About
Future Planning Associates, Inc. was incorporated in 1974 following Congress’s passage of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). It has continued through five generations of owners and directors, and is currently owned and operated by Erin Helmken and Daryl Straw, who each have over 25 years of retirement plan expertise.
At Future Planning Associates, Inc. our trained Administrators have received the highest certification in their field from the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). The depth of the FPA staff, along with their technical expertise and creativity has made us the premier benefits consulting and administrative firm in northern New England. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and are proud of our innovative and dynamic workforce.
Our Staff
Daryl R. Straw, ERPA, CPC, CEBS
Chief Operating Officer, Senior Pension Administrator
- Phone:
- 802-857-0699
Daryl R. Straw, Chief Operating Officer, shareholder and director of Future Planning Associates, Inc. Daryl graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Mathematics. Daryl’s professional designations include Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) from the IRS. Daryl has more than 30 years of experience in retirement plan administration and consulting, and has been with Future Planning Associates, Inc. since 1991.
Erin R. Helmken, CPC, QPA
President, Senior Pension Administrator
- Phone:
- 802-857-0687
Erin R. Helmken, President, shareholder and director of Future Planning Associates, Inc. Erin received a Bachelor Degree from the University of Vermont with a minor in Accounting. She also received her M.S. in Administration from Boston University’s graduate program in London, England. Erin has earned her Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) and Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) designations from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries. Erin has been with Future Planning Associates, Inc. since 1991.
Mark Shedd, ERPA, QPA, CLU, ChFC, FLMI, ACS, AIAA
Senior Pension Consultant
- Phone:
- 802-857-0688
Mark is a Senior Pension Consultant who joined Future Planning Associates, Inc. in 2011. He brings 26 years of qualified plan experience to our team. Mark received a Bachelor Degree from St. Anselm College, and holds Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA), Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Fellow Life Management Institute (FLMI), Associate in Customer Service (ACS), Associate Insurance Agency Administrator (AIAA) designations.
Lesley C. Alexander, ERPA, QPA
Senior Pension Administrator
- Phone:
- 802-857-0681
Lesley C. Alexander is a Senior Pension Administrator who joined Future Planning Associates in 1997 with 11 years of prior experience as a Pension Analyst, most recently with National Life Insurance Co., and previously with Hooker & Holcombe, Inc. and KLM Plan Services (both in Connecticut). She received her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Vermont. Lesley has also received her Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) and Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) designations from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA).
Shanne Lovely, ERPA, QPA
Senior Pension Administrator
- Phone:
- 802-857-0691
Shanne is a Senior Pension Administrator who joined Future Planning Associates, Inc. in 1995. She received her Bachelor Degree from Champlain College. Shanne has received Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA), Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA), and American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) designations.
Sally Kimball, ERPA, QPA, ESOP-A
Senior Pension Administrator
- Phone:
- 802-857-0689
Sally is a Senior Pension Administrator who joined Future Planning Associates, Inc. in 2000. She received her Bachelor Degree from St. Lawrance University. Sally has received Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA), Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA), and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP-A) from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) designations.
Shelly M. Duval, ERPA, QPA
Senior Pension Administrator
- Phone:
- 802-857-0686
Shelly is a Senior Pension Administrator who has been with Future Planning Associates, Inc. since 1996. She is a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) and received her Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) designation. Shelly is an Enrolled Retirements Plan Agent (ERPA) since 2011.
Marie L. Nistico, ERPA, QPA
Senior Pension Administrator
- Phone:
- 802-857-0694
Marie is a Senior Pension Administrator who has been with Future Planning Associates, Inc. since 2002. She graduated from Champlain College with an Associate Degree in Accounting. Marie is a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) and received her Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) designation. Marie is an Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) since 2011.
Pam Clark
Senior Pension Plan Associate
- Phone:
- 802-857-0692
Pam Clark is a Senior Pension Plan Associate. Pam has her Associates degree in Business Administration. She brings with her a background in accounting and human resources, most recently as a Senior Pension Plan Associate.
Shelly Bistram
Office Manager
- Phone:
- 802-857-0697
Shelly joined Future Planning Associates, Inc. in 2015. She received her Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Champlain College graduating Magna Cum Laude. She brings over 30 years of experience in day-to-day business office operations and accounting.