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David & Goliath: Facing Financial Giants in Applying for IRA Death Claims

Presented By: Johni Hays and Karen Smedley

Do you feel like your organization is a David fighting the financial Goliaths to obtain beneficiary IRA proceeds? Many charities experience delays of months or even years while attempting to collect proceeds after a donor has died. What was once a simple transaction has turned into mountains of paperwork and intrusive questioning; so much so that some charities are completely giving up on getting their rightful share. Do you want to know how to avoid all this? This session informs attendees on why this is happening and how to fight back. Tools, tips, and proven techniques will help you simplify the process immediately when you get back to your office. Share these details with your colleagues, especially those who process matured planned gifts. Join us to learn which IRA custodians are problematic and which aren’t and the latest federal and state regulations affecting charities collecting IRA proceeds.

Meet Johni Hays:
With 32+ years as an attorney in charitable gift planning, Johni Hays is a recognized leader in this field. She is the founder and leader of the RIFT volunteer project (Release IRA Funds Timely). She served as the president of the Charitable Estate Planning Institute and authored the book, Essentials of Annuities and co-authored The Tools and Techniques of Charitable Planning and Message From the Masters—our Best Donor Stories that Made a Difference. Johni serves on the Smithsonian’s Professional Advisors Network in Washington, DC. Johni served on CGP's national board, is a member of its Leadership Institute, was inducted into the CGP Hall of Fame in 2021 and received its Distinguished Service Award in 2020.

Meet​ Karen Smedley:
Karen Smedley is Principal Auditor in Duke’s Office of Audit Risk & Compliance and the former Assistant Director of Trust and Estate Administration for Duke University and Duke Health. She has extensive expertise in managing all classes of death claims including estates, trusts, IRA beneficiary claims, and brokerage accounts. Smedley is the founder and facilitator of RIFT Advocates and is on the board of The RIFT Project. She earned her Master of Studies in Law from Wake Forest University School of Law with an emphasis on business law and compliance and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Pricing for individuals: $35 for members (log in to see member pricing); $79 for non-members Not yet a member? Join today and access member discounts.

Pricing for groups: $149 for councils; $209 for organizations The group host will receive one Zoom access link. [Group webinar FAQs]

$79.00
Event Type: 
Webinar
Purchase Type: 
Individual
Date of Event: 
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 13:00