D. Michael Richard

About D. Michael Richard

Customer Success & Benefits Program Strategist | SaaS Implementation & Compliance Expert I help companies streamline retirement plan onboarding, elevate client experience, and maintain 100% compliance across complex HR tech ecosystems. With over two decades of experience in client success, plan administration, and team leadership, I bring deep expertise in 401(k), 403(b), DB/DC plans, and ERISA regulations—plus a modern understanding of SaaS platforms and workflow automation tools.At the core of my work is a commitment to optimizing processes that scale with growth. From launching enterprise-level retirement solutions to improving onboarding efficiency by 30%+, I bridge the gap between legacy operations and the demands of digital transformation in the benefits space.I’ve successfully managed 75+ SaaS-enabled implementations, advised C-suite stakeholders, trained cross-functional teams, and driven retention rates exceeding 95%. Whether serving as a trusted partner to advisors or leading compliance through audits and 5500 filings, I’m passionate about helping organizations exceed their client satisfaction goals. Core Expertise: • SaaS Implementation & Client Onboarding • Retirement Plan Design (401k, DB/DC, 403b, ESOP) • ERISA, Compliance Testing & Risk Mitigation • Salesforce CRM | JIRA | PensionPro | FT William | Looker • Cross-Functional Team Leadership | Process AutomationLet’s connect if you’re building out a customer success team, driving HR tech transformation, or looking for a proven implementation partner in the space. m••••••••@att.net

Experience

1. Implementations Relationship Manager (Implementation Manager)

   Vestwell

   May 2023 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Spearheading the onboarding and implementation of 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans for small to mid-sized businesses, I serve as a strategic guide for sponsors, financial advisors, and third-party administrators navigating complex plan transitions and ensuring a great experience with our platform. I’ve led 75+ plan onboarding initiatives, consistently delivering projects on time by executing milestone-driven implementation timelines, removing roadblocks, and collaborating cross-functionally across legal, product, and customer success functions. Leveraging tools like Salesforce, JIRA, and FT William to manage workflows, track performance, and ensure full data integrity across conversion pipelines, I’ve reduced plan onboarding time by 30%, enhancing sponsor satisfaction and accelerating time-to-value. I advise clients on ERISA compliance, plan design, and nondiscrimination testing—improving platform utilization and reducing compliance risk.

Education

• Millsaps College

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Social Sciences and Business Administration

  1987 — 1992

• Jesuit High School

  High School Diploma

Skills

• Enrollment Services
• Payroll Analysis
• Employee Relations
• Educational Program Design
• Retirement Plan Consulting
• Revenue & Profit Growth
• Standards Compliance
• Prospecting New Clients
• Team Management
• Accurate Data Entry
• Compliance
• Performance Management
• Client Presentation
• Document Management
• Profit Sharing
• Compliance Testing
• Process Improvement
• Software Implementation
• Accounts Receivable
• Business Development
• Dependable Team Player
• Document Drafting
• Form 5500 Preparation
• Defined Benefit
• Esop
• Microsoft Office
• Key Account Acquisition & Retention
• Manage Client Relationships
• Plan Document Preparation
• Databases
• Relationship Management
• Microsoft Exchange
• Benefits Administration
• Accounts Payable
• Strategic Human Resources Leadership
• Spreadsheets
• Human Resources
• 401k
• Employee Benefits
• Retirement Plan Distributions