Jean Smith
Chariman of the Board
Jsmith@nebstpa.com
In 1974, when the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was passed, Jean was employed at Alliance Tool & Die, Rochester, New York, in the Employee Benefit Department. At Alliance, she worked closely with ERISA attorneys, accountants and investment professionals. “We all learned the regulations together and gained a healthy respect for each other’s position,” observes Jean. “And over the years, there have been numerous changes. The pension service industry has never been dull”
After leaving Alliance, Jean joined Aetna Life Insurance & Annuity Company as their Pension Technician for the Rochester market. “Aetna gave me experience in the insurance and annuity products as they relate to pensions,” notes Jean. “I was involved in compliance and audit issues for pension plans and earned the respect of the IRS regional office.”
In 1983, Northeast Benefit Services, Inc. was formed by Jean and Sandy Zimmer. Sandy has since retired. Jean says, “Through all of my many working years, I have always been in the business of serving clients’ needs and explaining the benefit of having the right design for their pension plan. I enjoy working with my entire staff and anyone who would like to gain knowledge in the pension plan area.”
