Oregon Public Employees Retirement System

Today, we celebrate Disability Independence Day, commemorating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. This landmark legislation transformed the landscape for millions of Americans by ensuring equal access, opportunities, and rights for individuals with disabilities. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strides we've made toward inclusivity as well as the ongoing work needed to create an accessible world for all. As we reflect on this important day, let us honor the resilience and contributions of individuals with disabilities. Their perspectives enrich our communities and workplaces, driving innovation and fostering empathy and understanding. Together, let's continue to advocate for inclusive practices and accessible spaces, break down barriers, and celebrate the diverse strengths that make our society vibrant and dynamic.

We are thrilled to announce that PERS has once again been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for our annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. This prestigious award, the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, signifies our unwavering commitment to financial transparency and accountability. It stands as a testament to our dedication to providing comprehensive and transparent financial information to our stakeholders. An impartial panel judged our report to meet the rigorous standards of the program, demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure.” This means our financial report not only complies with legal requirements but also excels in clarity and completeness, offering our members, retirees, and the public a clear understanding of our financial standing. Achieving this honor for the 33rd consecutive year underscores the consistent hard work, expertise, and dedication of our staff, who play a vital role in upholding these high standards year after year.

Happy 4th of July! May your day be filled with joy, gratitude, and memorable moments. Let's take this time to honor the values of freedom and unity that make our country special. Whether you're enjoying a backyard BBQ, watching fireworks, or simply relaxing with loved ones, we hope you have a safe and wonderful Independence Day. And a special thank you to those public employees making sure the day is special for people traveling throughout the state. #HappyFourth #IndependenceDay #PublicService

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. It's a time for reflection, honoring struggles, and recognizing triumphs. Oregon is a place where people from varied backgrounds come together, bringing unique perspectives, cultures, and talents. Our state's public service employees embody this diversity and contribute significantly to their communities. Let's unite in solidarity to foster a diverse and inclusive environment in all aspects of our lives. Educate yourself about the history, culture, and experiences of Black Oregonians to better become allies, advocates, and agents of change for equality, fairness, and justice. Happy Juneteenth, Oregon! Let's celebrate our diversity and strive for a brighter, more inclusive future.

We are celebrating Pride Month at PERS! We are proud of our LGBTQ+ members and their unwavering commitment to serving the people of Oregon. Their dedication and passion are vital to communities across the state. The diversity of Oregon’s beautiful landscapes is reflected in the diversity of our people, each of whom helps make Oregon a vibrant and inclusive place to live and work. Join us in honoring and supporting the LGBTQ+ community this month and every month. #PrideMonth #Inclusion

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on their courage and selflessness. The team at PERS is deeply grateful for their service. Their legacy is the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy and the values we uphold. Thank you to all our service members, past and present. Your dedication continues to inspire us. #MemorialDay #HonorOurHeroes #NeverForget

Every year, the state celebrates Public Service Recognition Week, taking the opportunity to thank public employees for their service, make visible their important work, and deepen connections between state agencies and the communities they serve. We also celebrate this year’s PERS public service ambassadors! The PERS’ Employee Recognition Work Group reviewed 13 nominations from four different divisions and selected three staff members — Wendy Luttrell, Rory Stark, and Christine Vanderhoof — for submission. Our honorees were recognized by Governor Kotek, receiving an honorary certificate from state leadership. Additionally, the Department of Administrative Services Chief Human Resources Office coordinated statewide recognition of nominees and will be highlighting them on the recognition website. Public Service Ambassador nominations identified employees who have exemplified this year’s theme, Operational Excellence. Whether stakeholders are external or internal, we shared how all PERS employees embrace principles such as respect for every individual, continuous improvement, and empowering others. These principles help create a culture of excellence within Oregon state government and at PERS. This special week acknowledges and celebrates those who see, deliver, and improve our commitment to our stakeholders through the important work they do every day. 

On National Teacher Appreciation Day, we extend our sincere gratitude to the educators across Oregon who have dedicated their lives to shaping young minds. Your hard work, passion, and commitment to education inspire us all. We honor and celebrate you for the invaluable contributions you make and the encouragement you provide to the students of Oregon.

In the whirlwind of modern Information Technology (IT) operations, adaptability isn't just a strength—it's the lifeline that keeps organizations thriving amidst change. And, at the speed technologies are developing, change is constant and needs to be incorporated at every turn. The Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) recently underwent significant change in our Information Services Division (ISD), restructuring our team and managing the additions of new software solutions, all while continuing to support the agency that serves over 400,000 members and nearly 900 employers. Through this experience, the ISD team displayed remarkable adaptability, keeping our complex systems running smoothly while embracing new challenges. I wanted to share a few tips that helped us as we journeyed through our division’s changes and might help others going through transition: Celebrate and communicate: Start by acknowledging and celebrating your team's adaptability. Open communication and transparency about changes are crucial. Organizational change management isn’t done in a bubble. Bringing in partners on other teams to help develop communications within the team and across the agency helped tremendously. Share the reasons behind the restructuring, the expected outcome, and what changes employees will see to create a sense of clarity and reduce anxiety. Empower through learning: Invest in continuous learning and skill development. The technology of today is light years ahead of where it was five, 10, 20 years ago. We are looking at what it will look like five, 10, 20 years into the future. To do that, you need to empower your team to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. This not only boosts their confidence but also equips them to navigate evolving technological landscapes with ease, a skill that will come in handy when it comes time to elevate your staff to new leadership positions. Soon you’ll hear about ISD’s Skills Academy Program to help elevate workforce and workplace development, one of the focus areas in the 2023-29 PERS Strategic Plan. Maintain superior service: Amidst organizational changes, we needed to prioritize superior customer service to our PERS coworkers and provide positive interactions with our members. To do this, we kept the end user at the center of decision making, and positioned ourselves as from the perspective of our members regarding how they see us; we looked from the outside in. We made sure to collaborate across departments for a seamless experience, gathering continuous, real-time feedback to refine our processes and service offerings. In the end, adaptability is not just a buzzword—it’s a mindset that helped propel us forward. I hope you celebrate your team’s resilience, and empower them through learning, fostering trust, and collaboration. Even though we have made significant steps forward, we are also just beginning. The ISD team is ready to embrace change once again as an opportunity for growth.

On behalf of the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System, we would like to take a moment to both celebrate and appreciate our planet during this year's Earth Day! Our fellow Oregonians' connection to nature runs deep, with access to stunning natural spaces serving as a cornerstone of our state's culture. Protecting our natural resources is second nature, but Earth Day offers a time to revisit our favorite places and remind ourselves to keep them safe and thriving for generations to come. From lush forests to picturesque coastlines and majestic mountains, Oregon offers a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a home to countless species of wildlife. The love for these natural landscapes is woven into the fabric of Oregonian identity, fostering a strong sense of stewardship and appreciation for the environment that extends well beyond Earth Day. #EarthDay #Oregon #GetOutAndPlay