Kim Gardner serves as the Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Empower, where she leverages her extensive expertise in employee benefits, retirement plans, and tax law to navigate the complex landscape of financial services. With a strong focus on Trust, Data Protection, Cybersecurity, and...
Kim Gardner serves as the Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Empower, where she leverages her extensive expertise in employee benefits, retirement plans, and tax law to navigate the complex landscape of financial services. With a strong focus on Trust, Data Protection, Cybersecurity, and Privacy, Kim plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Empower adheres to the stringent regulatory requirements set forth by ERISA and other governing bodies. Her proficiency in tax reporting and withholding, coupled with her deep understanding of non-qualified (NQ) and defined benefit (DB) recordkeeping, positions her as a key player in the organization’s legal strategy.
In her current role, Kim is actively involved in several high-impact projects aimed at enhancing Empower's compliance framework and safeguarding client data. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to develop robust policies and procedures that address emerging cybersecurity threats and privacy concerns, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of industry standards. Her skills in legal research, writing, and litigation are instrumental in crafting comprehensive legal opinions and navigating complex disputes, while her background in administrative law and alternative dispute resolution equips her to effectively mediate and resolve conflicts.
Kim’s commitment to fostering a culture of compliance and ethical governance is evident in her proactive approach to legal challenges. By staying abreast of the latest developments in financial services law and leveraging her expertise in trusts and corporate law, she not only protects Empower’s interests but also contributes to the overall integrity of the financial services industry. Her strategic vision and legal acumen make her an invaluable asset to Empower and a trusted advisor in the ever-evolving landscape of employee benefits and retirement planning.
