Chris Becker

PLANADVISER: Tell us about your role at your firm and how you contribute to its growth and progress. How did you end up there?

Becker: I serve as relationship manager and investment adviser for approximately 70 small business retirement plans at Everhart Advisors, with lead consultant responsibility on about 16 of them. In addition, I support annual administration and consulting on over-65 cash balance plans—a fast-growing segment in which I’ve developed deep specialization.

Since joining the firm in 2020, I’ve helped formalize core procedures for our retirement practice. I created and continue to lead our internal 401(k) investment committee, which guides fund selection and investment decisions for over 550 retirement plans. I also authored our team’s full standard operating procedures—laying the groundwork for how we scale consistently while maintaining fiduciary rigor.

My entry into the retirement space was the result of a pivotal moment during my internship at Everhart. Though I started on the wealth side, our retirement plan services president, Brian Hanna, invited me to step into a retirement associate role. Another mentor, Tom Carline, championed my development in cash balance consulting, which ultimately shaped the direction of my career. These opportunities ignited my passion for retirement plan consulting and the ability to impact outcomes at scale.

PLANADVISER: Where do you hope to take your career in the retirement plan or advisory industry in coming years?

Becker: I’m committed to specializing in retirement plans long term, with an even deeper focus on combination plan designs that integrate cash balance plans and 401(k)s. These designs unlock significant value for small business owners while meaningfully improving participant outcomes—a dual win I’m passionate about delivering.

I’ve already taken the lead within our team by developing our associate training program and mentoring colleagues like Blake Lori and Melody Roop. I maintain an open-door policy and am often tapped to troubleshoot complex investment analysis or 408(b)(2) fee disclosure questions.

Looking ahead, I want to build a strong book of business and earn the opportunity to buy into Everhart Advisors. My career is grounded in ambition and a strong work ethic—reflected in my early track record, including completing my degree at the Ohio State University in only three years. Once I commit to a goal, I pursue it relentlessly.

PLANADVISER: What steps do you think will help improve the retirement industry and participant outcomes in the future (particularly ways in which your firm can help with that progress)?

Becker: One of the biggest challenges participants face is inertia—many don’t actively engage with their retirement plan. That’s why I believe plan design is so important. Automatic features like enrollment, escalation and profit-sharing—paired with optional benefits like cash balance plans—can help participants build toward better retirement outcomes.

I recently helped the build-out of our firm’s pooled employer plan, in partnership with group plan systems and Ascensus. For over a year of weekly calls, I was involved in the operational coordination, investment selection and compliance discussions that helped bring the program to life.

PEPs offer small businesses a streamlined way to access retirement plans and reduce administrative burden. They can also play a role in narrowing the retirement coverage gap—especially for employers who may have avoided plans in the past due to cost or complexity. I see both PEPs and cash balance plans as powerful tools in expanding access, improving plan efficiency and supporting retirement readiness for more workers.