--- title: DWC The 401(k) Experts Partner Joe Nichols Announced as ARA President description: DWC - The 401(k) Experts promotes Joe Nichols, Director of Actuarial Services, to Partner, expands partnership. image: https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_dd_png_category.png --- [![logo](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/_global/logo.svg "logo")](https://www.dwc401k.com/) [![logo](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Dwc-2019/SVG/logo.svg "logo")](https://www.dwc401k.com/) [![Contribution Limits](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/af3ae025-72b1-41fa-8855-5e196d6c26e4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/af3ae025-72b1-41fa-8855-5e196d6c26e4) [![Log in](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/3466ce37-58ba-4a93-bddb-0d4c8bb8ccbc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/3466ce37-58ba-4a93-bddb-0d4c8bb8ccbc) [![services-icon1](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon1.png) ## Plan Document A properly drafted document is the foundation of achieving the company's objectives and keeping the plan in operational compliance. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/plan-document) [![services-icon2](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon2.png) ## Plan Compliance We have a fundamental understanding of how critical plan compliance is to both the IRS and Department of Labor. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/plan-compliance) [![services-icon3](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon3.svg) ## Defined Benefits Services We work with business owners and investment advisors to determine what makes the most sense by providing a detailed cost benefit analysis. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/defined-benefits-services) [![services-icon4](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon4.svg) ## Mergers, Aquisitions & Related Company Analysis The DWC team is well-versed enough in the nuances and is ready to help you navigate the situation. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/mergers-acquisitions-analysis) [![services-icon5](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon5.png) ## Plan Corrections DWC's extensive experience with both the IRS and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs allows us to help you address just about any accident that might happen. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/plan-corrections) [![services-icon6](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon6.png) ## Government Audits Being selected for an audit can feel overwhelming, but the process doesn't have to be. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/government-audits) ![service-right-icon](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/service-right-icon.svg) ## Investment Advisor Support DWC has a long history of successfully partnering with investment advisors. 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President of the ARA* ST PAUL, Minn. – January 21, 2021 - The American Retirement Association ([ARA](https://www.usaretirement.org/)) has named [Joe Nichols](https://www.dwc401k.com/about/our-team#fl-056dbc952e6f63a865b8a893d7dbf546), ASA, EA, MSPA new President of the organization for calendar year 2021. Joe has previously served as both Treasurer of the ARA, and as President of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) in 2016.   “I am privileged to serve alongside such a diverse group of professionals.  The ARA Board, like its members, is comprised of third-party administrators, advisors, plan sponsors and actuaries who all adhere to a strict code of professional conduct,” Nichols said.  “For 2021, the ARA Board will continue its important mission of advocating for the employer-based retirement system which helps Americans save for and achieve a comfortable retirement.” Joe is a Partner and Director of Actuarial Services at [DWC - The 401(k) Experts](https://www.dwc401k.com/), an industry leader in providing 401(k) plan compliance, defined benefit services, consulting services, and third-party plan administration.  At DWC, Nichols works with clients and financial advisors across the country to help design and maintain cash balance and defined benefit plans they offer to their employees. “There are few people who show the commitment to the retirement plan and actuarial industries that Joe does.  He has worked tirelessly for many years to advocate for the employer-based retirement system, for practitioners who serve clients, companies that sponsor plans, and participants who benefit from them,” said Adam Pozek, Partner at DWC – The 401(k) Experts.  “I am fortunate to have served as an ASPPA and ARA volunteer with Joe and to work alongside him as one of my partners here at DWC.” Joe has recently been featured on Episode 34 of the podcast "[The Progressive Dentist](https://craigcodyandcompany.com/podcasts/joe-nichols/)" where he gives listeners an overview of defined benefits plans from the design process to explaining how to maintain an effective plan. DWC has a long history with ARA, ASEA, and ASPPA, as many DWC consultants donate their time to serve in leadership roles of local chapters and national committees. Jen Swets (Partner and Director of Consulting Services) is currently on the ASPPA Leadership Council and Adam served as President of ASPPA in 2018 as well as serving as General Conferences Co-Chair and Chair of several Government Affairs subcommittees. **About DWC** - The 401(k) Experts: DWC provides third party plan administration, compliance and consulting services for qualified retirement plans nationwide. To learn please visit [www.dwc401k.com](https://www.dwc401k.com/). [View the original press release here.](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dwc-partner-joe-nichols-announced-as-ara-president-301212233.html?tc=eml_cleartime) [![We're hiring! 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