Chris is a Director in Cerulli’s Retirement practice. He leads research and analysis that covers key aspects of the retirement industry, including defined contribution (DC) plan recordkeeping, DC plan investments, and the individual retirement account (IRA) market. His research examines market sizing, product adoption and utilization, the influence of advisers and consultants, participant behavior, and more. In this capacity, he regularly engages with key players in the retirement industry, including executives within recordkeepers and asset managers, investment consultants, and financial advisory firms. In addition, his team collects data and perspectives from plan sponsors and participants annually.

Chris brings more than 20 years of DC market experience to Cerulli, having spent time at Fidelity and external research firms leading retirement and wealth-focused research programs. Before joining Cerulli, he led the U.S. market insights practice of a global financial services consulting firm, where he helped recordkeeping and insurance clients advance strategic decision-making and thought leadership. At Fidelity, he led the competitive and industry intelligence function for its Workplace Investing business and held several internal consulting and analysis roles prior to that.

Sean founded Bjork Asset Management to provide disciplined, independent fiduciary guidance to institutions sponsoring retirement plans and their employees. As president, Sean’s goal is to deliver a process that simplifies the complex and creates fearless, confident investors.

He is driven to make a difference in the lives of thousands of American workers who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to save for retirement by providing advice and guidance to educate them on their financial journey. For more than 20 years of working with qualified retirement savings plans and participants, the aspect of his career which has given him the most joy is knowing that the individuals who the financial services industry has traditionally overlooked were provided guidance towards meaningful retirement savings.

Sean holds AIF, CIMA and CPWA designations and earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. He graduated with a BA from St. Lawrence University, where he was captain of the NCAA Division I Alpine Ski Racing Team. 

Beyond family and work, Sean volunteers in his community as a firefighter and EMT with the Lake Bluff Fire Department and serves as a Dive Rescue Technician with the MABAS Division 4 & 5 Specialized Response Team.

Sean Kelly serves as a financial adviser and holds the position of Vice President at Heffernan Financial Services. With a career spanning 17 years in the retirement plan investment advisory business, Sean has become a trusted expert in group retirement plans across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. His dedication lies in helping organizations craft and sustain robust retirement plan benefits for both the company and its employees.

Sean takes pride in delivering genuine independent investment advice and fostering a consultative relationship with each client. As a committed advocate, he guides them through every step of the process, ensuring the best outcomes. Together with his team, Sean manages a portfolio of just over $1 billion in assets, distributed among 47 valued clients.

Sean pursued his education at The University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a BA in Business Economics.