Bellevue, Wash. — (June 23, 2009) — Symetra Financial announced today that Ernest Jordan has joined the company as managing director of the company's 403(b) Group Distribution Channel. In this role, Jordan will be responsible for the management and development of new retirement plans business with public school districts and other qualified tax-exempt 403(b) relationships. In addition, Jordan will help direct wealth management product distribution both through independent financial advisors and franchise producers affiliated with the Symetra Investment Services, Inc. broker dealer.

A 26-year veteran of the financial services industry, Jordan will join Symetra's existing team of 403(b) experts to expand the level of administration services, education and outreach that Symetra provides directly to school districts nationwide. He will work closely alongside Symetra's 403(b)/457 executive vice president Scott Bartholomaus and Joanne Henderson, 403(b)/457 vice president, to complement the team's ongoing business development.

Jordan has held a variety of senior management positions focused on retirement-related product strategy and distribution. He began his career as a financial advisor at VALIC and later moved into a management role at the company serving as senior vice president of National Markets and Group Relationships.

Based out of Atlanta, Ga., Jordan received his bachelor's degree in management from Faulkner University and holds FINRA Series 7, 63, 65, 24 and 51 securities licenses. He is also a Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) and is board certified in mutual funds from the Institute of Business & Finance.

Symetra has over 30 years experience serving the education retirement market, and manages 403(b) and tax-sheltered account plans on behalf of several school districts across the country. Earlier this year, the company unveiled Savings for Schools, a new initiative designed to advance retirement preparedness among K-12 school teachers and educators. The initiative focuses on providing much-needed 403(b) retirement plan tools, education and resources to help struggling school districts offer meaningful retirement savings solutions amid complex new regulations and a difficult economy.