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OCERS Launches “It’s Never Too Early” Campaign
National Retirement Security Week: October 20 - 26
Santa Ana, CA (October 20, 2024) – In honor of National Retirement Security Week (October 20 – 26, 2024), the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is excited to launch the “It’s Never Too Early” campaign. Throughout the week, OCERS will share important messages and tips to help members gain a deeper understanding of their retirement journey and take steps toward securing their financial future.
“At OCERS, we are dedicated to providing our members with the resources they need to feel confident about their retirement,” said Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Communications. “We continue to provide a variety of educational tools to help members fully understand their defined benefit plan.”
Highlights of National Retirement Security Week include:
- Video Launch: OCERS will debut a 30-second video to remind members that It’s never too early to plan for a lifetime of retirement security.
- Stay Connected: Follow OCERS on social media (@myOCERS) for updates and daily activities that provide opportunities to win prizes.
- Remain Proactive: Log in to your myOCERS portal to ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Town Hall Event: Attend the OCERS Town Hall meeting on Thursday, October 24th
@ 12 PM in the County Administration North Building. OCERS Board Chair, CEO, and staff will be on hand to discuss retirement topics and answer questions from members.
In addition, OCERS encourages members to take full advantage of their myOCERS portal:
- Use the Benefit Estimator to explore your potential retirement benefits under different scenarios.
- Ensure your beneficiary designation is current, especially if you’ve experienced a life change such as birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership registration, or divorce.
- Start gathering documents needed for retirement early. You don’t have to wait until you’re ready to retire.
Remember, it’s never too early to plan for a lifetime of retirement security – start today!
National Retirement Security Week is an annual observance aimed at raising awareness and helping individuals take concrete steps toward a secure retirement. Established in 2006 following a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Kent Conrad (D-ND), this week serves as a reminder of the importance of retirement planning.
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Media Contact:
Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Communications
mjcoburn@ocers.org
Press Release: Press Release NRSW 2024
OCERS CIO on 2024 Power 100 List
October 3, 2024
Congratulations to our Chief Investment Officer, Molly Murphy, for being included in the 2024 Power 100 list of CIOs.
Ms. Murphy and others listed are acknowledged for their ability to build strong teams that serve their mission and beneficiaries, regardless of the market or investment climate.
See the entire list here: https://www.ai-cio.com/lists/2024-power-100/
Wishing Strength and Healing to Injured OCFA Firefighters and Their Families
September 20, 2024
We extend our most profound support and prayers to the Orange County Fire Authority firefighters who were critically injured at last night’s rollover crash on the 241 Freeway. Our hearts go out to them and their families during this time.
Today marks the beginning of a challenging journey for these brave firefighters, their loved ones, and the OCFA community.
Our entire OCERS Team stand in solidarity with OCFA, wishing our courageous firefighters strength and healing in the days ahead.
OCERS Appoints David Kim as its Assistant CEO, External Operations
August 6, 2024
Santa Ana, CA (August 6, 2024) – The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Kim as its new Assistant Chief Executive Officer, External Operations (ACEOEO), effective August 23rd, succeeding the soon-to-retire Suzanne Jenike.
Congratulations CALAPRS Management/Leadership Academy Graduates!
July 30, 2024
Congratulations to the newest California Association of Public Retirement Systems (CALAPRS) Management/Leadership Academy graduates! This program is designed for new and existing managers and leaders within California pension systems to collaborate with peers, tackle current challenges, and acquire tools for effective leadership. We proudly announce that Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Communications; Michael Guerrero, Finance Staff Analyst; Susan Kang, Finance Staff Analyst; and Will Tsao, Director of Enterprise Project Management Office, completed this year’s intensive program.
2024 Safety Member and Alternate Safety Member Trustee Election Results
July 16, 2024
Santa Ana, CA (July 16, 2024) – The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is pleased to announce the 2024 Board of Retirement Safety and Alternate Safety Members Trustee Election results. The election was held on June 18, 2024 for Active Safety Members, and the following individuals have been re-elected to the OCERS Board of Retirement.
Election Reminder for Active Safety Members
June 6, 2024
The official ballot for the Safety Membership Trustee Election is due June 18th. All ballots were mailed out on May 13th to the address on-file with your employer.
Please note that this election is for active safety members only. Retired safety members do not need to vote at this election.
Finance Department Wins Gold 2024 American Advertising Federation Award
May 8, 2024
OCERS received the Gold 2024 American Advertising Federation Award at the regional level for the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The report titled “Where Are They Now?” was created in collaboration with Inland Empire-based graphic design firm Spencer Lewis Group. Now, the 2022 report is up for consideration at the district level. Congratulations to the Finance Department for this well-deserved accolade.
OCERS Assistant CEO, External Operations Suzanne Jenike Announces Retirement
May 2, 2024
Santa Ana, CA (May 2, 2024) – With over two decades of dedicated service, Suzanne Jenike, the Assistant CEO, External Operations at the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), has announced her retirement effective January 2025.
Reminder: Update mailing address on file with your employer
March 28, 2024
The elections for General Membership Trustee and Safety Membership Trustee (including the Alternate Safety Trustee) will take place on June 18, 2024. Starting on May 13th, all members will receive their ballots via mail. To ensure receipt of these mailers, please verify with your employer that your address on file is current.
Election Notices for General Member and Safety Member for the OCERS Board of Retirement
March 5, 2024
Notices regarding the upcoming OCERS Board of Retirement election have been mailed out. This election will determine the individuals who will serve as the General Membership Trustee and Safety Membership Trustee (as well as the Alternate Safety Trustee). The terms for these positions span three years, commencing on January 01, 2025, and concluding on December 31, 2027.
March is Women’s History Month
March 1, 2024
March marks Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. At the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), this month holds special significance as we proudly showcase the diverse talents of our female employees.
Celebrating Government Communicators
February 24, 2024
On #GovernmentCommunicationsDay, OCERS recognizes and celebrates the dedicated government communicators who have made it their mission to inform, educate, and engage members and stakeholders year-round.
Internal Audit Department Earns Highest Rating for External Quality Assessment Review
February 14, 2024
The Orange County Employees Retirement System Internal Audit Team was recently recognized by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) for its hard work and dedication. The team earned the IIA’s highest rating for an external quality assessment review and was awarded a plaque for diligently fulfilling the stringent quality assessment requirements.
Finance Department Secures Three Awards for Financial Reporting Excellence
February 5, 2024
We’re thrilled to announce that our Finance Department has secured three prestigious awards earlier this year.
GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting:
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Orange County Employees Retirement System for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Happy New Year from Team OCERS
December 29, 2023
Happy New Year from all of us at Team OCERS! We wish you joy and prosperity in 2024!
To our valued members, agency partners and stakeholders, thank you for being an integral part of #TeamOCERS. Here’s to a year ahead filled with shared happiness, success, and meaningful experiences.
Cheers! #HappyNewYear #RetireWithOCERS
OCERS’ CIO on 2023 Power 100 List
November 7, 2023
We are proud to announce that OCERS Chief Investment Officer Molly Murphy has been honored with a coveted spot on the Chief Investment Officer’s Magazine 2023 Power 100 List, recognizing top investment officers.
Since 2010, Chief Investment Officer, an ISS Media brand, has recognized institutional asset owners, asset managers, and consultants who serve them with its annual Industry Innovation Awards.
OCERS Appoints Manuel D. Serpa as its New General Counsel
October 5, 2023
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Manuel D. Serpa as its new General Counsel, succeeding retired General Counsel Ms. Gina Ratto.
Mr. Serpa expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the OCERS legal team. My primary objective is to help OCERS achieve its strategic goals in service to its membership while upholding its legal obligations.”
OCERS Announces Strong Preliminary Portfolio Investment Returns as of June 30, 2023
August 8, 2023
At its most recent Board Meeting in July, OCERS’ Chief Investment Officer, Molly Murphy, reported impressive preliminary portfolio investment returns for the period ended June 30, 2023. Year-to-date, the portfolio rose 6.43%, net of fees, with returns of 6.65% and 7.25% for the trailing one- and five-year periods.
OCERS’ CIO, Named in Forbes’ 50 Over 50 List – Investment
August 2, 2023
OCERS' Chief Investment Officer, Molly Murphy, named and recognized on the prestigious 2023 Forbes’ 50 Over 50 -- Investment List!
Forbes' 50 Over 50 List is a distinguished annual compilation that celebrates outstanding women over 50 who have made significant contributions and demonstrated exceptional achievements in their respective fields. Ms. Murphy's inclusion on this esteemed list speaks volumes about her remarkable expertise, leadership, and accomplishments in the investment landscape.
Current Status on OCERS Implementation of the Alameda Decision
June 15, 2023
OCERS staff continue to make progress on implementing the Alameda Decision. Benefit recalculations are ongoing, with approximately 220 (out of 616) remaining. Additionally, 328 are on hold pending the review of the County Resolution that could impact the retirement benefit calculations for several specialized law enforcement units.
All active and deferred contributions and interest refunds have been processed.
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