Tucson, AZ – December 30, 2025 – Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC, a leading actuarial consulting and third-party administration (TPA) firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Nichols, EA, FSEA, ASA to its actuarial team. Widely respected throughout the pension and retirement plan industry, Nichols brings decades of experience, technical excellence, and thought leadership to the firm.

Nichols’ arrival further strengthens Pinnacle Plan Design’s ability to deliver sophisticated, compliant, and forward-looking solutions to plan sponsors nationwide. This milestone underscores Pinnacle Plan Design’s continued investment in top-tier actuarial talent and its long-term commitment to the future of the pension industry.

Nichols has held numerous leadership positions in the industry, having served as President of the following three professional organizations: the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA), the American Retirement Association (ARA), and the American Society of Enrolled Actuaries (ASEA, formerly ACOPA).

“I am incredibly excited to join Pinnacle Plan Design at such a pivotal time for the pension industry,” said Nichols. “The firm’s depth of actuarial talent, commitment to technical excellence, and independent vision for the future made this an easy decision, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of Pinnacle Plan Design’s growth.”

Pinnacle Plan Design Partner and Enrolled Actuary Lynn Young emphasized the significance of the hire. “Joe’s reputation in the industry truly sparkles. He is widely admired for both his technical mastery and his professionalism,” said Young. “We are thrilled to welcome him to Pinnacle Plan Design, and his addition meaningfully elevates an already exceptional actuarial team.”

As regulatory demands increase and plan sponsors seek more strategic guidance, Pinnacle Plan Design continues to differentiate itself through expertise, scale, and a people-first culture. The addition of Joe Nichols reinforces the firm’s mission to lead with knowledge, invest in the profession, and help ensure a strong and sustainable future for the pension industry.

Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC is a national actuarial consulting firm and third-party administrator for employer-sponsored qualified retirement plans. The firm collaborates with employers and their advisors to design and administer retirement plans that achieve retirement plan goals.