"Tales from the 403(b) Battlefield," presented by Patricia Stahm, QKA, will cover what's currently happening with 403(b) plans and what progress has been made since new regulations went into effect. The discussion will include the real-life application of the 403(b) regulations currently in effect. For example, how plan sponsors and TPAs dealing with the new reporting requirements, what issues are having to be addressed for audited 403(b) plans, and what types of operational problems are coming to light under the increased scrutiny of regulatory agencies. This meeting will also be informational in nature for those who are not sponsors of 403(b) plan, but will keep them abreast of this area of the industry.

Patricia Stahm, QKA, is a benefits consultant with over 18 years of experience in qualified retirement plan design and administration. She specializes in profit sharing, employee stock, 401(k) and 403(b) plan consulting, including all aspects of plan design, implementation and administration, for both small and large plans. Her expertise includes nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 requirements, plan design and documentation issues, distribution and loan requirements, plan termination procedures and filings required under the various governmental agency corrections programs. In addition to her work with qualified retirement plans, she also has extensive experience with the 5500 filing and disclosure requirements for welfare plans. Pattie is an active member of the Phoenix chapter of the Western Pension & Benefits Conference, acting as co-chair for the Spring Conference in 2001 and 2002, treasurer in 2003, and president for the 2004-2005 membership year. She also frequently speaks at chapter events on the topic of Form 5500 preparation. Pattie is a credentialed member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, holding the Qualified 401(k) Administrator designation.