PLANADVISER: Tell us about your role at your firm and how you contribute to its growth and progress. How did you end up there?
Menges: I serve as a business process leader in operations as part of our retirement division. Every day is something new, but I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of the ever-changing nature of the role. I enjoy working on new projects and always ensure that all aspects of the business are accounted for when we make any updates, changes or roll out something brand new. For anything to be adopted, it needs to be an improvement for everyone, not just some people. A 30,000-foot view of how this will affect everyone across the business is essential. Thinking critically and having a forward-looking view are ways I can continue to help propel our growth.
Ending up in my current role was a little bit of a happy accident. After college, I worked in the P&C insurance industry for about six years and was looking for a career change. I was fortunate to get a business coordinator role with a firm, and, seven months after that, our current firm acquired us. I have found fulfilling work and grown my career in more ways than I could have imagined.
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)?
Menges: To improve the retirement industry and participant outcomes, we need to simplify access and start financial literacy at a young age. One of the main reasons for my passion for the retirement industry is that I know firsthand how intimidating it can be to learn these things as an adult. A great start would be investing in teaching more financial literacy in our schools, but we can’t stop there. We also need to meet people where they are and offer clear communication that outlines goals and objectives for people daunted by the task. Getting started can be the biggest hurdle, so helping people understand why they are saving and how it works will help them stay engaged. Retirement shouldn’t feel like a privilege; it should feel possible for everyone.
PLANADVISER: What are you most passionate about outside of the office?
Menges: Outside work, I’m passionate about living a vibrant, yet balanced, life. I care deeply about health and wellness, whether it’s an early morning walk with our dogs or a tennis match with friends for some friendly competition. Tennis has become more than a sport for me; it’s a space for growth, focus and connection. Tennis resembles life and work; you will not win every point, but you must quickly evaluate and move on to the next shot, as nothing stands still, and there is always a new challenge or opportunity ahead.
I’m also deeply interested in community design and how our environment shapes our lives. I like to follow local planning projects that help transform and re-energize cities. Through walkability, investing in public infrastructure and intentional design, we can transform our cities into more inclusive, walkable, sustainable and healthier places to live.