Reflecting on New Beginnings: The Journey Ahead
Recently, my youngest son tied the knot, and it was a momentous occasion that compelled me to pause and deepen my reflections on life.
As I took my place in the front row during the ceremony, I couldn’t help but contemplate the new chapter that he is embarking upon. As a parent, there’s an overwhelming sense of pride that fills your heart—especially knowing that he has found a partner who loves and supports him wholeheartedly, enabling him to truly flourish and become the best version of himself. Witnessing such a transformative moment is profoundly fulfilling.
On a professional note, I decided to take some time over the holiday season to reassess the trajectory of the ETF (Employee Trust Fund). It dawned upon me that this is also the perfect juncture for me to commence a new chapter in my own life. Consequently, I have informed the ETF Board of my decision to retire at the end of July.
This choice did not come lightly, as I have had the privilege of leading an organization filled with passionate individuals who are unwaveringly dedicated to supporting our members and one another, all aimed at evolving ETF into its finest iteration.
Witnessing the growth and accomplishments of the agency throughout my tenure has been immensely rewarding. With our recent milestones, my confidence in ETF’s promising future has never been stronger.
Last year marked a significant step forward when we made benefit statements accessible online for non-retired members. This initiative was just the beginning of our commitment to improve member support by providing easier online access to crucial benefit information and services.
The demand for this online access was evident, as members downloaded over 126,000 duplicate copies of the 2025 benefit statements. This shift not only enhances service quality but also results in substantial savings in staff time and postal expenses.
Looking ahead, we will continue to roll out our innovative insurance administration system, dubbed My Insurance Benefits. This modern and user-friendly platform will empower members to manage various insurance benefits seamlessly.
Thanks to productive budget discussions with the administration and members of the Joint Committee on Finance (JCF), we have successfully secured funding for a new pension administration system.
Launching later this year, this project aims to replace several outdated systems that have been in use for 16 to 38 years.
This endeavor signifies a major leap forward, a sentiment echoed by the JCF in their statement: "Our investment to modernize the WRS pension administration system not only benefits current annuitants but also guarantees service for Wisconsinites for many years ahead."
Throughout my journey at ETF, I have seen myself as a collaborator, always striving to support the agency in achieving its optimal potential. As we embark on this multi-year project to implement a new pension administration system, I believe it is the right moment for ETF to welcome a new leader who can guide this initiative through to completion.
As I take a moment to reflect on my time as Secretary, I feel a sense of pride that may not be identical to witnessing your child’s wedding, yet it embodies the same spirit of joy derived from observing the successes of those we care about.
The ETF team exemplifies what it means to be public servants. Their unwavering dedication to our customers, coupled with their relentless pursuit of improvement, positions ETF strongly to embody its best self. Rest assured, you are in capable hands.
