NCPERS Announces 2026 Public Pension Communicator of the Year Award Winners
Media Contact: Lizzy Lees (llees@ncpers.org)
SAN DIEGO — March 4, 2026 — At this year’s NCPERS Communications & Member Services Summit, five exceptional professionals from across the country were honored with the 2026 Public Pension Communicator of the Year Awards, recognizing their leadership, creativity, and impact in strengthening communication and member engagement within public retirement systems.
Established in 2024, NCPERS Public Pension Communicator of the Year Awards honor industry professionals who continually elevate the member experience through clear, forward‑thinking communication and innovative stakeholder engagement strategies.
“Retirement decisions carry lasting consequences, and public servants depend on information they can understand, trust, and act on,” said Hank Kim, CEO of NCPERS. “Today’s public pension communicators play a vital role in that journey — ensuring members have the clarity and confidence they need. The individuals recognized this year reflect a growing movement toward more transparent, accessible, and human-centered communication across the public pension landscape.”
2026 Public Pension Communicator of the Year Award Recipients
Judges evaluated nominees using scoring criteria to select three winners in categories based on funds' assets under management (AUM), one honorable mention in the member services category, and one winner in the Rising Star category.
Less than $10 Billion AUM: Ryan Woodhouse, Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado
Ryan Woodhouse brings 17 years of communications and media experience to his role as Content and Publications Manager for the Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado. Notably, Ryan has led the organization’s efforts to ensure all communications are ADA compliant and accessible to all stakeholders. His ability to distill complex pension information into clear, member‑focused content embodies the power of thoughtful communication to support Colorado’s first responders.
$10–50 Billion AUM: Renee Garcia, New Mexico Educational Retirement Board
As Communications Director for the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board, Renee has revolutionized the agency’s approach to member education. She is particularly recognized for her ability to scale outreach efforts and bridge the gap between technical pension administration and public understanding. From driving digital accessibility to empowering members at every stage of their retirement journey, Renee’s leadership has set a new standard for pension communications.
Greater than $50 Billion AUM: Beth Hallmark, Teacher Retirement System of Texas
As Chief Communications Officer, Beth Hallmark led TRS through a comprehensive digital transformation, reimagining how 2.1 million members interact with their pension system through innovative technology, inclusive design, and member-centered solutions. Beth has continuously evolved her expertise to meet the demands of modern public pension communications, developing new capabilities in AI strategy, and data-driven decision-making. Her strategic approach has led to unprecedented member engagement and marked improvement in user satisfaction.
Rising Star: Jalel Braden, San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association
In her role as Senior Communications Specialist, Jalel Braden has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation by rethinking how SBCERA communicates with members and stakeholders in ways that are clearer, more engaging, and more human-centered. Her work reflects a willingness to challenge traditional approaches and design communications that better meet members where they are. She is deeply passionate about retirement education and is committed to empowering members so they can make confident and informed decisions about their financial futures.
Honorable Mention, Member Services: Kate Chandler, Maine Public Employees Retirement System
As Member Engagement Manager, Kate Chandler strengthens the member experience through leadership of call center operations, fraud prevention efforts, and staff development initiatives. Her work reinforces trust, enhances service, and supports MainePERS in delivering on its promises. Kate’s recent projects include implementing a modernized phone system approach and helping to develop a comprehensive KPI framework for the call center team. These changes have not only improved operational efficiency but also provided new insights into member needs and team performance.
Advancing Industry Best Practices
This year’s awards were presented during the newly expanded Communications & Member Services Summit, where nearly 200 pension professionals gathered in San Diego for three days of learning, peer exchange, and strategic dialogue.
As NCPERS celebrates its 85th anniversary, the awards underscore the association’s continued role as a catalyst for professional excellence and a partner committed to helping public pension systems serve their communities with confidence.
NCPERS extends sincere thanks to the distinguished panel of judges who contributed their time and expertise to this year’s selection process. As previous recipients of the Public Pension Communicator of the Year Award, they continue to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and advancing best practices in public pension communications:
- Candy Albers Smith, Chief Communications Officer, Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS)
- Mehrin Rahman, Communications Director, City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System (COAERS)
- Jonathan Yost, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist, Oregon Public Employees Retirement System
About NCPERS
Since 1941, NCPERS has been the trusted partner for public pension leaders across local, county, and state retirement systems. Through practical education, timely insights, and a welcoming peer community, we help members strengthen their funds and secure the futures of more than 20 million teachers, police officers, firefighters, municipal workers, and other public servants.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NCPERS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization proudly representing a diverse membership that includes more than 650 public sector retirement systems, plan sponsors, unions, and service providers who collectively manage approximately $6 trillion in retirement assets.
NCPERS is more than an association. We are the industry’s hub for connection, catalyst for progress, and partner working to strengthen retirement systems for generations to come.
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