State Division Candidate (Non-Higher Education; 4-Year Term)

Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado

Scott Simon is the Chief Investment Officer for the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado.

Education/Special Courses/Certifications

BS, Business Administration, University of Colorado, 1993

MS, Finance, University of Colorado, 1995

JD, University of Denver College of Law, 2001

Chartered Financial Analyst

Employment History

Chief Investment Officer, Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado, 2007 - Present

Portfolio Manager, University of Colorado Foundation, 2005 - 2007

Director of Due Diligence, National Planning Holdings, 2004 - 2005

Qwest Asset Management (now Lumen Technologies):

• Internal Legal Counsel, 2003 - 2004
• Analyst/Portfolio Manager, 1998 - 2003

Investment Analyst, Denver Employees Retirement Plan, 1993 - 1998

Organizational Affiliations/Achievements

Board Member and Investment Committee Chair, Young Americans, 2010-2023

Advisory Board, University of Colorado Boulder, Burridge Center for Finance, 2018-2021

Investment Committee Member, The Colorado Trust, 2011-2017

Board Member and Treasurer, Littleton Hockey Association, 2014-2018

Board of Trustees and Investment Committee Chair, Aspen Academy, 2006-2015

Responses

Interest in Serving as a PERA Trustee

As someone who has been safeguarding the retirement savings of Colorado's brave firefighters and police officers since 2007, I understand firsthand how important it is to create a strong and stable pension fund. With over 30 years of experience managing institutional investment portfolios, including $7.0 billion for FPPA, I have the expertise to make a significant impact for PERA members. As a 4th generation Coloradan native, I care about ensuring our hardworking state employees have a secure retirement. I have enjoyed serving on boards for various organizations, from a bank for kids to local sports associations and schools.

Challenges/Opportunities Facing PERA

PERA faces the significant challenge of managing retirement funds for numerous state employees, ensuring there's sufficient money for everyone's future, especially during economic uncertainty. However, these challenges present opportunities for PERA to excel with the right strategies. By taking actions that balance safety and growth, PERA can maintain a strong and stable fund for the long term. As someone who has led through similar challenges and opportunities at FPPA, I will deliver uniquely valuable insights and ideas to PERA. My firsthand experience in dealing with the intricacies of keeping a pension fund healthy and thriving brings a powerful perspective to the board to help ensure our shared futures. I am confident my expertise will help PERA navigate the challenges ahead and turn them into opportunities to better secure members' financial future.

Role of a Trustee

Being a trustee is an important responsibility that involves being a good steward of members' money and making decisions in their best interests. As a trustee, I will apply my extensive experience as an institutional investor and deep understanding of how to maintain a healthy and robust pension fund to improve PERA’s success. I understand being a trustee means putting aside personal interests and focusing on what's best for the hardworking employees PERA serves. I am committed to helping PERA maintain sound financial footing, ensuring members’ retirement security, and growing the public’s trust.