, community theatre and animal rescue organizations. When she is not working or volunteering for the local animal shelter.

When she is not working or volunteering for animal causes, Cyndie enjoys taking advantage of the beautiful San Diego weather. You can often find her indulging in outdoor activities like playing pickleball, roller skating, or walking on the beach with her friends. Her love for outdoor activities keeps her energized and refreshed, ready to tackle her professional and personal life with the same level of enthusiasm.

senior plan consultant

Aimee Wikum

Aimee Wikum is a seasoned industry professional with a decade of experience under her belt. Originally from upstate New York, Aimee has established herself as a go-to expert in her field. When she’s not busy at work, Aimee enjoys spending time at home with her furry friend Hank, watching movies, and diving into a good book.

distribution & loan specialist

Alecia Schreiner

Alecia Schreiner has spent the last two years as a Distribution & Loans Specialist, bringing her dedication and expertise to the financial industry. Before this role, she built her foundation at a credit union, starting as a teller and working her way up to a loan officer.

Alecia grew up in Lake Odessa, Michigan, alongside her three siblings. Raised by a single mother who she considers the family’s rock, Alecia has always valued the strength and resilience her upbringing instilled in her.

Outside of work, Alecia is passionate about the outdoors and is committed to preserving nature’s beauty. Her love for adventure extends to her free time, where you’ll often find her kayaking, hiking, or enjoying live music at concerts. Among her aspirations, Alecia dreams of hiking the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) and traveling to every state in America, both of which are at the top of her bucket list.

plan consultant

Alicia Clayton

Alicia Clayton is a pension plan consultant with over five years of experience. She analyzes client data, recommends retirement plan options, and provides strategy to meet plan requirements. When she’s not working, Alicia enjoys spending time with her daughter and friends, attending school events, and exploring new places. She hopes to travel to Hawaii, Australia, Greece, or Iceland, and go sky diving or fly in a hot air balloon at least once in her life.

Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times. And if things don’t work out, just take another shot.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour

Plan Consultant

Allison Kelley

Allison Kelley has seven years of experience in the retirement industry, where she began her career handling distributions, loans, and payrolls. She has since advanced to roles in compliance and plan administration, areas where she enjoys delving into detailed problem-solving and working with numbers. Allison finds purpose in knowing that her work provides employees with a sense of security and peace of mind.

Originally from the small town of Soda Springs, Idaho, Allison grew up surrounded by unique natural attractions, including the world’s only captive geyser, which erupts hourly, and several carbonated mineral springs. Although she finds the taste of the spring water less than appealing, these local features contributed to her appreciation for her hometown’s distinct charm.

Guided by her favorite Dolly Parton quote, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose,” Allison is inspired to pursue her passions. She dreams of visiting the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, captivated by the country’s beauty, and hopes to one day witness the Northern Lights in person.

Plan Consultant

Ashley Kelley

Ashley Kelley brings eight years of expertise in the retirement industry, beginning her career as a transaction processor and advancing to her current role as a plan consultant. With a keen interest in problem-solving and numbers, Ashley excels in compliance testing, calculations, and valuations, skillfully addressing the unique needs of various retirement plans.

Originally from Soda Springs, Idaho, Ashley spent her childhood near the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where she developed a deep appreciation for nature through camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The unspoiled night skies of her hometown sparked her lifelong fascination with astronomy. She often reflects on a favorite quote from Circe by Madeline Miller: “Life is not so simple as a loom. What you weave, you cannot unravel with a tug.”

A lover of literature, Ashley dreams of one day publishing a book of poetry and visiting the picturesque Prince Edward Island—a place that has captured her imagination for years.

sales consultant

Bobby Braun

Bobby Braun is a dedicated team member at PPC, with a passion for sports and good food. When he’s not working hard to ensure our clients’ retirement plans are set up correctly based on their unique company and goals, he’s tuning into the latest sports events or enjoying a delicious meal with good company. Bobby is a big dreamer and has two major items on his bucket list. First, he hopes to one day attend the Masters, a prestigious golf tournament. Second, he is eagerly waiting for the day when he can see the Padres win the World Series.

defined benefit team lead

Brooke Sutcliff

Brooke Sutcliff is a California native who grew up in Orange County and attended California State University Long Beach. When Brooke isn’t working, she loves spending time outdoors and staying active through activities like hiking, skiing, swimming, and golfing. On the other hand, she also enjoys unwinding by binge-watching TV shows. Two things on her bucket list are to witness the stunning Northern Lights and experience the thrill of skydiving.

plan consultant manager

Caitlin Lawler Kast

Caitlin Lawler Kast has a decade of experience in the Third-Party Administration (TPA) industry, with Premier Plan Consultants since 2018. She began as a Plan Assistant before moving on to full plan administration as a Plan Consultant. Currently, she serves as a Plan Consultant Manager, where she not only handles plan administration but also mentors other Plan Consultants.

Originally from a suburb of New York City, Caitlin fell in love with San Diego while visiting her family in the area. She went on to attend the University of San Diego, where she studied Finance and Accounting. When not working, Caitlin loves exploring San Diego’s North County with her husband and golden retriever, enjoying the beach, and trying out new restaurants and breweries. She also enjoys traveling, with Zion National Park’s Narrows hike being one of her recently achieved bucket list items, and traveling through Italy being another item on her list.

plan consultant manager

Curtis Singleton

Curtis Singleton is an experienced TPA professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He currently manages a team of plan consultants while also providing administration and consulting services for his own caseload. Curtis has a passion for working with numbers and helping clients navigate complex retirement planning concepts. He also enjoys supporting 401k consultants in their growth and career development.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Curtis moved to San Diego at the age of 20. The experience of living in a diverse community and making responsible, hard-working friends helped shape his values and work ethic. When not working, Curtis prioritizes spending time with his family, including his wife and two children. To balance his personal and professional life, he enjoys playing golf and striving to improve his game on local courses in Austin, Texas.

“They say a winner is just a loser that kept on trying, and that’s me to a tee. How many times do I lose? But one thing I won’t do is give up, and I’m only here as a winner because I chose not to give up and just kept on going.” – Tony Finau

senior plan consultant

Gabe Amador

Gabe Amador is a seasoned Plan Consultant at PPC with a unique upbringing. He spent his childhood in SW Houston when it was still a small town, where he and his friends would build forts in the field and collect bottles to buy baseball cards and chewing gum. Despite the passage of time, Gabe is still friends with several of his childhood neighbors after fifty-five years.

When he’s not working, Gabe enjoys an active lifestyle that includes mountain biking, hiking, and traveling around the world. Since the pandemic, Gabe has been taking working vacations around the West, and he also loves drinking craft beers.

“Thank God it’s Friday!”

plan consultant

Heather Acevedo

Heather Acevedo is an experienced Plan Consultant at Premier Plan Consultants, bringing 18 years of expertise in retirement benefits. She navigates her professional and personal life with the energetic mantra, “Drink some coffee, put some gangster rap on and handle it.” Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, including Baxter the dog, traveling, urban hiking, exploring new restaurants, going to the beach, and playing the ukulele. Her bucket list includes seeing the Northern Lights, learning a second language, and hiking the entire Amalfi Coast.

new client specialist

J.J. Glass

J.J. Glass is a rising star in the industry, with several years of experience under her belt. Her primary focus is ensuring that clients receive exceptional service during their onboarding experience with the firm. J.J. is passionate about building meaningful connections with clients and service partners and enjoys engaging with them on a daily basis.

J.J. is an avid fan of professional wrestling and hopes to attend Wrestlemania one day. She also would love to visit Fenway Park, as it is one of her top items on her bucket list.

“If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou

plan consultant

Jazmin Salazar

Jazmin Salazar is a retirement industry professional who began her career as a distribution specialist in 2018. With a passion for helping clients, Jazmin moved to plan administration after two years, where she enjoys optimizing plans to fit clients’ needs and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Outside of work, Jazmin loves spending time with her family, friends, and her pet birds. Two things on her bucket list are visiting the Carnival of Brazil and going horseback riding.

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth

plan consultant

Jennifer Waters

Jennifer Waters brings three years of experience in the retirement industry, transitioning from contributions to Plan Administration. Her enthusiasm for discussing 401k matters extends beyond the workplace, reflecting her dedication to ensuring people’s financial security. Hailing from Southeast Michigan, she cherishes the sense of community in her suburban upbringing, where friendly gestures abound amidst the serene backdrop of numerous lakes. Outside of work, Jennifer advocates for animal welfare, viewing them as precious companions in our lives. She finds respite in traveling with her family and dogs, often seeking the tranquility of palm trees and stunning sunrises or sunsets.

In her aspirations, Jennifer harbors a longing to explore her familial roots in Malta, yearning to delve into the rich culture and heritage of her ancestors. This desire to connect with her origins reflects her deep-seated appreciation for family ties and the significance of embracing one’s heritage.

plan consultant

Jessica Richards

Jessica Richards is a seasoned Plan Consultant at PPC with experience in the TPA industry since 2014. Her passion lies in providing her clients with top-notch service during the annual administration cycle. She takes great satisfaction in addressing their queries and strives to make their lives a little easier.

In her free time, Jessica is an avid reader, having completed over 450 books to date. She also loves taking dance classes and spending time with her husband and two furry companions. Jessica strongly advocates for foster youth and dreams of becoming a foster parent someday, believing that every child deserves a supportive network. Her bucket list includes witnessing the northern lights in Iceland and experiencing the annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.

senior plan consultant

Jose Arana

Jose Arana is an accomplished Senior Retirement Plan Administrator at PPC, having joined the company in December 2022. He brings a wealth of experience in the retirement industry, having spent about two decades as a retirement plan consultant.

In his current role, Jose is responsible for compliance testing, calculations, and valuations for a range of retirement plans. He is highly skilled in his field, having earned both the Qualified Plan Administrator (QPA) and the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) designations from the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA).

Outside of work, Jose has a passion for staying active and traveling. He enjoys hiking, playing beach volleyball, and exploring new places. In fact, two things on his bucket list are visiting Greece and seeing the Northern Lights.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

trust accounting specialist

Judith Blackhall

Judith Blackhall is an experienced professional who has been in the business for 35 years. Although she retired at the end of 2021, she quickly returned to work on a part-time basis. Judith decided to return to work doing trust reconciliation, which is the part of the administration process that she has always enjoyed the most.

In addition to her work, Judith is an animal rights activist and vegan. She has always had a soft spot for cats and was involved in cat rescue for many years. She has helped save over 100 cats and kittens, which is a testament to her dedication to animal welfare. When she is not working, Judith enjoys hiking the many trails that she can access by walking out her front door in Prescott, Arizona. She finds hiking to be a great way to stay active and enjoy nature. She also spends a lot of time at the gym to maintain her physical fitness.

Two things on Judith’s bucket list are to see parts of Europe and New Zealand on her bicycle. In her younger years, she did a lot of cycling trips within the United States, and she still has a passion for exploring new places on her bicycle. Judith’s dedication to her work and her passion for animal welfare and outdoor activities make her a well-rounded individual with many interests and talents.

actuary

Ken Vollmer

Ken Vollmer is a skilled professional with a passion for actuarial exams. Growing up in Wantagh, NY, he was the youngest of five siblings. After graduating from SUNY Buffalo, Ken moved to Florida, where he lived for 20 years before settling in San Diego in 2007. Despite lacking the confidence to take actuarial exams earlier in his career, Ken was encouraged by his boss to give it a try, and he hasn’t looked back since.

An interesting fact about Ken’s upbringing is that he used to play golf, achieving two hole-in-ones, despite never being particularly good at the sport. Ken is also passionate about donating platelets and has already donated an impressive 150 units.

In his free time, Ken enjoys riding his road bike on weekends and spending quality time with his family. He has two items on his bucket list, which are to travel to Hawaii and Europe, two destinations he’s been meaning to visit for a while.

“There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened.” – Douglas Adams

administrative trainee

Kirin Pickett

Kirin Pickett is new to the retirement industry and is actively building her expertise through daily tasks and collaboration with her team. She enjoys the detail-oriented nature of her work, carefully capturing the specifics of each unique plan while contributing to her team’s overall success.

Outside of the office, Kirin enjoys a variety of hobbies that keep her balanced and engaged. She loves reading, weightlifting, and playing board games, but also finds joy in hiking, baking, and organizing her home. Above all, she values spending quality time with her family.

Kirin is driven by one of her favorite quotes from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” This philosophy motivates her both personally and professionally. Looking ahead, two things on her bucket list include visiting as many national parks as possible and mastering the art of hula hoop dancing.

consulting associate

Lindzee Kuper

Lindzee Kuper is an enthusiastic member of the sales and marketing team. Having joined the industry in 2021, she is a valuable asset to the team and works closely with Tom and Bobby. Lindzee was born and raised in Sourthern California and attended the University of Oregon. When not working, Lindzee likes to stay active by attending workout classes and snowboarding during the winter months. She also enjoys exploring new restaurants, visiting the local farmers market, and hanging out on the beach. Lindzee’s love for travel is evident, as she has a lengthy bucket list of things to do and places to visit. Some of the items on her list include attending the Olympics, running a marathon, and learning a new language. Lindzee also loves spontaneous weekend getaways and road trips to unique small towns.

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

office manager

Marie Sansoucie

Meet Marie Sansoucie, an integral member of the Premier Plan Consultants team for the past four years. With a focus on accounts receivable, accounts payable, and office management, Marie enjoys tackling a variety of tasks and finding solutions to challenging problems. Originally from San Diego, Marie spent much of her youth training in gymnastics and then transitioned to coaching the sport for 25 years after her own career ended. When she’s not working, Marie loves to explore the great outdoors through camping and hiking, as well as spending quality time with loved ones. Her bucket list includes visiting Japan for its rich history, hiking opportunities, and exciting street food, as well as embarking on an RV trip across the country to experience all the wonders of the United States.

plan consultant

Misty Gill

Misty Gill has been an industry professional since 2009, working tirelessly as a Plan Consultant to help clients achieve their retirement plan goals. Misty values the collaborative and supportive environment of her team, and thrives on working with industry experts to deliver unparalleled service to their clients.

Outside of work, Misty is passionate about social justice issues and supports the Innocence Project, which helps exonerate the wrongly convicted. When she’s not advocating for change, Misty loves to seek adventure in the great outdoors. Two things on her bucket list include white water rafting and taking a road trip across America. Misty brings her spirit of adventure and passion for justice to her work, always looking for innovative solutions to meet the needs of her clients.

“Go the extra mile – It’s never crowded.” – Anonymous

distribution & loan specialist

Nicole Mrazek

Nicole Mrazek is a valuable member of the PPC team, bringing her education in Paralegal Studies and her passion for the pension industry. Although she ultimately decided to stick with the pension industry, she finds that her legal knowledge comes in handy every day. Nicole believes that education is never wasted and is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow.

When she’s not working, Nicole has two things on her bucket list: to attend at least one football game in each of the 30 stadiums in the US, and to visit The Happy Elephant Home in Thailand, one of the few ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chang Mai. Nicole is fascinated by elephants and dreams of spending time with them, feeding them sugar and fruit, and bathing them in mud.

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

plan consultant

Robert Pickett

Robert Pickett has a unique background in biology and chemistry that led him to work in retail pharmacy. However, his career path took a turn when COVID-19 disrupted the healthcare system, and he found himself in the field of retirement plan administration, which he thoroughly enjoys.

When he’s not working, Robert likes to spend time with his loved ones playing video and board games. He also takes advantage of Oregon’s dry season by exploring the great outdoors and hiking throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success.” – James Cameron

trust accounting specialist

Sarah Iliev

Sarah Iliev is a retirement plan industry professional with over 20 years of experience in various roles. After taking a break to start a family, Sarah was drawn back to the industry and now enjoys working part-time from home while raising her two sons. Sarah’s favorite part of her job is working with numbers and achieving balance in complicated accounting spreadsheets. Few people know that Sarah studied anthropology in college with dreams of becoming a primatologist like Dian Fossey or Jane Goodall.

Outside of work, Sarah is focused on homesteading skills to prepare for a zombie apocalypse, should one come. Those skills include knitting, baking, gardening, making soap, and home brewing. Sarah also has taken up axe-throwing; hatchets and ninja stars are her preferred projectiles. Two things on Sarah’s bucket list are riding the zamboni at a hockey game and visiting Loch Ness to meet Nessie.

plan consultant

Sherri Wood

Sherri Wood brings nearly eight years of expertise to the retirement industry, excelling as a Plan Consultant where she guides clients in optimizing their retirement plans for maximum benefit. Hailing from the outskirts of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sherri’s ties to a family-owned dairy farm have grounded her even as she resides in the suburbs with her three sons. Her journey to attain a Business Accounting bachelor’s degree spanned nine years, during which she navigated full-time work, marriage, and parenthood, showcasing her determination and adaptability.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sherri harbors a thirst for adventure. She aspires to witness the Grand Canyon’s awe-inspiring beauty firsthand, whether through camping, rafting, or a mule ride. In an unconventional twist, she also aims to participate in a Flash Mob, highlighting her spontaneous spirit and love for synchronized dance performances.

accounting specialist

Taylor Mumby

Taylor Mumby is a fresh entrant to the retirement plan industry, having previously accumulated several years of experience in general administrative roles within a different sector. Raised in sunny Southern California, Taylor’s academic journey led to a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University of San Marcos.

Outside the realm of work, Taylor’s creative spirit shines through in activities such as drawing and painting, complemented by a penchant for indulging in TV show marathons. On the bucket list, two aspirations stand out: the desire to embark on a journey across Europe, exploring diverse cultures and landscapes, and the dream of swimming with dolphins, seeking a memorable encounter with marine life.

Administrative Associate

Carly Rauls

Carly is a newcomer to the industry, bringing a strong desire to learn and grow in her role. She works closely with the Distributions and Loans team, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insight into key processes. She enjoys the dynamic nature of her work, finding that daily challenges help build her confidence and keep things exciting.

Before entering this field, Carly began her career in the testing, inspection, and certification industry, later shifting to the lumber sector. Her background reflects a willingness to explore new paths and a passion for continuous learning.

A lesser-known fact about Carly is her love for the German language—she studied it for 4.5 years across high school and college. She initially pursued a degree in International Business to use the language professionally, but eventually discovered her passion for numbers and chose accounting instead.

Outside of work, Carly thrives on outdoor adventures, craft beer explorations, and car shows. Her ideal days off include hiking scenic trails, trying new breweries, and admiring classic or custom vehicles.

Carly’s bucket list is as ambitious as it is fun: she dreams of backpacking through Europe, savoring Italy’s culinary delights, seeing iconic monuments, driving a lap around the Nürburgring, relaxing on a tropical beach, and even skydiving.

Karla Wells

Karla began her journey in the retirement industry in October 2019 as a plan consultant and quickly discovered her passion for full-scope plan administration. She thrives on the complexity and detail-oriented nature of the work and finds fulfillment in helping clients make the most of their retirement benefits.

Outside of work, Karla enjoys reading, gaming on her PS5, watching Netflix with her boyfriend, and playing bar league sand volleyball. She also loves spending time with her two pets: Neo the cat and Casper the rabbit.

With a spirit of adventure and curiosity, Karla hopes to one day go skydiving and fulfill her dream of visiting Italy.

Corina Cazacu

Corina brings over seven years of experience in the Third Party Administrator (TPA) industry, where she plays a vital role in overseeing plan administration, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting clients through every stage of their retirement plans—from onboarding to ongoing maintenance. She works closely with both employers and financial advisors to ensure plans are operating efficiently and in line with legal requirements.

What sets Corina apart is her passion for helping businesses provide meaningful retirement benefits to their employees. She thrives on problem-solving, staying updated on industry regulations, and cultivating strong, long-lasting client relationships. Her role blends technical expertise with hands-on client service, making each day both challenging and fulfilling.

Originally from Moldova, Corina was raised in a close-knit community that valued hard work, integrity, and strong relationships. These early influences, especially the work ethic instilled by her mother, continue to shape her professional values today.

Outside of work, Corina enjoys recharging by spending quality time with loved ones, getting outdoors, cooking new dishes, and diving into a good book.