About The College Retirement Planning Press
Horizons 2026 Retirement Conference
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – December 2, 2025 – The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce the return of Horizons: a one-of-a-kind educational experience that will bring together the brightest minds in retirement planning to explore innovative strategies and solutions for today’s dynamic retirement landscape. The College holds Horizons to hone the skills of retirement practitioners; positioning it as the largest convening of academics and advisors focused on the pre- and current retiree market.
Hosted May 4 to 6, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida, Horizons offers an exclusive, immersive event experience 100% focused on retirement planning topics.
Horizons is intentionally intimate with focused networking events and an industry-leading staff-to-attendee ratio, exceptionally experiential through the inclusion of activities that uniquely showcase the host city of Orlando, and specifically specialized with intensive sessions on retirement income planning, longevity planning, tax planning, legacy and estate planning, and more. The conference will feature researchers, industry thought leaders, and some of the top financial advisors in retirement planning today.
“Horizons 2025 was epic because of our attendees, speakers, and sponsors,” said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “This event embodies The College’s pursuit of excellence, and we’re hoping it will be the same for everyone who attends in 2026. Retirement planning knowledge is more important than ever, and we’ve built Horizons to be the place to convene those serious about serving today’s retirees.”
The dynamic agenda is available now and features speakers including:
- Denise Appleby, APA, AKS, CISP, CRC®, CRPS®, CRSP, CEO and Founder, Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc.
- David Blanchett, PhD, MSFS, CFA, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, and Head of Retirement Research, PGIM DC Solutions
- Sharon Carson, CRPC®, Executive Director, Retirement Insights Strategy, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
- Jean Chatzky, CEO and Co-founder, HerMoney Media
- Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®) Program Director, The American College of Financial Services
- Jeffrey Levine, CFP®, CPA/PFS, ChFC®, RICP®, CWS, AIF, BFA™, Chief Planning Officer, Focus Wealth Partners
- Wade Pfau, PhD, CFA, RICP®, Founder, RISAProfile.com
- Ed Slott, CPA, Founder and CEO, Ed Slott and Company
…and many more!
Attendees of Horizons 2025, held March 2025 in Coronado, California, gave the event rave reviews, with many saying it was one of the best professional events they had ever attended. This distinction played a role in Horizons securing recognition at the 2025 WealthManagement.com Industry Awards and a top spot on Kitces’ “17 Best Financial Advisor Conferences to Attend In 2026.”
“The breadth of the topics was fantastic, and the depth of the knowledge from the speakers was simply the best,” said Caleb Hanke, MBA, ChFC®, CPCU, API. “Even the knowledge from the crowd and the interaction back and forth was great as people asked questions and challenged assumptions.”
“If retirement planning were a sport, this would be an all-star game,” said John Suszynski III, RICP®, adding, “It was one of the most thought-provoking conferences I have ever attended.”
Unlike traditional industry events, Horizons offers an agenda free of sales presentations. Instead, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with star speakers and top-tier experts, offering practical knowledge and applicable insights that directly enhance client relationships and business outcomes. Continuing education (CE) credits will also be available for qualifying sessions.
But it’s not all about learning. Horizons fosters connections and offers relaxation. The event features exclusive networking opportunities, themed experiences, and a scholarship golf tournament, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable time for all attendees.
“We saw industry events ripe for disruption,” said Jared Trexler, senior vice president, chief marketing and strategy officer. “While others disrupted the wealth management ecosystem, we’re disrupting the retirement planning ecosystem in our own unique way. Horizons is education first – the largest convening of academics and advisors at the intersection of client service – but it’s purpose built with soul, think themed events, experiences that soak up Orlando’s culture and history, and inside-outside intentionality.”
For more information and to register, visit Events.TheAmericanCollege.edu/Horizons.
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ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit and accredited educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Nearly one in five advisors or agents is an alum of The College. The College offers a learning platform that includes professional designation, certification, and degree programs and encompasses early-career foundational knowledge as well as deep, specialized education in tax, retirement income, philanthropy, risk management, and more with the highest-quality combination of rigor and relevance. The College’s faculty represents the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Its educational programs, research, and events offer professionals the opportunity to expand earnings, deepen relationships, and deliver improved client outcomes.
Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu to discover all the ways to gain expertise for every stage.
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Contacts:
Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / Stremallo@jconnelly.com
Jared Trexler
610-526-1268/ jared.trexler@theamericancollege.edu
About The College Insights
2025 Women Working in Wealth Award
The Women Working in Wealth℠ Award celebrates women who inspire, mentor, and strive to help others advance in the financial services profession.
Michele Matchett Godfrey MBA, ChFC®, AFC®
Michele Matchett Godfrey is a transformative and results-driven leader with a distinguished record of fostering sustainable change and enhancing financial health across military, corporate, and banking sectors. As a business development manager leading strategic partnerships and programming for higher education initiatives at JPMorganChase, Godfrey spearheads initiatives to design and implement strategies that assess and promote financial health programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff members of communities across the wealth spectrum.
In her role, Godfrey serves as a subject matter expert on financial health, leveraging her expertise to align programming, share best practices, and collaboratively address economic stability challenges. She expertly designs program metrics and success indicators that support the organization's key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring that initiatives deliver measurable impacts on financial well-being. By acting as a liaison between various lines of business, Godfrey fosters collaborations that drive firmwide financial health objectives.
Godfrey’s commitment to excellence extends nationally and locally, as she actively engages with various nonprofit and policy organizations focused on economic security and financial empowerment. Her involvement with the Financial Literacy Education Commission (FLEC), Project REACH, the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), and the Financial Health Network underscores her dedication to advancing impactful policy initiatives and educational programs.
Her extensive background in program development is complemented by her credentials as a certified Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) and her past leadership as the personal financial management and career services program manager for Marine Corps Community Services. Here, she directed the strategic execution of financial literacy programs, achieving significant increases in engagement and recognition for excellence.
Godfrey’s contributions as a community affairs specialist with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and as a financial readiness program manager for the United States Army Garrison demonstrate her versatile expertise and ability to integrate corporate social responsibility with financial readiness, advocating for initiatives that deliver lasting societal benefits.
With a master's degree in business administration from Hawaii Pacific University and a bachelor’s degree in finance, Godfrey continues to be a thought leader and visionary in corporate social responsibility and community engagement, dedicated to driving initiatives that empower communities and foster economic resilience. Godfrey is active in her community as a member of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., where she leads youth programs that empower and educate youth in the community. She is also active in military spouse clubs and mentors military spouses by helping them get acclimated to the military lifestyle while navigating their personal and professional goals.
Godfrey is the proud spouse of an active-duty marine, Jerry Godfrey, and the mother of two children Alexander Joel and Alyssa Mckenzie.
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About The College Insights
2025 NextGen Financial Services Professional Award
First established in 2016, the NextGen Financial Services Professional Award celebrates the next generation of financial professionals, under the age of 40. These leaders have significantly contributed to the profession, while demonstrating a desire to give back to their communities.
Aaron Gose, ChFC®, FSCP®, RICP®, WMCP®
Aaron Gose studied civil engineering and finance at the University of Colorado, Denver. He spent nearly six years as a HUNCH Engineer with NASA focusing on hydrology in micro-gravity environments and as a Civil Engineering professional with the Mile High Flood District focusing on stormwater management systems. His love for problem solving extended beyond the engineering world with a career shift to finance in 2021.
He is the principal financial advisor at the Engineer's Financial Group LLC with a focus on helping clients in the engineering market. He is FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licensed. In his additional studies, Gose has earned numerous designations from The American College of Financial Services, including the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Financial Services Certified Professional® (FSCP®), Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®), and Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®).
In his free time, Gose is a Firefighter with the Snohomish County Fire District #5. He holds Firefighter 1 and Hazmat certifications from the Department of Fire Prevention and Control.
Gose lives with his beautiful wife, Michelle, who is his backbone and constant motivation to live the most fulfilling life. Without her support, none of this would have been possible.
Mariana Llamas, CFP®
[Body] Mariana Llamas is an associate financial planner at Brio Financial Group, with over eight years of experience in the financial services industry. She works closely with non-traditional individuals and families, helping ensure their financial plans align with the lives they aspire to live. As a proud first-generation Mexican immigrant, Llamas brings cultural fluency and empathy to her work, empowering clients and peers alike through financial education and community building.
Her commitment to equity and access has guided her involvement in various initiatives, including mentoring first-generation college students, leading financial literacy workshops for underserved communities, and advising industry leaders on inclusive hiring practices. Llamas served two years on The American College of Financial Services’ NextGen Task Force, advocating for the retention and development of diverse talent within the profession. Whether on stage speaking to RIA firm owners or organizing peer mastermind groups, she is dedicated to fostering connection and driving meaningful change in the financial planning profession.
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2025 Huebner Gold Medal
Named for Solomon S. Huebner, a financial services, education, and insurance pioneer who founded The College in 1927, the Solomon S. Huebner Gold Medal recognizes the leaders whose support and dedication make The College's mission a reality. Fifty years since its inaugural presentation in 1975, the Huebner Gold Medal remains the highest honor bestowed by The College.
Randall "Rand" H. Harbert, CLU®
[Body] An accomplished business leader, executive coach, and lifelong learner, Randall (Rand) H. Harbert has led a distinguished career in marketing, sales, and agency leadership spanning more than three decades. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Missouri in 1985, an MBA from Webster University in 1988, and completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2001. He also holds the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation from The American College of Financial Services.
Harbert began his career in marketing with H.J. Heinz and Marion Merrell Dow, before joining State Farm as an agent in 1992. He rose through the ranks to hold key leadership roles, including president and chief executive of State Farm General Insurance Company. Most notably, he served as executive vice president and chief agency, sales and marketing officer of State Farm Mutual Insurance Company from 2011 to 2022, overseeing a bold transformation of the State Farm brand. He revitalized the iconic “Like a Good Neighbor” campaign and reintroduced the “Jake from State Farm” character. His innovative leadership earned national recognition, including Ad Age’s 2020 Marketer of the Year and inclusion on Business Insider’s “50 Most Innovative CMOs” list.
Today, Harbert channels his experience into coaching and mentoring high-performing executives and teams, helping them drive impact and navigate complex challenges. He currently serves on the board of directors for Hagerty and State Farm Life Company, and has previously held board roles with State Farm Fire Company, State Farm General Company, Teach For America, the California Business Roundtable (where he served as Chairman), the California Chamber of Commerce, the Reagan Legacy Foundation, Eureka College, and the University of Central Missouri Foundation. At The College, Harbert served as a trustee for 11 years and now serves on the President’s Advisory Council. He has been a member of the President’s Circle and Legacy Society and has supported The College’s annual fund, the American College Center for Women in Financial Services, and the Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP).
Rand and his wife Kelly reside in Texas and are proud parents of three as well as grandparents to a granddaughter and two grandsons. The College is proud to award Rand Harbert its highest honor, the Solomon S. Huebner Gold Medal, in recognition of his extraordinary career and lifetime of service.
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2025 Presidents Award
Conferred by The College’s President and CEO, the President’s Award honors the extraordinary benefactors and volunteers, whose generosity and leadership embody The College’s mission.
Thomas H. Harris, CLU®, ChFC®, FLMI
Tom Harris is the recently retired president of life insurance and annuities for The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. He was appointed to this position in 2022 after serving as executive vice president and chief distribution officer since 2013.
Harris was responsible for life insurance and annuity product development, marketing and servicing of the company’s industry-leading life and annuity solutions and Penn Mutual’s national distribution channels, including 1847Financial (affiliated), Independence Financial Network, and Strategic Alliances.
His career spans more than 40 years in all facets of distribution leadership. Prior to joining Penn Mutual in 2009, Harris served as senior vice president of Prudential Select Brokerage, where he was responsible for growing life insurance sales through independent producers.
Harris received a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from Temple University. He holds Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) designations. He is active in the industry as a member of Finseca, the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS), and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He is a member of the advisory council for the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs at The American College of Financial Services.
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About The College Insights
2025 Presidents Dinner Recap
The American College of Financial Services is committed to delivering the highest-quality applied education to the professionals entrusted with the public’s financial well-being. The annual President’s Dinner highlights new and exciting developments at The College, while recognizing the generous supporters, including President’s Circle and Legacy Society members, whose contributions help drive our mission forward.
Awards Presentation
Each year, the President’s Dinner features a series of award presentations recognizing financial services leaders whose passion and commitment make a meaningful impact on The College and financial services profession.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Huebner Gold Medal: Randall H. Harbert, CLU®
Randall (Rand) H. Harbert, is an accomplished business leader, executive coach, and lifelong learner with a distinguished career in marketing, sales, and agency leadership spanning more than three decades.
Harbert’s career includes leadership roles at H.J. Heinz, Marion Merrell Dow, and State Farm, where he served as executive vice president and chief agency, sales, and marketing officer from 2011 to 2022. He led the transformation of the State Farm brand, revitalizing the “Like a Good Neighbor” campaign and reintroducing “Jake from State Farm,” earning national recognition including Ad Age’s 2020 Marketer of the Year.
Today, Harbert mentors executives, serves on multiple boards, and has long supported The College as a trustee, advisory council member, and donor. The College honors him with the Solomon S. Huebner Gold Medal for his lifetime of achievement and service.
President’s Award: Thomas H. Harris, CLU®, ChFC®, FLMI
Tom Harris is the recently retired president of life insurance and annuities for The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. He was appointed to this role in 2022 after serving as executive vice president and chief distribution officer since 2013. In these roles, Harris oversaw life insurance and annuity product development, marketing, servicing, and Penn Mutual’s national distribution channels, including 1847Financial, Independence Financial Network, and Strategic Alliances.
With a career spanning more than 40 years in distribution leadership, Harris previously served as senior vice president of Prudential Select Brokerage, driving life insurance sales through independent producers. He remains actively engaged in the industry as a member of Finseca, the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS), and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). Harris also serves on the advisory council for the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs at The American College of Financial Services, sharing his expertise and supporting the next generation of financial professionals.
Alumni Hall of Fame: Rodger Johnson, CLU®, ChFC®, CAP®, CFP®, MSFS, RICP®
A native East Texan, Rodger Johnson has been a leader in the financial services profession since 1978. A lifelong advocate for continuing education, he has facilitated CAP® classes in Tyler and Dallas, Texas, helping more than 250 business leaders and clients deepen their understanding of philanthropy. His passion lies in guiding clients through The Bigger Conversations™, transformative dialogues that make technical planning strategic and personal, while inspiring bold thinking, purposeful action, and new possibilities.
In addition to serving clients, Johnson is a nationally recognized speaker on estate and business succession planning. Committed to giving back, he serves as president of the New York Life Advisory Board of Directors, vice chairman of the American College’s President’s Advisory Board, and vice chairman of advancement for The East Texas Crisis Center.
The College proudly inducts Rodger Johnson into the Alumni Hall of Fame, honoring his lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to advancing the financial services profession.
Second Century Society: John J. Rocco, MSFS, CLU® (posthumously)
John J. Rocco, exemplified a lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and leadership. He dedicated 69 years of his career to New York Life Insurance Company and founded the Rocco Insurance & Financial Group, helping thousands of individuals and families secure their financial futures through expert guidance and care.
A respected leader in the financial services profession, Rocco earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation and, at age 63, his Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) from The American College of Financial Services. He maintained a lasting relationship with The College, supporting initiatives such as the 21st Century, One Person, and Invest in the Future campaigns, and serving as Alumni Council Emeritus and Foundation Board Trustee Emeritus. His contributions were recognized through numerous accolades, including Life and Qualifying Membership in the Million Dollar Round Table and The College’s President’s Award in 2009.
Rocco passed peacefully on March 22, 2025, and is deeply missed by all who knew him. His impact endures through his work, friendships, family, and generosity. The College is proud to carry on the legacy of John J. Rocco and is honored to induct him posthumously into the Second Century Society.
Women Working in Wealth℠: Michele Matchett Godfrey MBA, ChFC®, AFC®
Michele Matchett Godfrey is a transformative leader with a distinguished record of enhancing financial health across military, corporate, and banking sectors. As business development manager for higher education initiatives at JPMorgan Chase, she leads strategic partnerships and programs that assess and advance financial health solutions for students, faculty, and staff across diverse communities. A recognized subject matter expert, Godfrey aligns programming, shares best practices, and addresses economic stability challenges.
Her commitment extends nationally and locally through nonprofit and policy organizations, including the Financial Literacy Education Commission (FLEC), Project REACH, NEFE, and the Financial Health Network. A certified Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®), she previously managed financial literacy and career programs for Marine Corps Community Services, served as a community affairs specialist at the FDIC, and directed financial readiness programs for the U.S. Army Garrison. She also mentors military spouses, helping them navigate personal and professional goals. Godfrey’s work reflects a career dedicated to financial empowerment, education, and lasting societal impact.
NextGen Financial Services Professional Award: Aaron Gose, ChFC®, FSCP®, RICP®, WMCP® & Mariana Llamas, CFP®
Aaron Gose is the principal financial advisor at Engineer’s Financial Group LLC, specializing in clients in the engineering market. He studied civil engineering and finance at the University of Colorado, Denver, and spent nearly six years as a HUNCH Engineer with NASA and as a civil engineer with the Mile High Flood District. His love for problem-solving led him to a career in finance in 2021. Gose holds multiple designations from The American College of Financial Services and is FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licensed. In his free time, he serves as a firefighter with Snohomish County Fire District #5, holding Firefighter 1 and Hazmat certifications.
Mariana Llamas is an associate financial planner at Brio Financial Group with over eight years of experience helping non-traditional individuals and families align their financial plans with their life goals. A first-generation Mexican immigrant, she brings cultural fluency and empathy to her work, empowering clients and peers through financial education and community engagement. Llamas has led financial literacy workshops for underserved communities, mentored first-generation college students, and advised industry leaders on inclusive hiring. She served two years on The American College of Financial Services’ NextGen Task Force and actively fosters connection and development within the profession, driving meaningful change and promoting equity in financial planning.
Venue
A sophisticated staple of Center City, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center is located in Philadelphia’s tallest building, complete with unobstructed city views, luxury hotel rooms, and access to conference and event spaces. Guests were treated in high style as The College celebrated the accomplishments of distinguished honorees.
The President
President and CEO of The College George Nichols III, CAP®, presided over the 2025 President’s Dinner. He reflected on a transformative year while looking ahead to the future, including The College’s 100th anniversary in 2027. George acknowledged the leading volunteers, donors, and friends whose support makes The College’s work possible. He reminded guests that the phrase “Don’t let the old man in” takes on new meaning as we approach our centennial, emphasizing that we are as young as we feel. It was an inspiring evening, reminding all in attendance that The Future is Now.
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- Continue to support our mission and the future of financial services
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