Bob Architect, formerly senior tax law specialist and 403(b) guidance author in the employee plans division of the Internal Revenue Service, has joined VALIC as vice president of compliance and market strategy.

In his new role, Architect will apply his 35 years of 403(b) regulatory experience and expertise to help plan sponsors meet their retirement plan compliance needs. He will also be instrumental in developing key educational content, including articles and white papers, to continue his efforts in helping plan sponsors and their counsel navigate through often complicated rules and regulations. Architect will report to Glenn Harris, executive vice president, group management and national markets for VALIC.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join VALIC – the industry's most tenured leader,” said Bob Architect. “While I was at the IRS, I always respected VALIC's commitment to the 403(b) market and the company's focus on outreach to plan sponsors and participants. After 35 years of working to shape the 403(b) landscape and educate the market, now I can work directly with plan sponsors and a company that shares my passion for outreach, education and plan compliance solutions. VALIC's focus on the 403(b) market is unparalleled and I'm delighted to share this commitment.”

Architect observed that for a number of important reasons, the 403(b) market, especially in the education sector, continues to be a multi-vendor marketplace. “I can't stress enough the critical importance of compliance coordination across multiple vendors,” he said. “VALIC has addressed this essential function directly with Retirement Manager, its industry leading vendor-neutral solution for managing multiple retirement plans and multiple vendors. Throughout my career, I have continued to see VALIC at the forefront in understanding the important 403(b) rules and requirements, and supporting employers in implementing them.”