Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Announces Richard M. Sotell, CFP as September Presenter

August 31, 2024

NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host Richard M. Sotell, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) as a September featured presenter. His presentation “How to Make the Most of Your Charitable Giving,” will take place on Thursday, September 12 from 10 – 11am EST. The presentation will take place in person at the MMA’s 33 Washington Street Property. This event is free to all.


Join the MMA and financial expert and top 401(k) advisor, Rich Sotell, for a discussion on how to make the most of your charitable giving. Sotell is considered an expert in the field and will provide a variety of methods on making a charitable donation that generates a larger personal tax deduction than giving by check or credit card.


Sotell has been involved in the financial industry since 1975 and is a founder of the Kraematon Group and is responsible for the operations of the 401(k) division. He has developed marketing programs for both banks and mutual fund companies in the areas of IRA and 401(k). Sotell is a tax law expert concerning distributions from qualified retirement plans and IRA’s. He has lectured on these subjects to insurance company executives, on radio, and at several professional education programs. Rich is currently a contributing member to several high level 401(k) advisory boards in the mutual fund and payroll industries. He was named by the Financial Times as a 2015 and 2016 “Top 401 Retirement Advisor,” a list of 401 elite professionals specializing in U.S. defined contribution plans.


Sotell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University in 1975. His professional designations include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Investment Company/Variable Contracts – Series 6 Registration, and a Uniform Security Agent – Series 63 Registration. The Kraematon Group is a leading 401(k) consulting firm headquartered in Wellesley, MA. In addition to providing 401(k) consulting services to Allied American Insurance Agency and its former parent Arbella Insurance, Kraematon consults with over 3% of all Massachusetts based public companies regarding their 401(k) plans.


Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please follow the link below:


https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/Philanthropy-How-to-make-the-most-of-your-charitable-giving


The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages


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For Immediate Release

August 8, 2024

Contact: Jónelle Gurley

programs@mariamitchell.org

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