Recognized Social Security Leaders 2025

Since 1987, Ilene has delivered investment literacy and retirement education that empowers individuals to understand, navigate, and take control of their financial future. She spent more than 25 years as a financial advisor, building her practice through her signature seminar series, “Women and Their Money.” Ilene is also an award-winning speaker on the MyCPE One platform, where she has been recognized as the top financial and top retirement educator for three consecutive years. As CEO and founder of DSS Consulting, Ilene provides professional guidance to pre-retirees and retirees through coaching and video-on-demand e-learning. Ilene is also a subject-matter expert on the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and speaks to civil-service employees across the federal agency spectrum. In addition to programs at private companies, Ms. Slatko has been a speaker at conferences, including the Army Materiel Command Women’s Financial Day, Delaware Women’s Conference, and numerous youth financial literacy programs. She has been the Director of Training for companies in both the financial and real estate fields. Ms. Slatko is a regular columnist for Rethinking65, an online publication for advisors and their over-65 clients. She is currently working on a book entitled “Sustainable Retirement”. Ilene is an alumna of Marietta College, where she studied Drama, Speech, and English.

Will Lane is a seasoned financial expert with over 20 years of experience across the financial sectors of banking, investments and insurance. He leads educational workshops across the country focused on helping Black families build, protect, and pass down generational wealth. Specializing in retirement planning, estate planning strategies and life insurance, Will is known for his ability to make complex financial concepts practical, relatable, and easy to understand. His work centers on empowering families with the knowledge needed to move from short-term financial planning to long-term financial security. Will has been featured in national publications such as Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, and American Business Stars, where he shares insights on the importance of financial literacy, legacy planning, and closing the racial wealth gap. A key aspect of his approach is helping individuals identify and overcome self-sabotaging financial patterns so they can make confident decisions about protecting their families, preparing for retirement, and leaving a lasting legacy. Through his education-first approach and no-nonsense delivery, Will has become a trusted voice for podcasts, panels, and publications focused on financial education, wealth building, and economic empowerment within the Black community.

I'm passionate about helping families build generational wealth through strategic retirement planning. As a retirement income strategist, I specialize in self-directed retirement solutions that give people more control over their financial future. My approach is pretty straightforward - I believe everyone deserves access to the financial strategies that the wealthy have been using for generations. I focus on showing clients how to leverage their existing assets, whether that's an old 401(k), home equity, or other resources, to create multiple streams of retirement income. What really drives me is seeing families break free from traditional financial limitations. I love educating people about options they didn't even know existed, like self-directed 401(k)s and velocity banking strategies. It's amazing to watch someone's eyes light up when they realize they have more control over their financial destiny than they thought. I take pride in sitting on the same side of the table as my clients - their success is my success. Whether we're mapping out a debt elimination strategy or creating a retirement income plan, my goal is to empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to build lasting wealth.

Elizabeth Gavino, Medicare Strategist Lewin & Gavino Inc. | Medicare Transition Partners Elizabeth Gavino is a Medicare Strategist with 30 years of experience helping high-net-worth individuals, executives, and employers navigate Medicare transitions before they become costly, irreversible mistakes. She is the founder of Medicare Transition Partners and the creator of the CMTA (Certified Medicare Transition Advisor) credentialing program — the first professional credential designed to train advisors on Medicare transition strategy. Elizabeth has been cited as a Medicare expert source in over 100 articles for CNBC and CNN. She specializes in Medicare strategy and planning, IRMAA and income planning, retirement healthcare costs, and employer Medicare transitions. Based in La Jolla, California.

Peter Reagan is a respected financial strategist at Birch Gold Group with more than 15 years of experience in the precious metals market. His market commentary has been featured in outlets including Newsmax, ZeroHedge, and GoBankingRates. At Birch Gold Group, he helps investors understand how gold and other precious metals can strengthen long-term financial security. His clear guidance and commitment to education have made him a trusted voice in an evolving economic landscape. Known for his practical approach and genuine commitment to investors’ success, Peter makes financial concepts feel accessible and empowering. He brings clarity to uncertainty, helping people make confident decisions about their future. Whether sharing insights in the media or supporting clients one-on-one, he remains focused on education, integrity, and building lasting trust with those he serves.

Dr. Trudy Beerman is a Doctor of Strategic Leadership, researcher, author, and media entrepreneur dedicated to advancing expert visibility in the digital age. At 50+ years old, she brings the authority of lived experience to her mission of guiding mature experts who want recognition, respect, and revenue for their mastery. Founder of PSI TV, Dr. Beerman, is pioneering the use of internet-connected television as a stage for thought leaders and business owners who are often overlooked in crowded digital spaces. She also created the REACHology AI Scoring System, a proprietary tool that measures an expert’s influence across five pillars: credentials, experience, publications, following, and digital footprint. She is the author of several books, including the Amazon bestseller REACHology™: The Science and Study of Influential Reach, which equips professionals to measure and expand their reach in today’s media-driven economy. Her books and research offer practical strategies that help experts bridge the gap between mastery and recognition. Her doctoral research focused on leadership competence and business success, using a case study of Florida-based coaching firms. This work combines academic rigor with real-world application, offering insights into how leadership effectiveness drives measurable growth. She applies these findings daily in helping experts with 45+ years of experience strengthen their authority and digital presence. With more than three decades of entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Beerman has hosted hundreds of interviews with subject-matter experts on PSI TV, distributed across Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, VIDAA TV, YouTube, podcasts, and social platforms. Her work ensures that experts gain exposure while creating enduring digital assets that continue to establish and build their authority. Featured in AP News, NBC & ABC affiliates (including WFLA Tampa and WPIX New York), and Business Journal Florida. She is also the architect of Nom de Valeur, a personal branding ecosystem helping professionals move from invisible to unforgettable. Her expertise spans media strategy, branding, leadership, and the evolving intersection of technology and influence. As “The REACHologist™,” Dr. Beerman combines the insight of a scholar with the execution of a media strategist, making her a compelling voice for outlets seeking commentary on leadership, branding, influence, and the future of media.

Nick is a fee-only financial planner and founder of ClearMind Capital, where he works with individuals and families navigating major life and financial transitions. He has spent 8+ years in the financial planning profession, advising clients on retirement planning, tax strategy, investment design, and long-term decision-making. Nick earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in April 2023 and also holds the ChFC® and CLU® designations. He is a founding member of the Integrative Wealth Advisor (IWA®) designation, a newly launched professional standard focused on aligning financial planning with broader life priorities and well-being. He is frequently sought out for his ability to explain nuanced financial topics...such as retirement readiness, Social Security planning, portfolio construction, and the behavioral side of money—in a way that is clear, grounded, and accessible. Nick brings real-world context and thoughtful perspective to personal finance, making him a trusted resource for journalists seeking clarity, insight, and meaningful analysis.

Damon Paull, AWMA® - Financial Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Military Veteran As a wealth management advisor and Amazon best-selling author in Money and Business, Damon Paull brings a military precision to financial journalism. His recent collaboration with former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss on "Empathetic Leadership" shows he can take complex financial concepts and turn them into stories that resonate with everyone. With over 8 years of industry experience and a background as a Marine Corps veteran and State Department contractor, Damon writes about: • Intergenerational wealth transfer • Corporate benefit plan optimization • Investment portfolio construction • Business succession planning • Veteran financial empowerment • Global market analysis through a geopolitical lens As a Wealth Management Advisor at Cetera Investors, Damon’s expertise goes beyond traditional financial planning. He uses cutting-edge financial technology and analysis tools to bring you fresh perspectives on emerging trends and investment opportunities. His writing style is data-driven with a storyline, making complex financial concepts accessible to sophisticated investors and general audiences. Regular contributor to discussions on wealth preservation, market dynamics and financial technology. Damon welcomes opportunities to provide professional commentary and in-depth analysis for financial publications looking for expert opinions on wealth management and investment strategies. For editorial inquiries or commentary: Damon Paull, AWMA Damon.Paull@ceterainvestors.com 832.535.2286 Glen Allen, VA Available for national and international commentary Cetera Investors. Damon Paull, Wealth Management Advisor. Securities and Insurance Products offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. 140 EASTSHORE DR. SUITE 105, GLEN ALLEN, VA 23059. 804-346-4670. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, not recommendations of Cetera Investment Services LLC or its representatives.

I'm an experienced CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER who specializes in creating generational wealth building plans for educators, public employees, and non-profits by providing expertise in public pension planning and 403(b) management.I also currently serve as the chapter president of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of San Gabriel Valley. Message me if you are interested in learning more about our great chapter!Cetera Investors is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and Insurance Products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFG STC Insurance Agency LLC CA insurance license # 0A96522), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC.

I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Expert and 5x Certified Career Coach dedicated to helping professionals find purpose and direction in their careers. With a background in HR and a deep commitment to empowering others, I’ve guided hundreds of professionals to uncover fulfilling and impactful career paths. My work is more than just career coaching; I’m a clarity strategist, known for using my unique insights and proven methods to unlock the potential within my clients. Through my proprietary Career Clarity Formula, I deliver rapid, transformative results for clients who are tired of feeling stuck and uncertain about their professional futures. My approach combines practical tools, like the Sparketype® Assessment, with research-backed techniques to help people uncover their true strengths and aspirations. These “aha moments” are the core of my work, and they’re what allow my clients to move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through y program, I've transformed career coaching into a results-driven journey that brings clarity and purpose, while reducing the time traditionally spent on finding direction. This approach has empowered my clients to find careers they love, often with improvements in income, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction. As a leading voice in career clarity and career change, my work has been recognized by clients and industry leaders alike. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effect that career clarity can have, especially for professionals in corporate roles who feel disconnected from their work. Helping them achieve a renewed sense of purpose and motivation has become a central focus of my work, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. If you’re a journalist covering career development, employee engagement, or women’s professional empowerment, my perspective might be of interest to your audience. I’m passionate about reshaping the field of career coaching with actionable, purpose-driven strategies that tap into people’s potential. Through my programs, speaking engagements, and client success stories, I’m redefining career clarity as a pathway to true fulfillment, purpose, and long-lasting success. I would be honored to share my insights and success stories with your audience, offering a fresh take on how people can achieve meaningful, sustainable career change.

International bestselling author Jay Samit, is a dynamic entrepreneur and intrepreneur who is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on disruption and innovation. Described by Wired magazine as “having the coolest job in the industry,” he raises hundreds of millions of dollars for startups, transforms Fortune 500 firms, revamps government institutions, and for three decades continues to be at the forefront of global trends. Everyone from the Pope to the President calls on Samit to orchestrate positive change in this era of endless innovation. A former NASDAQ company CEO and Independent Vice Chairman of Deloitte, Samit helped grow pre-IPO companies such as LinkedIn, held senior management roles at EMI, Sony and Universal Studios, pioneered breakthrough advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, ecommerce, social media, data analytics, mobile, and digital music that are used by billions of consumers every day. Combining innovation with commercial success, Samit is the consummate dealmaker; his list of partners and associates reads like a who’s who list of innovators, including: Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, Steve Jobs, Reid Hoffman, David Geffen, Richard Branson, Paul Allen, and Pierre Omidyar. A proven trend spotter, Samit accurately predicts the future because he is constantly working with those who create it. Samit is author of The Second Act Advantage, Future Proofing You, and Disrupt You! (published in twelve languages). See Wikipedia for full bio. My new book, The Second Act Advantage, focuses on redefining retirement. Unleash Your Greatest Chapter Yet. Purpose, Prosperity, and Longevity Await The Second Act Advantage shatters the outdated retirement myth and reveals how to turn your post-career years into your most productive, profitable, and purpose-filled decades. Perfect for fans of Outlive by Peter Attia and From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks, this revolutionary guide proves your best years aren't behind you—they're just beginning. International bestselling author Jay Samit challenges everything you've been told about retirement and delivers the essential guide to thriving in life’s most rewarding stage. Drawing from cutting-edge science, inspiring real-life stories, and actionable strategies, this book flips the script on retirement and reinvention. While others settle for golf and grandkid visits, you'll discover how artificial intelligence, social media platforms, and emerging technologies have created unprecedented opportunities for intellectual stimulation and entrepreneurial success after 50. What you'll learn: Master AI as your business partner: Use ChatGPT, automation tools, and smart home technology to launch profitable ventures with zero employees Monetize your lifetime of wisdom: Transform decades of experience into consulting empires, online courses, and social media influence that generates passive income Leverage the "senior startup advantage": Discover why entrepreneurs over 50 are 3x more likely to succeed than twenty-somethings and how your networks become your net worth Build a global digital lifestyle: Use geoarbitrage and remote work technologies to live richly anywhere in the world while running your empire from a laptop Drawing from stories of late-blooming entrepreneurs like Anne Beiler, who built Auntie Anne's Pretzels empire at 65, and Dolly Parton, who launched her global Imagination Library at 50, Samit reveals why your extensive networks, financial stability, and hard-won expertise, coupled with new technologies and opportunities, create an unbeatable advantage. Technology hasn't made you obsolete; it's made you unstoppable. Your second act isn't about managing decline; it's about asking: What will the world gain because I finally had time to do it?

We are an independent, fee-only wealth management firm. We utilize a holistic approach to investment management and retirement planning. This approach allows us to eliminate potential conflicts of interest that may arise which provides objective, unbiased financial guidance based strictly on the needs, values, risk tolerance, and goals of each client. Scott's blog at www.commonfnancialsense.com has been featured on FoxBusiness.com, ETFtrends.com, Yahoo Finance, Investopedia.com, Nasdaq.com, and Advisorpedia.com. He hopes to bring a little Common Sense to a Complicated Financial Landscape.Investment Advisory Services offered through Global Retirement Partners, LLC dba Connor & Gallagher OneSource, an SEC registered investment advisor.

Garrett is the founder of CheatCode Wealth, a platform that empowers employees to build wealth by sharing practical, under-the-radar knowledge to level the playing field while ruthlessly protecting their time and life priorities.

Ray Johnson is a retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, attorney, and educator whose career spans the courtroom, the classroom, and the command post. Over nearly 30 years in state and federal law enforcement, he has led complex criminal investigations, commanded SWAT operations, overseen national shooting‑incident reviews, and managed critical incidents and mass‑casualty events across the United States. Johnson is a veteran member of the Southern Nevada law enforcement community, with deep senior‑level experience coordinating federal, state, and local responses to both crises and major planned events. He has delivered high‑impact training on active shooter behavior, ethics, and leadership to thousands of public‑safety leaders and is frequently called in after major incidents to help agencies navigate culture, accountability, and public trust. As Division Counsel in multiple FBI field offices, Johnson provided legal oversight on investigations, ethics, and compliance and helped shape the FBI’s Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide. Internationally, he has mediated between Ukrainian anti‑corruption agencies and advised on governance and rule‑of‑law issues during Operation Enduring Freedom, earning recognition from the U.S. Ambassador for advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. Now an adjunct faculty member at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law, he focuses on how law, leadership, and policy perform under real‑world pressure. His research and writing center on use of force, investigative accountability, organizational ethics, and the intersection of policing, immigration, and civil rights. He regularly helps journalists and the public make sense of complex law‑enforcement issues. He is coauthoring two forthcoming Criminal Investigation and Criminology texts as well as a companion leadership playbook for front‑line leaders working in high‑pressure, high‑visibility environments. Johnson’s honors include multiple high‑level executive leadership awards from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, as well as recognition from U.S. diplomatic leadership for international anti‑corruption work. He continues to consult with courts, law‑enforcement agencies, and organizations on use of force, crisis leadership, and organizational culture under scrutiny.

Derrick Schuler is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with Schuler Wealth Planning located in Columbus, OH. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry and has worked for several large financial firms throughout his career. He helps clients retire comfortably with confidence. As a fee-only, fiduciary CFP®, he offers traditional ongoing financial planning services for a flat fee, or one-time plans for those that don’t want to transfer assets or pay ongoing fees.

Michael Ryan is the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com and a former financial planner specializing in retirement planning, Roth IRA strategies, taxes, estate planning, and personal finance education. He helps journalists break down complex money topics into clear, practical, reader friendly commentary. Covering retirement income decisions, Roth conversions, Social Security timing, capital gains taxes, wealth transfer, and the real-world money mistakes people make when planning for retirement. Michael is known for giving concise, quotable insights that translate technical financial concepts into language everyday readers actually understand and can use. Learn More About Michael Ryan Here: michaelryanmoney.com/about-me/

I am a sociologist with more than 25 years of experience studying and teaching about social/economic inequality, social trends, and the structures that shape everyday life in the United States. I am a Full Professor of Sociology at Maryville University, where my commentary and analysis has appeared in a variety of media venues, such as Newsweek (Print and Online), Forbes, The Washington Post, and Scripps News. I have also shared my expertise with international media outlets as well like Metro UK, Arab News, The Hindustan Times, and The Daily Star (UK). Additionally, I have written columns for The Hill, The International Business Times, and The Crime Report. I translate complex social scientific research into clear, accessible language for the public to digest. Alongside my media work, I have published papers in my research roles in peer-reviewed journals and presented at professional conferences. My research has impacted legal policy at the state and national level regarding the state of Public Defense Systems. I am commitment to making sociology relevant and approachable for diverse audiences, what we in the discipline call " Public Sociology." At my core, I believe sociology is a powerful tool for understanding and changing the world we live in. I am available for media interviews, expert commentary, or bylined analysis on issues related to inequality, crime, and the broader social dynamics shaping American life.

I have worked in the financial services industry since 2011, holding a variety of roles across both large institutions and boutique firms. My experience includes working with major organizations such as State Street Bank and Morgan Stanley, as well as smaller, independently owned firms. In 2024, I left Morgan Stanley to become a partner at Town Square Wealth Management & Consulting. Town Square Wealth Management & Consulting is a locally owned boutique firm focused on providing comprehensive financial planning and advice to business owners and recent retirees. In addition to holding the CFP® designation, I am a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), helping business owners prepare for and navigate the eventual sale of their businesses. I strongly believe that thoughtful planning is the foundation of every successful client relationship. After working within large corporate environments, I came to believe that serving hundreds of clients at once does not allow for the level of care and attention clients deserve. Our firm is intentionally structured to remain highly personal, allowing us to deliver focused, meaningful guidance rather than operating as a high-volume practice.

I’m a fee-only financial advisor in Washington, D.C, and the founder of District Capital Management. I am deeply committed to helping professionals in their 30s and 40s retire by 55, through holistic financial planning and research-driven investing. Since 2013, I’ve empowered over 400 clients to take control of their financial futures, making personal finance approachable and less intimidating.

I am a licensed geropsychologist with more than 30 years of professional experience focused on psychologically healthy aging. My work addresses how mindset, lifestyle, mental health, and social connection influence longevity, brain health, and quality of life in later years. I specialize in topics such as cognitive aging, resilience, depression and dementia in older adults, and practical strategies that help people adapt to the physical, emotional, and social changes that accompany aging. I am the founder of Living to 100, an education and media platform dedicated to reframing aging as a stage of continued growth, meaning, and contribution. I host the long-running Living to 100 Club podcast, where I interview researchers, clinicians, and innovators in aging, health, and longevity, translating evidence-based insights into accessible, real-world guidance. I also speak nationally and locally to older adults, caregivers, and professionals working in senior living, healthcare, and community organizations. My commentary emphasizes balanced, realistic optimism about aging—grounded in science rather than hype. I focus on what individuals, families, and communities can do now to support cognitive health, emotional well-being, purpose, and engagement across the later decades of life. I am particularly interested in countering ageist assumptions, promoting resilience after loss or health setbacks, and highlighting practical, psychologically informed approaches to aging well.