SBCERA

San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Meet Fire Chief/Fire Warden Dan Munsey and recently retired Fire Captain Jim Grigoli of the @SBCOUNTYFIRE.

For Dan and Jim, their careers have always been about protecting others. From responding to emergencies to mentoring the next generation of firefighters, they have dedicated decades to serving the residents of San Bernardino County and helping build a stronger fire service for the future.

Reflecting on retirement, Jim shares, "SBCERA gives you the confidence of knowing you'll receive a secure income for the rest of your life. That's something you really come to appreciate."

Throughout their careers, they've seen firsthand what a secure retirement means for the firefighters who came before them. Watching colleagues retire with confidence after years of dedicated service reinforced the value of planning for the future and the peace of mind a pension provides.

Dan also credits SBCERA with helping members prepare for retirement. "SBCERA has created a clear path to understanding retirement. From the workshops to the videos and resources, they've done an outstanding job helping members navigate the process."

As Jim begins his well-earned retirement and Dan continues serving the community, both share a common appreciation for the confidence that comes with a secure retirement—allowing them to focus on what matters most.

Please join us in congratulating Jim Grigoli on his well-earned retirement and thanking him for his decades of dedicated service to the residents of San Bernardino County. In addition to his distinguished career with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, Jim’s leadership as President of IAFF Local 935 championed and supported firefighters throughout the region. We wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter!

https://t.co/hwnjfSpIty

#WeAreSBCERA #TeamSBCERA #SBCERA #SanBernardinoCounty

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Congratulations to SBCERA Chief Human Resources Officer Stacey Barnier on being named the 2026 Outstanding Senior Administrator by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Inland Empire Chapter.

This recognition honors public administration leaders who exemplify exceptional leadership, dedication to public service, and a lasting impact on the organizations and communities they serve.

At SBCERA, Stacey has helped cultivate a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work in service of our members. Her leadership reminds us that investing in people is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our mission.

"I'm honored to receive this recognition," said Barnier. "I truly love serving in public sector Human Resources because, at its heart, public service is about people. I'm grateful for every opportunity to give back to a profession that has given me so much, and I'm fortunate to work alongside colleagues who share the same passion for making a meaningful difference every day. This recognition reflects our collective commitment to serving our members, our organization, and our community.”

Please join us in congratulating Stacey on this well-deserved recognition!

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

As Donald Pierce prepares to conclude an extraordinary career at SBCERA, the investment industry continues to recognize the impact of his leadership.

Congratulations to Donald on once again being named to Chief Investment Officer's 2026 Power 100, an honor recognizing institutional CIOs whose vision, innovation, and stewardship are shaping the future of investing.

This recognition reflects a career dedicated to thoughtful decision-making, building resilient investment strategies, and advancing the long-term retirement security of SBCERA's members.

Read more: https://t.co/92zIVLF1GB

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Join us for our Board of Retirement Meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

More information, meeting details, and live stream access can be found at:
https://t.co/dk7MD2DCjj

Note: The live stream link will be available under the "Video" column when the meeting begins.

#SBCERA #BoardMeeting #StayConnected #Retirement #RetirementPlanning #RetirementPlan #Pension

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

View our latest Life After Retirement periodic newsletter, designed to support SBCERA retirees and beneficiaries in life after retirement.

Read more: https://t.co/wesnjpkCTz

#SBCERA #lifeafterretirement #retirement #retirementgoals #retirementlife #retirementliving

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

View our latest Journey to Retirement periodic newsletter, designed to support SBCERA members in their journey to retirement.

Read more https://t.co/j6NEioEVWF

#SBCERA #journeytoretirement #retirement #retirementgoals #retirementplanning #planningahead

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

We're proud to celebrate SBCERA Senior Accountant Nadiah Toledo on graduating from the 2026 CALAPRS Management/Leadership Academy in Costa Mesa!

This accomplishment reflects her dedication to professional growth and lifelong learning. We look forward to seeing the knowledge and leadership skills she gained continue to strengthen #TeamSBCERA.

Congratulations, Nadiah, on this well-deserved achievement!

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Join us in congratulating Anna Lisa Quesada on her promotion to Retirement Benefits Technician!

Since joining SBCERA last year as an Office Specialist, Anna Lisa has demonstrated a strong commitment to Member Services and providing a superior service experience. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and willingness to learn have made her a valued member of our team.

This well-deserved promotion reflects Anna Lisa's hard work, dedication, and continued growth at SBCERA.

"I greatly appreciate the support I have received from SBCERA, and am eager to continue learning, growing, and contributing to better serve our members," said Anna Lisa.

Congratulations, Anna Lisa! We look forward to seeing all you accomplish in your new role.

#TeamSBCERA #SBCERA #WeAreSBCERA

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

The San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA) announces a 9.2% net investment return for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2026. Total assets stood at $17.7 billion at the close of the fiscal year.

This return exceeded SBCERA's assumed rate of return and reflects the continued strength of a diversified investment portfolio designed to generate sustainable long-term results. Guided by disciplined governance, prudent risk management, and disciplined investment management, SBCERA remains well positioned to fulfill its long-term commitments to members.

"Our investment strategy is intentionally built for the long term," said Jared Newcomer, Chair of the SBCERA Investment Committee. "While markets naturally experience periods of change, our disciplined approach allows us to remain focused on protecting the fund and delivering sustainable returns that support retirement security for generations to come."

Read more: https://t.co/5mB79hl7ZL

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Last week, 11 future communicators stepped in front of the camera during SBCERA's Bring Your Kid to Work Day to learn what it's like to present on a teleprompter.

Students learned how teleprompters help presenters stay on script before taking turns recording their own videos. Along the way, they practiced public speaking, built confidence on camera, and discovered one of the many ways SBCERA educates and engages with our members.

It was a fun and memorable experience, and we were excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at some of the work we do every day.

#BringYourKidToWorkDay #SBCERA #TeamSBCERA #Communications #PublicService #NextGeneration

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Earlier this week, SBCERA welcomed the next generation of public servants for our annual Bring Your Kid to Work Day! Throughout the day, kids got a behind-the-scenes look at how we serve the people who dedicate their careers to serving San Bernardino communities.

Kids explored different career paths during department breakout sessions, learned how a teleprompter works, built their own webpage with our Communications Team, toured a fire engine and mobile courtroom, and heard firsthand from firefighters and other public service professionals.

One of the day's highlights was a mock Board of Retirement meeting, where kids worked alongside SBCERA leaders to present ideas, discuss proposals, and vote on important decisions. They also shared what they learned with their parents, celebrated their accomplishments, and received certificates of participation.

Bring Your Kid to Work Day is a chance to spark curiosity, inspire future leaders, and share the many ways public service makes a difference. Thank you to our employees, volunteers, and community partners for making this year's event such a memorable day!

#SBCERA #BringYourKidToWorkDay #TeamSBCERA #WorkplaceCulture #PublicService #NextGeneration

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Join us in congratulating Melanie Ramirez on her promotion!

Since joining SBCERA in 2022 as an Office Specialist, Melanie has consistently demonstrated her dedication, expertise, and commitment to serving our members. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the Payroll Team and plays a vital role in ensuring benefit payments are processed accurately and on time.

This well-deserved promotion reflects Melanie's hard work, continued growth, and the meaningful contributions she makes to our members and organization every day.

Congratulations, Melanie! We look forward to seeing all you accomplish in your new role.

#TeamSBCERA #SBCERA #WeAreSBCERA

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Please join us in congratulating Nichole Valenzuela on her promotion to Senior Retirement Specialist!

For the past 10 years, Nichole has been a valued member of Team SBCERA, consistently demonstrating her dedication to our members, her colleagues, and our mission of providing exceptional service.

"I'm excited for this next chapter and thankful for the opportunity to continue serving our members in a new capacity. What motivates me most is knowing that the work we do helps people make informed decisions about their future. I'm proud to be part of a team that is committed to providing exceptional service, and I look forward to continuing to support both our Member Services team and the members who place their trust in us each day."

Nichole joined SBCERA in June 2016 as an Accounting Technician before being promoted to Retirement Specialist. Since then, she has contributed to several key member service initiatives, including the service retirement group consultation video and improvements to the Service Retirement process. In her new role as Senior Retirement Specialist, she will continue supporting our Member Services team and delivering exceptional service to our members.

Congratulations, Nichole, on this exciting next chapter! We look forward to seeing the positive impact you'll continue to make in your new role.

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Another outstanding achievement for Team SBCERA!

Please join us in celebrating Chief Investment Officer Donald Pierce on being named as the Alts 50 by With Intelligence—an exclusive recognition honoring 50 of the most influential institutional investors and allocators shaping the future of alternative investments.

This distinguished honor reflects Donald's vision, expertise, and commitment to managing a resilient investment portfolio that delivers long-term value while protecting the retirement security of SBCERA's members. His leadership continues to strengthen our organization and position SBCERA among respected institutional investors across the nation.

"It's an honor to be recognized alongside so many respected leaders in the investment industry," said Pierce. "While this recognition bears my name, it reflects the collective efforts of an exceptional investment team and our shared commitment to helping protect the retirement security of SBCERA's members.”

As Donald prepares for his retirement later this year, this recognition serves as a fitting tribute to his decades of leadership and lasting contributions to SBCERA and the investment industry. 

Congratulations, Donald, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your continued dedication and leadership. We also congratulate all of this year's Alts 50 honorees on this remarkable achievement and the lasting impact they continue to make across the investment industry.

 Learn more about the Alts 50 and this prestigious recognition:
https://t.co/MkXDZ5eOp6

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

If you’re organized and detail���oriented, enjoy supporting high‑level leadership, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment, this role could be an excellent fit. The Executive Secretary will provide advanced administrative support, coordinate complex schedules, and serve as a key partner to SBCERA’s executive leadership team.

It’s an exciting time to join our organization — this position offers competitive compensation, strong retirement benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Learn more and apply: https://t.co/LuA6K51oqC

#SBCERA #TeamSBCERA #ExecutiveSecretary #PublicService

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

This week, SBCERA was proud to be represented at the TIDE Spark 2026 Conference by two members of our leadership team.

Chief Executive Officer Debby Cherney joined industry leaders for the panel, The Future of Leadership: Women, Power & the Next Era of Investing. The discussion explored how women leading major pools of institutional capital are influencing investment decisions, strengthening fiduciary leadership, and expanding opportunity while delivering long-term results.

Senior Investment Officer Amit Thanki also took the stage as a panelist for AI Private Markets Disruption, examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the investment landscape. The conversation explored AI's impact on private equity, private credit, manager selection, and portfolio construction, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges investors face as the technology continues to evolve.

Thank you to TIDE Spark for bringing together investment professionals from across the industry to exchange ideas and explore the trends shaping the future of investing.

#SBCERA #TeamSBCERA #Investments #InstitutionalInvesting

[SBCERA @SBCERA]

Join us in celebrating Olivia Applegate on her new role as Chief Communications Officer!

Since joining SBCERA in 2019, Olivia has helped shape the organization's communications strategy while expanding stakeholder relations and legislative affairs. Her leadership has strengthened connections with members, employers, and the community, elevated communications as a strategic function, and built an award-winning team dedicated to advancing SBCERA's mission. Through her vision and commitment to meaningful engagement, SBCERA's communications and outreach have continued to evolve in ways that strengthen trust and support the organization's long-term strategic goals.

"I'm honored to serve as SBCERA's Chief Communications Officer," said Olivia. "At the heart of everything we do are the people we serve. I've always believed that meaningful, people-centered communication begins with trust, transparency, and genuine relationships. I'm grateful to be part of an incredible team committed to earning that trust every day. To everyone who places their trust in SBCERA, thank you. You can count on us."

Please join us in congratulating Olivia on this well-deserved milestone. We look forward to the continued impact she'll make as SBCERA continues to serve those who serve San Bernardino communities.

#TeamSBCERA #SBCERA #WeAreSBCERA