Solving for the Moments that Matter
NextChapter is an engagement consulting firm focused on preparing the financial services industry to create more connected next-generation relationships and grow as a result. Led by a proven team of industry veterans who provide expert analysis and actionable strategies, NextChapter helps firms address the evolving needs of their clients through moments that matter, including health events, caregiving and solo aging, integrating workplace benefits and family financial tradeoffs. With a unique blend of discovery, educational content, coaching, and integrated plan design, NextChapter equips firms to create lasting client family relationships.
Our Leadership Team
STEVE GRESHAM
Steve Gresham is the managing principal of NextChapter, a leadership community dedicated to improving retirement outcomes for everyone. He is also Senior Education Advisor to the Alliance for Life-time Income. Prior to founding NextChapter, Steve held several senior leadership positions in investment and wealth management. As the executive vice president and head of the Private Client Group at Fidelity Investments, he led the overall retail division strategy from 2009-2017, when it grew from $700 billion to more than $3 trillion AUA.
Steve served eight years on the faculty of Brown University’s Taubman School of Public Policy and is the author of five books about wealth management, Including The New Advisor for Life (John Wiley & Sons, 2011). He is a graduate of Brown University.
SUZANNE SCHMITT
Suzanne Schmitt is the Managing Director of NextChapter Innovation, leading our NextGen engagement and growth strategies. Her prior roles include financial wellbeing leadership positions at New York Life and Prudential; head of aging investor strategy at Fidelity investments; and consumer insights and marketing leadership roles at Lincoln Financial and Genworth. (New paragraph) Suzanne holds a BA in Psychology from Douglass College, a Masters in Change Management and Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, and Certificates in Gerontology and Elder Abuse Fraud Prevention from USC. She also holds a patent for assessing health and wealth.
Douglas Heikkinen
Doug is a strategic advisor to NextChapter. He has over 25 years of experience as a marketing and communications professional, providing creative services to the financial services sector and others. He is a defector from the corporate world, taking with him a thorough understanding of the mindset of capital business. From out of the “cage” at Shearson Lehman Brothers, he spent 12 years at Schwab Advisor Services where he was instrumental in all aspects of the areas growth and maturity. Since then, he’s co-led two successful start-ups, and was also the President of a Northwest brand/design agency. His vast experience has led him to be mindful and focused on what matters most within the financial services industry, while letting his creativity flow into our business and clients. He’s also currently the Founder and Editor at Advisorpedia.
SCOTT BIELER
Chief Counsel, NextChapter
Scott is a recognized expert and leader in financial services business, legal, regulatory and compliance matters based on over 30 years’ experience in the industry. He held leadership positions over thirteen years in the legal department of Fidelity Investments – including serving as interim general counsel – as well as nine years with Merrill Lynch. He was previously a partner at Sidley Austin, a major law firm.
Scott serves on the Executive Committee of SIFMA Compliance & Legal, and was formerly President of that division. Scott graduated from Hamilton College, Magna cum laude and Washington & Lee Law School, cum laude.
