IREAP IMPACT DAY

Mat Powers, CFA, AIF, AIFA is a seasoned retirement and workplace strategy executive and has over a decade of experience leading transformative initiatives that align vision with execution across the retirement and wealth management landscape. Mat’s leadership has consistently translated strategic priorities into scalable, compliant, and advisor-friendly solutions. He has led high-performing teams, fostered a culture of accountability, and collaborated cross-functionally to bring innovative retirement and fiduciary services to market, including the successful launch of pooled employer plans and targeted workplace offerings for underserved market segments.

Currently serving as Head of Strategic Retirement Solutions for Commonwealth Financial Network, Mat has been at the forefront of bridging retirement and wealth—pioneering the firm’s ‘Wealth Bridge’ initiative to connect plan participants with holistic wealth management guidance. His approach blends data-driven decision making with a deep understanding of regulatory complexity, helping organizations and advisors deliver better outcomes while evolving how retirement and wealth solutions are delivered in today’s workplace.

Troy Branch, JD, CLU, ChFC is 2^nd Vice President of Advanced Planning at Ameritas Financial where he consults with client advisors and insurance professionals. He offers 15 years of advanced planning experience, where his specialties include nonqualified executive benefits planning, estate planning, wealth management and risk mitigation. He started his career as a registered representative with an Ameritas agency and then went on to a role as a technical/advanced sales consultant with Assurity (previously Security Mutual Life).  As an advanced sales consultant, he built several training programs designed to increase sales, paying particular attention to the small business owner. His speaking appearances include guest lecturing stints at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Texas Tech University.  He also has been honored to speak at the National Financial Planning Association (FPA) Conference and the Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP). Troy was a National board member with the Society of Financial Service Professionals and board member with the Lincoln Chapter Society of Financial Service Chairperson and currently services on the Professional Development Committee of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). Troy has heard his J.D. degree and Series 7 securities license.

Andrew Rinn, JD, CFP, CLU, ChFC is the Assistant Vice President of Advanced Strategies at Sammons Financial Group where he leads a group of highly skilled and credentialed individuals. The team provides a single source of contact for advisors’ to successfully position their clients complex and challenging wealth management cases. The team’s proficiency includes the full spectrum of advanced planning resources coupled with thought leader expertise in advanced business, estate and retirement planning. His own expertise includes wealth preservation, estate planning, business planning and executive benefits. He consults with insurance professionals and client’s tax advisors when appropriate to facilitate sales opportunities.
Andrew is a frequent speaker and has authored articles in Life Insurance Selling, Senior Market Advisor, National Underwriter, AALU and Journal of Financial Service Professionals. His speaking experience includes Forum 400, Clinic for Advanced Professionals, AALU and LIMRA Advanced Sales Forum. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Financial Service Professionals and was recently elected to the Board of Trustees for NAIFA.
Prior to joining North American, Andrew was the VP of Advanced Solutions & Design at Ameritas and previously held roles at MetLife, Principal Financial Group and Mutual of Omaha where he specialized in business and estate planning.  Andrew obtained his B.S. from Midland University and received honors as an Academic and Athletic All-American. He was inducted into the NAIA Athletic Hall of Fame in May of 2007. He obtained his Juris Doctorate (JD) from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa where he was a member of the Dean’s List. After passing the Iowa Bar exam, Andrew served as an Assistant County Attorney and Iowa Assistant Attorney General before beginning his career in Advanced Markets. He has also served as the Chapter President of the Des Moines Society of Financial Service Professionals, the President Elect of the National Board for the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and most recently voted in as a Trustee for NAIFA. Professional Designations & Licenses: JD, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, Series 6, 7, 66, 26 & 63.