Hannah Tuckness

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

Tuckness: I’m currently a business process specialist and will be stepping into a new role as business process leader this fall. Our team was formed a few years ago to support sales managing directors and has since expanded to serve leaders across various areas of the business and operations.

In this role, I’ve worked on everything from building sales presentations and developing new content to improving internal processes and participating in strategic brainstorming sessions for sales materials or business processes. Supporting both our sales team and central operations has given me a unique perspective on how sales and infrastructure connect to drive impact across the organization.

I came into this position from an analyst background, and I discovered a passion for the creative side of operations, whether presenting data in new ways, streamlining workflows or enhancing communication. I’ve always enjoyed seeing the whole picture, from the big strategic vision to the fine details. Fortunately, I was recruited into this newly created team early on, and it’s been gratifying to help shape new processes that benefit the broader organization while diving into targeted projects that bring ideas to life.

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)?

Tuckness: One of the biggest opportunities to improve participant outcomes is making financial education more accessible and less intimidating. Coming from a nonfinancial background, I know how overwhelming the world of retirement and finance can feel. It’s like learning a whole new language without a clear starting point. That’s why I believe it’s important to make financial topics accessible and understandable for everyone, regardless of age or stage of life.

One way to ease that intimidation is by starting financial education earlier. Introducing financial concepts early on can make money management more approachable down the road. Another way is by simplifying how we talk about finance, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable steps.

Clear, accessible financial education at every stage of life helps demystify complex ideas. By communicating in a way that’s easy to grasp, financial professionals empower both colleagues and clients to make informed decisions about their finances and retirement. This builds trust and ensures that individuals feel supported and confident in managing their financial futures.

PLANADVISER: What are you most passionate about outside of the office?

Tuckness: Outside of work, I’m passionate about living life in the most fulfilling way possible: holistically, intentionally and in a way I love sharing with others. I strive to keep all the “buckets” of my life filled, whether learning new things, traveling, nurturing friendships, staying active in my community or prioritizing my health and well-being. I’m grateful to have a career that aligns with those values, too. Being part of something bigger, living with purpose and making thoughtful choices guide me in everything I do.