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Department of the Treasury


For Immediate Release:
December 16, 2022
Media Contact:
Melinda Caliendo

Secure Choice Savings Board Appoints Todd Hassler As Executive Director
Former U.S. Department of Labor Benefits Professional Selected After Nationwide Search

(TRENTON) – New Jersey's Secure Choice Savings Board announced today the appointment of Todd Hassler as the first Executive Director of the Secure Choice Savings Program, concluding a nationwide search for a leader tasked with implementing a state-sponsored retirement plan designed to help private sector employees save for the future.

As Executive Director, Hassler will oversee the creation and operation of the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program, an initiative created by a law signed by Governor Murphy in his first term which will provide a low-cost retirement plan for private sector employees across New Jersey. Once fully operational, the program could be responsible for receiving and investing more than $10 billion for the benefit of approximately 1.7 million workers.

"Everyone, regardless of their place of employment, deserves the opportunity to securely plan for retirement," said Governor Phil Murphy. "Secure Choice was designed to harness the collective investment power of a mutual fund while making it more easily accessible for the average New Jerseyan to save. Under Todd's leadership, we will make that a reality for nearly two million New Jerseyans."

"Todd's vast knowledge and wealth of experience in responsible oversight of employee benefit plans will be valuable assets in launching the Secure Choice Savings Program," said Andrea Spalla, Assistant State Treasurer and chair of the Secure Choice Savings Board. "We're excited to have him on board to lead this exciting new program that will help so many New Jerseyans save for retirement and plan for the future."

"Todd's experience and expertise makes him the right person to lead the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program," said Evelyn Liebman, vice chair of the Secure Choice Savings Board and AARP New Jersey Director of Advocacy. "We're thrilled to have him on board. With Todd's leadership and the launch of the program, 1.7 million hard-working New Jerseyans will soon be able to take better control of their financial futures. With Todd's appointment, New Jersey is one big step closer to making retirement security a reality for Garden State families who don't have a way to save for their retirement at work."

Most recently, Hassler served as senior investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefit Security Administration, where he analyzed benefit plan designs and investigated operational failures. Prior to this, Hassler spent 15 years in the private sector in various roles overseeing retirement plans and human resources. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources from Immaculata University and earned a Master's degree in Human Resource Development from Villanova University.

"I am very excited to be a part of the launch of New Jersey's Secure Choice Savings Program. This program will provide a valuable benefit to many New Jerseyans who previously may not have had access to a retirement savings plan," said Todd Hassler, Executive Director of the Secure Choice Savings Board. "I would also like to thank the Board for selecting me to lead this initiative, the first of its kind for the State of New Jersey."

Hassler was appointed during the December 16th meeting of the Secure Choice Savings Board.


Last Updated: Friday, 12/16/22