About Our Firm

Watkins Ross administers employer or union-sponsored retirement benefits and health plans. We serve approximately 700 clients including one-person professional service corporations, multi-employer plans, and group health plans covering thousands of participants. We care for our team members, help the communities we live in and serve our clients with consulting, actuarial, and administration services.

Established in 1948, the Watkins Ross corporate office is located in Grand Rapids, MI. With satellite offices in Wisconsin and New Orleans, we serve clients nationwide.

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Who We Help

From designing your first retirement plan, to maintaining a plan for years, we help small and mid-sized employers with their retirement plan needs. Our health plan team assists you with strategies to help you manage your retiree health plan obligations.

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How We Help

The regulations that govern this industry are complex and the penalties for noncompliance can be substantial. We make sure you understand what is required to keep your plan in compliance and the options that are available as your business changes.

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The WR Approach

As a 100% employee-owned company, our employees have a personal stake in the success of your firm. We understand that your business is unique. Our diverse experience enables us to consult on your various retirement and health plan related questions.

Becky B. said:

“Watkins Ross is among most reliable and knowledgeable vendors that we work with. Their team is highly professional and has always been very responsive to our needs and requests. We strongly recommend their services to any business!”

Our Team

The Faces of Watkins Ross

At Watkins Ross, each client is assigned a top-level associate who works closely with members of our Client Management Team. This collaborative team based approach utilizes the range and experience of our staff to ensure every client receives the highest level of consultative, actuarial and administrative services.

Join Our Team

Christian R. Veenstra, FCA, ASA, MAAA, EA

President

616-742-9244
cveenstra@watkinsross.com

Christian Veenstra is Co-President of Watkins Ross. Chris has been with the firm since 1991 and is credited with building the retiree medical plan division of the company. As Co-President, Chris Veenstra oversees all aspects of Watkins Ross.

David E. Paauwe, MSEA, EA

President

616-742-9211
dpaauwe@watkinsross.com

David Paauwe is Co-President of Watkins Ross. Dave has been with the firm since 1999 and is responsible for developing the company’s cash balance plan business. As Co-President, Dave Paauwe oversees all aspects of Watkins Ross.

David Bosch

Consultant

616-742-9239
dbosch@watkinsross.com

David Bosch is a Consultant at Watkins Ross. David has been with the firm since 1999 and serves as the primary consultant in the ESOP, Defined Contribution and Cash Balance divisions of the company. David is an active member of the ESOP Association and the Michigan Chapter of the ESOP Association.

Marianne Evans

Defined Contribution Department Manager

616-742-9252
mevans@watkinsross.com

Marianne Evans has been with the firm since 2000. As the Defined Contribution Department Manager, Marianne implements department policies and procedures, overseeing a team of DC Retirement Administrators and their work produce to meet applicable deadlines while providing excellent customer service. She also manages a smaller caseload of ESOP plans.

Troy A. Schnabel, FCA, ASA, MAAA, EA

Enrolled Actuary

616-742-9242
tschnabel@watkinsross.com

Troy Schnabel is an Enrolled Actuary at Watkins Ross. Troy has been with the firm since 2013 and provides actuarial services to governmental, single employer and multiemployer pension plans. As a pension actuary, Troy oversees all facets of a defined benefit plan’s administration including cost projections, termination studies, and annual valuation reports.

Joey Shackelford, MAAA, ASA

Actuary

616-742-9218
jshackelford@watkinsross.com

Joey Shackelford is an Actuary at Watkins Ross. He provides actuarial services to retiree health care plans. Joey is an Associate Member of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He has provided retiree health plan actuarial services for Watkins Ross since 2018.

Leah A. Dudley, MAAA, ASA

Health Actuary

616-742-9217
ldudley@watkinsross.com

Leah Dudley is a Health Actuary at Watkins Ross. Leah joined the firm in 2016 and provides actuarial services to health care plans. Leah is an Associate Member of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. She has provided health plan actuarial services since 1990.

Rachel Perkins, MBA, CEBS

Corporate Controller

616-742-9206
rperkins@watkinsross.com

Rachel Perkins is the Corporate Controller at Watkins Ross. Rachel has been with the firm since 2015 and serves as the manager of our Accounting and Human Resources department. Rachel’s Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation allows her to demonstrate an understanding of the full spectrum of employee benefits, from health care and retirement plan strategies to legal and regulatory compliance.

Our Contributions

For a Better Community

We believe we have an obligation to the community and industry we serve.

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Contributing to a Green Future

We believe it’s important to be environmentally conscious and reduce our carbon footprint. We are committed to decreasing consumption and limiting our waste.

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Charity Committee

Our employees are committed to giving back to the community. The employee-run charity committee raises money during the year to support various organizations.

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WR Sponsorship Program

Our goal is to financially equip local organizations to meet their community objectives and to encourage the education and advancement of industry professionals.