Meet the candidates
ERFC Trustee Election is May 12, 2020
ERFC is a defined-benefit retirement plan known as a pension, in which a specific amount is guaranteed for each participant for life after retirement. Generally, FCPS employees are automatically enrolled as members if they are a full-time educational, administrative or support employee and they are eligible for a retirement benefit after 5 years of service. ERFC retirement benefit supplements the primary benefits you will earn from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and Social Security.
The ERFC Board of Trustees is responsible for operating and administering the retirement system and Fund, which is a part of the system. The Board is composed of seven members: three are appointed by the School Board, three are elected by active ERFC members, and one individual with financial/investment background chosen by the six Trustees. Each ERFC Trustee has the responsibility to act solely in the interest of members and beneficiaries, in accordance with plan documents, and for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to members and beneficiaries and paying reasonable expenses of administering the System.
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Binod Gupta
Financial Systems Analyst, Office of the Comptroller
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Kathie Pfeffer-Hahn
(Incumbent)
Grades 4-6 Teacher, Terraset ES
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Vera Woodson
Marketing Education Teacher,
South County HS
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Contributions you would make as an ERFC Trustee
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Finance and Investments are my passions and I am seeking your vote to be elected as an ERFC Trustee. I will work diligently to protect, grow and secure our investments at ERFC. I am currently a Financial Systems Analyst with the Office of the Comptroller. Prior to joining FCPS, I worked as a Senior Accountant for University of the District of Columbia where I managed/reconciled more than $42 million in Investments. With more than 14 years of Accounting and Finance experience, 3 years of banking experience, I have gained the knowledge and skills to serve on the Board. I have an MBA in Finance from George Mason University and am a Certified Government Financial Manager. I am currently the President of my HOA and was the Treasure for 5 years.
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Serving in my third year as a fiduciary and Trustee of ERFC responsible for governing FCPS’s independent retirement program, I would continue overseeing and supervising the investments of our $2 billion retirement trust. Collaborating with ERFC Board of Trustee peers, we were able to achieve over $40 million in investments savings over the next 10 years while contributing to ERFC’s portfolio changes that are projected to significantly increase pension fund sustainability for you, the members. I have personally supported efforts to improve pension fund governance through ongoing continuous education by earning my Master of Financial Therapy and a Certified Financial Planning certificate (2020) as well as a Portfolio Concepts and Management certification from The Wharton School enhancing my ability to oversee the fund’s investment portfolio.
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As an ERFC Board of Trustee member, my commitment is to provide continued transparency to the ERFC membership and beneficiaries. Through elevated marketing of the program we can provide updated educational products to support members in understanding the goals and the process beyond their contributions. It is my intent to work collaboratively informing our ERFC family regarding the strategic planning and offerings, and how they support the Jong-term vision for our membership. By building extended partnerships and strong ties to our business community, our outreach in developing strategic relationships help extend the value of our retirement system and are critical for members to reach the fullest potential of retirement during their season of celebration.
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Experience
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·Financial Systems Analyst - FCPS, 4 years
·Senior Accountant - University of DC- 2 years. Managed/reconciled $42 million in Investments
·Treasurer of my HOA - managed/invested more than 650K in investments, 4 years.
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·Current ERFC Vice chairperson and Trustee (three years) and a member of the Investment Committee
·Co-host of Finances and.., a podcast providing education on a broad range of financial topics
·Founder/Owner of Capital Coaching LLC providing financial therapy and coaching services
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·15-year veteran teacher and administrator in Fairfax County Public Schools
·15-year employee and executive with Nordstrom retail stores, as a Buyer and Regional Merchandise Manager
·Oversaw $24 Million procurement budget and 1000+ employees for Nordstrom stores throughout Rhode Island to Georgia
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Education
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·MBA in Finance - George Mason University
·Certified Government Financial Manager - Association of Government Accountants
·Trainings in Accounting, Finance, Internal Controls, Investment, Capital Markets - Management Concept
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·Master of Financial Therapy - Kansas State University (2020) with a certificate in personal financial planning
·Portfolio Concepts and Management Certificate - portfolio theory and investmentperformance measurement, reliable investment management decisions
·Certificate in Public Plan Policy, - Wharton School - pension fund governance knowledge regarding policy-making decisions
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·Ed.S., Education Specialist degree (2004) University of Virginia
·M.Ed., Social Foundations of Education (2003) University of Virginia
·B.A., Bachelor's degree (2000) California State University, Long Beach
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