Back to All People

Client Advisory

Biography

Philip is a Partner with over thirty years of experience in retirement and financial services, and is widely considered a pioneer in the development of using financial planning skills and techniques in corporate plans. These methods, coupled with a “true” independent design platform, result in plan participants receiving actual education as opposed to simple enrollment.

Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Philip founded Pension Architects, a firm that designs and manages retirement plans for companies and foundations. He acted as both the President and Chief Executive Officer. Philip began his career in the Baltimore -Washington DC region in 1978 as the principal founder of Steele, Hawes & Johnson, a fee-based financial planning firm. He became a frequent speaker during the 1980s, providing educational workshops to employees in the private sector, as well as to employees at virtually every branch of the Federal government. Pension Architects merged with Cerity Partners in January 2013.

Education

  • Studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Baltimore, Maryland

Highlights

  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary
  • Named one of the Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisors for 2015 and 2013 by PlanAdviser Magazine
  • Named Retirement Advisor of the Year by the 401kWire in 2012
  • Named a Top 40 Finalist for Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year for PLANSPONSOR Magazine in 2012
  • Named one of the five finalists for Plan Advisor of the Year by PLANSPONSOR Magazine in 2009 and 2011, out of more than 3,000 Top Retirement Advisors throughout the United States
  • Nominated in 2010 and 2011 as one of the Top 300 Most Influential Advisors in Defined Contribution Plans by by the 401kWire
  • Named one of the Most Influential D.C. Advisors in 2009

Latest Insights

View All

Philip Steele

Partner

Corporations

One Survey That Employers Should Never Ignore

Fiduciary liability insurance is changing. Partner Philip Steele suggests following best practices now can help lessen your risk of litigation and receiving less than favorable insurance coverage.

View All

Request an Introduction to Philip Steele

By clicking “Submit”, you acknowledge that we collect your name, email address and phone number to respond to your inquiries and provide you information about our products and services in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, please see our CCPA Notice to California Residents.

Meet Our Client Advisory Colleagues

Your Introduction to a Trusted Financial Partner Awaits

Our Concierge Program offers a simple, personalized approach to finding your ideal financial advisor.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery call so we can understand your unique financial goals and match you with an advisor well suited to your needs.

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Dustin Ribergaard

Principal & Client Experience Director

Stephanie Bellisario's headshot

Stephanie Bellisario

Principal & Client Experience Director

Find your ideal financial advisor with our personalized Concierge Program.

Schedule a complimentary discovery call now:

Book Time Online Now

Book your meeting

This 30-minute call with me is designed to better understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Looking forward to
speaking with you!

Dustin Ribergaard

Principal & Client Experience Director

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Thank you for your interest

Thank you for your interest in our financial services. We appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn about your financial goals. A representative will be in touch to discuss your financial needs.

Thank you for booking a meeting with us!

We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Here are some valuable insights to read before your meeting

James Lebenthal

Partner & Chief Market Strategist

Economic and Market Outlooks

Video: August 2026 Economic and Market Outlook

August 4, 2026 - In our August outlook, Partner and Chief Market Strategist Jim Lebenthal walks through why our view of the market remains positive despite key risks. We…

Individuals and Families

California’s 2026 Billionaire Tax: What Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families Need to Know—and Strategies You Can Still Use

August 11, 2026 - California has placed a one-time wealth tax before its voters. If you have a net worth approaching or exceeding $1 billion and any connection to…

James Lebenthal and Amita Schultes

Economic and Market Outlooks

Webinar Recording: Q3 2026 Market & Economic Outlook

July 24, 2026 - Join our Investment Office as they review key market trends from the second quarter and share their outlook for the remainder of the year. This…

Learn about our Privacy Policy

By submitting the form, you acknowledge that we collect your name, email address and phone number to respond to your inquiries and provide you information about our products and services in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, please see our CCPA Notice to California Residents.