Volume 43 | May 2024
The Pensioner: Looking Forward
Welcome to the digital MPERS newsletter! The Pensioner: Looking Forward contains news, updates, and important information for active employees of the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and MPERS.
MPERS Adds Two New Team Members
MPERS welcomed two new team members within recent weeks.
Alexandra Sawyer is the Administrative Assistant for the Executive Director’s office.

She acts as the office receptionist, greeting individuals in person and over the phone. She handles incoming correspondence and ensures that items are distributed in a manner that supports timely resolution.

Alexandra’s general responsibilities include assisting accounts payable, benefits and payroll staff, and tracking member communications. 
Melissa Gourd joined MPERS in April as our new Board Administrator.

She will be the liaison between staff and the board and will provide the support required for the board to function efficiently. Melissa brings a wealth of experience in public service to MPERS.
Educational Opportunities
Year 2000 Plan Mid-Career Checkup webinar

Thursday, May 2nd from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Pre-Retirement Seminar for Closed Plan and Year 2000 Plan Members

Tuesday, May 14th from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Comfort Inn & Suites
1821 N Missouri St
Macon, MO 63552

Registration deadline: May 6th
Pre-Retirement Seminar for Closed Plan and Year 2000 Plan Members

Wednesday, May 22nd from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

MoDOT Northeast District Office
1711 Highway 61 South
Hannibal, MO 63401

Registration deadline: May 14th
MPERS has joined forces with MoDOT and the Patrol to offer one-on-one counseling sessions in conjunction with our pre-retirement seminars at several locations throughout the state. If you would like to make an appointment, please contact the HR representative listed next to the location. This is not a complete list for the year; more sessions will be added and included in future newsletters.

May
Macon and Hannibal-please contact Janet Groenda at (660) 385-8252 or Janet.Groenda@modot.mo.gov

June
Lee's Summit-please contact Lexi Gordanier at (816) 607-2148 or Lexie.Gordanier@modot.mo.gov
Legislative Update
At the time of this publication, the legislature is still in session and will adjourn on May 17th. The House and Senate pension committees continue to hold hearings and at this point, no bills have reached a level of discussion for the MPERS’ Board. We will continue to monitor activity until the session ends.

A complete legislative update will be provided in the June newsletter.
Despite uncertainty with potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, MPERS’ overall fund performance remains very healthy.

The investment staff is managing the uncertainty of the market very well with the estimated Fiscal Year 2023 return (July 1 – April 15) standing at 9.0%, and longer-term numbers remaining well above actuarial and policy benchmarks. 
Retirement Deadlines
May Events
  • 2 - Mid-Career Checkup webinar for Year 2000 Plan members, register here
  • 8 - Truman Day, office open
  • 14 - Pre-Retirement seminar in Macon for Closed Plan/Year 2000 Plan members, register here
  • 22 - Pre-Retirement seminar in Hannibal for Closed Plan/Year 2000 Plan members, register here
  • 27 - Memorial Day, office closed
  • 31 - Deadline to submit step 1 - Notice of Retirement for July 1 retirement
We value your feedback!
What would you like to see in The Pensioner: Looking Forward?
Send comments and suggestions to Julie.West@mpers.org.