Michelle Herd

Second-Year LDP Associate

Directed a Columbus Life initiative to explore opportunities in the Fee-Only Advisor marketplace to sell life insurance.
Gathered team findings and prepare a strategic roadmap related to targeted channel distribution and potential product/marketing/sales campaigns in the upcoming year.
Assessed the current design of Columbus Life’s distribution support model and identified expansion opportunities best aligned with the company’s goals for growth.
Performed a cost/benefit analysis on various realignment and/or expansion scenarios and recommended the most appropriate model for effective growth.

Analyzed the Defined Contribution marketplace, focusing specifically on market-entry best practices, competitive opportunities and threats and product development trends.
Recommended a strategy for Touchstone to enter the Defined Contribution space based on current growth and future projections by market segment, investor behavior, fund flows, product pricing and Touchstone’s resources and client relationships.
Executed a third party survey of financial advisors who are assisting clients moving from the accumulation phase of retirement to the distribution phase. Analyzed survey data to determine key risks that are not being addressed in the current marketplace related to products, processes and education.
Developed a business plan for Touchstone to better address advisor needs in the retirement income marketplace, and presented these recommendations to Touchstone’s senior management.