Empower Welcomes CMO, Advisor CRM Launches AI Email Assistant
Empower Welcomes CMO
Empower has appointed Sangita Woerner as its new chief marketing officer (CMO).
Throughout her career, Woerner has led marketing organizations at top-tier companies, including Starbucks and Unilever, and most recently as senior vice president of Marketing at Alaska Airlines.
“As Empower continues to expand its footprint and deepen its impact, Sangita’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey,” said Empower President and CEO Edmund F. Murphy III. “Her strategic vision, coupled with her ability to build and manage high-performing teams and foster customer-centric innovation, aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to welcome her to Empower.”
Woerner added, “I am thrilled to join Empower at such an exciting time. The company’s commitment to innovation and its passion for delivering exceptional value to customers resonates deeply with me. This is a unique opportunity to serve the needs of millions of people at an important point in their lives – helping them ensure their financial security. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Empower.”
In her new role, Sangita will lead Empower’s marketing strategy, focusing on enhancing brand visibility, accelerating multi-channel marketing initiatives, and strengthening customer engagement.
Woerner holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
Woerner joined Empower on September 22 and reports to Murphy.
Next Page: Advisor CRM Launches AI Email Assistant
Advisor CRM Launches AI Email Assistant
Advisor CRM, a CRM platform designed for registered investment advisors (RIAs), announced its fully integrated AI Email Assistant. The suite of tools organizes email messages, automates required follow-up tasks, and drafts personalized replies to clients.
RELATED – Advisor CRM Unveils AI-Native Platform
Advisor CRM’s AI Email Assistant scans advisors’ incoming emails and categorizes them into groups, including client requests, documents required, meeting follow-up, or informational. The AI Email assistant also prioritize advisor tasks, identifying which emails need immediate attention and which can be deferred. Other features include personalized email drafting in the advisor’s voice, smart attachment processing, and automatic updates.
“Advisor CRM provides IAMS Wealth with a comprehensive solution that eliminates our reliance on Outlook,” stated Charles Heuring, CEO, IAMS Wealth. “The new AI Email Assistant offers a team and personal view of emails, streamlining tasks for everyone in the firm. This functionality ensures that all team members are informed, automating and organizing their tasks in a clear and accessible way.”
The AI Email Assistant is available for paid Advisor CRM users.
Next Page: Vestwell to Transition Saveday Retirement Clients
Vestwell to Transition Saveday Retirement Clients
Vestwell has entered into an agreement to convert the block of retirement plan clients from Saveday, a modern 401(k) provider, onto the Vestwell chassis.
Employers in professional services, hospitality, wellness, and manufacturing will gain access to Vestwell’s integrated suite of workplace savings solutions.
“The savings industry at large, and the retirement industry in particular, is growing at an unprecedented pace. Business owners today require technology and flexibility that meet the needs of a modern workforce,” said Aaron Schumm, founder and CEO of Vestwell. “By converting Saveday retirement plan clients, we’re extending that vision—delivering a retirement savings experience that brings greater simplicity, scale, and innovation to core industries across the country.”
The management and administration of Saveday’s Defined Contribution Plans, including 401(k) and Solo(k) plans, will migrate to Vestwell’s platform. The plans will be converted to Vestwell’s proprietary technology solution.
“As a retirement plan provider, our priority has always been delivering the best possible experience for our clients. In Vestwell, we found a partner whose technology, service, and vision align with that commitment,” said Albert Swantner, CTO of Saveday. “We’re confident our clients will benefit from a seamless transition and enjoy an even more robust savings experience as part of the Vestwell community.”
Next Page: Ed Slott and Company Releases Educational Campaign
Ed Slott and Company Releases Educational Campaign
Ed Slott and Company, LLC announced the launch of its direct-to-consumer education campaign aimed at helping retirees and pre-retirees protect savings from taxes.
“Too many retirement savers unknowingly give away portions of their nest egg to unnecessary taxes,” said Ed Slott, CPA, founder of Ed Slott and Company. “This campaign provides the knowledge people need to spot opportunities, avoid costly mistakes and confidently advocate for themselves when working with an advisor. It’s about education and empowerment, not selling investments.”
The new features include:
- A 40-minute video explaining the biggest tax mistakes people make in their 50s, 60s and 70s and how to avoid them. Viewers learn how to reduce taxes on IRAs, Roth conversions and required minimum distributions (mandatory withdrawals); why a will may not control IRA inheritance; and smart withdrawal strategies to protect income and legacy.
- Four on-demand video guides on Roth conversions, RMDs and inherited IRAs, 401(k) rollovers and beneficiary planning.
- A newsletter for retirees with strategies to maximize retirement income, minimize taxes and safeguard family wealth.
“This campaign is the result of a true team effort,” said Ryan Fortese, partner at Ed Slott and Company. “By bringing decades of advanced retirement tax strategies to a modern, on-demand format, we’re giving retirement savers the knowledge to act confidently and giving advisors fresh ways to spark meaningful client conversations.”
Next Page: MAI Acquires Coons Advisors
MAI Acquires Coons Advisors
MAI Capital Management has acquired J.W. Coons Advisors, LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with an additional office in Naples, Florida, Coons Advisors serves individuals, families and charitable organizations nationwide. The firm offers customized portfolios, estate and philanthropic planning, as well as comprehensive financial planning services.
Founded in 2003 by James W. Coons, the firm oversees approximately $612 million in AUM.
“As we continue to expand our reach in Ohio, Florida and beyond, we are excited to welcome Jim and his talented colleagues to MAI,” said Rick Buoncore, chairman and CEO of MAI. “Their client-first approach and depth of investment expertise embody the qualities we look for in partner firms. By joining MAI, their team will be able to deliver the same high-touch service their clients have come to expect while leveraging our broader planning resources and investment capabilities.”
Coons Advisors will adopt the MAI brand. The full team and firm leadership—including Coons and principals Robert Hoffman and Keith Blankemeyer—will remain in place, continuing to serve clients from the Columbus and Naples offices.
“When I launched the firm more than 20 years ago, my goal was to create a model where advisors could truly know their clients and tailor solutions for their unique goals,” said Coons. “By joining MAI, we preserve that philosophy while adding tools and resources—such as enhanced financial planning, proprietary alternative investments and expanded operational support—that will allow us to continue serving clients at the high level they deserve for years to come.”
Coons Advisors joined MAI effective September 19, 2025. Turkey Hill Management advised Coons Advisors on the transaction.
Next Page: Pallas Capital Advisors Taps Strategic Advisor
Pallas Capital Advisors Taps Strategic Advisor
Pallas Capital Advisors, LLC a wealth management firm with over $3 billion in assets under management, is bringing in Kevin Crain as strategic advisor of Retirement Services.
Most recently, Crain spent nearly two decades at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and served as head of Retirement Research and Insights, where he led studies on employee benefits, longevity, and financial well-being, with a focus on diverse and underserved populations.
Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Fidelity Investments and Putnam Investments, where he oversaw 401(k) strategy and plan innovation, and began his career in financial services at Bankers Trust.
He currently serves as executive director of the Institutional Retirement Income Council and holds advisory roles with McKinsey, the Milken Institute, and the Global Coalition on Aging.
“Kevin’s deep expertise in 401(k) strategy and retirement plan design enhances our ability to deliver innovative, compliant, and forward-thinking retirement plans to clients and plan sponsors,” said Rich Mullen, founding partner and CEO, Pallas Capital Advisors. “On behalf of myself and our leadership team, I want to welcome Kevin to Pallas Capital Advisors.”
Next Page: TRPG Closes HMC Acquisition
TRPG Closes HMC Acquisition
Cetera has announced that its employee-based RIA, The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG), has successfully closed an acquisition of HMC Partners, bringing approximately $425 million to Cetera and TRPG.
HMC Partners is based in Greensboro, NC, and serves more than 500 households across the U.S. HMC Partners’ co-founders John Hardy and Gib McEachran have joined TRPG and were previously affiliated with Summit Financial Networks.
“At TRPG, independent advisors who prioritize client relationships over operational complexities continue to find a strong and supportive home,” said Kevin Conard, CEO at TRPG. “John and Gib exemplify this sprit, bringing wealth management expertise and a deep commitment to serving clients first and foremost. We are proud to welcome them to the TRPG team and look forward to serving clients together.”
“TRPG aligns closely with our values and delivers expanded capabilities that will greatly benefit our business and clients,” said Hardy and McEachran. “We are excited to continue delivering exceptional service to our clients and are confident that the succession plan we’ve put in place will ensure long-term continuity and stability—for our clients, team and the future of our business.”
The acquisition of HMC Partners builds on TRPG’s recent inorganic growth momentum. In August 2025, TRPG successfully closed the acquisition of First Financial Advisors, Inc., bringing more than $300 million to Cetera. In the first quarter 2025, TRPG closed three acquisitions, totaling approximately $180 million in assets.