About Us

Jim Raley is the CEO and owner of Pension Planners, Inc. Prior to joining the company, Jim was the CEO and owner of a multi-line insurance agency with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. He was also a Fortune 50 financial services company executive holding various positions including: President of Financial Services and Life Insurance Operations, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Jim has had executive management responsibility for companies that were investment managers, venture capitalists, and pension consultants. He directed the development of several programs including: a Turnkey Defined Benefit Pension Program for small businesses, a bundled third party administrator for 401(k) plans, a deferred compensation program for medical professionals and a computerized asset allocation and asset manager selection program for defined benefit plans. He was certified as a director for the A&E Associates' unbiased financial literacy education curriculum that is offered by 401(k) plan sponsors as an employee benefit. He was recognized for his achievements by being named as a Finalist for Supporter of Entrepreneurship Baltimore Region in 1990 by Ernst & Young. He is a member of the AICPA and the FICPA. Jim is past chair of the Diocese of Venice School Board and the Saint John Neumann High School Board. Jim is past Director and the Treasurer of the Notre Dame Club of Greater Naples. Jim served on the Ave Maria School of Law Estate Planning Conference Committee. Jim has his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his graduate degree from Loyola University of Maryland.
Joanne Raley - Vice President and Office Manager has administrative and management experience in human resources and small business accounting. She was Office Manager of a multi-line insurance agency with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. She previously worked for Sun Life of America in sales and marketing support. Joanne has her undergraduate degree from Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN.
Mark Grimshaw -Enrolled Actuary and Senior Pension Consultant graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Science (with a Mathematical Science Option). He has actuarial experience in both the retirement and healthcare industries. He has over 11 years of retirement plan experience starting out in the large single employer/traditional defined benefit plan area and then moving into the small single employer industry with a recent focus in clients with combined Defined Benefit/Cash Balance and Defined Contribution plans. Mark took a mid-career break to join the US Army Reserves in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was honorably discharged as a Transportation Officer (CPT).
Shallay Evans, QPA, QKA - Senior Pension Administrator graduated summa cum laude from Case Western Reserve University with a Bachelors in Chemistry. Shallay is responsible for the annual plan administration of 401(k), 403(b) and Defined Benefit plans, as well assisting with new plan set-up and takeover plans. Shallay was awarded a Certificate of Completion for the Retirement Plan Fundamentals through the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). She has also completed the Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) and Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) certification programs through ASPPA.
Veronica Barbosa - Pension Administrator and Distribution Specialist received an Associates of Science Degree in Accounting from Keiser University. She has prior experience in general accounting and bookkeeping. Veronica currently administers Defined Contribution plans including contribution calculations, yearend testing, governmental forms, trust accounting and other accounting functions related to retirement plans. Veronica continues as our Distribution and Loan Specialist and is experienced in the distribution requirements for all plan types. Veronica was awarded a Certificate of Completion for the Retirement Plan Fundamentals (RPF) through American Society of Pension Professions & Actuaries (ASPPA).
Seth Cohen - Pension Administrator-Actuarial Analyst graduated from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science with Honors. He has passed the Society of Actuaries/ CAS Exams 1 and 2. Seth's responsibilities include the administration of Defined Benefit, Cash Balance, and 401(k) Plans. At college, he completed work on VEE, Loss Modeling, and Linear Regression. Seth is currently working to complete his actuarial exams to become an Enrolled Actuary.
Sierra Schermerhorn - Assistant Pension Administrator works on administrative work maintaining the client and prospect records, organization of year end reports, and assisting other staff. Sierra has several years of experience in the hospitality industry. She attended The Ohio State University. Sierra was awarded a Certificate of Completion for the Retirement Plan Fundamentals (RPF) through American Society of Pension Professions & Actuaries (ASPPA).