Celebrating Excellence!

RAFAEL JIMENEZ Outstanding Performance

We are proud to recognize Rafa Jimenez on his well-earned promotion to KCERA
Investment Officer. Since joining KCERA, Rafa has consistently demonstrated
exceptional dedication, analytical acumen, and a collaborative spirit. His thoughtful
approach to research, strong work ethic, and keen insight into complex investment
strategies have made a meaningful impact on our team and the financial security of
our members. We are excited to see him take on this new role and continue
contributing to the success of the investment program.

KRISTEN MCDONALD Exceptional Effort

We are proud to shine the spotlight on Kristen McDonald’s exceptional effort to
improve our Medical Advisor Report review process. Faced with a backlog of reports
pending legal approval, Kristen worked diligently with our third-party partner, MMRO, to
improve the process. Her proactive approach elevated the quality of each report and
accelerated the workflow, enabling a higher number of member cases to advance to
the Board for final decision-making. With Kristen’s help, the Legal team has cleared the
backlog and is now current on the reviews—ensuring timelier resolutions for our
members.

MEMBER SERVICES TEAM Exceptional Effort

Each year, March through May payroll brings a surge in retirement applications—what
we’ve come to call our own version of March Madness. During this particularly
demanding time, the Member Services team once again rose to the challenge with
professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care for our members. Their ability to handle
the increased volume of retirements while maintaining a high standard of service is a
testament to their dedication and teamwork. Congratulations to the entire team for
their exceptional effort and commitment to supporting KCERA members during this
critical transition in their lives.

ACTIVE PAYROLL TEAM Outstanding Performance

Congratulations to the Active Payroll Team for their outstanding performance and dedication
in maintaining the timeliness of Purchase of Service request responses. Over the past two
years, the team has consistently completed requests in under 60 days—usually achieving
turnaround times of less than 30 days. Their success is a direct result of strong collaboration,
effective cross-training, and a team-oriented approach that ensures seamless support during
high-priority or time-intensive requests. This commitment to excellence reflects the team's
professionalism and collective effort.

MARITZA RODRIGUEZ Certified Fraud Examiner

Congratulations Maritza Rodriguez on earning her Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification. A Certified Fraud Examiner is a professional designation earned by individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the prevention, detection, and investigation of fraud. CFEs are trained to utilize specialized knowledge and skills to identify, analyze, and resolve complex financial crimes and fraudulent activities.

RAFAEL JIMENEZ Chartered Financial Analyst

Congratulations Rafael Jimenez on earning his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification. The CFA professional certification is offered by the US-based CFA Institute to investment and financial professionals. The program teaches a wide range of subjects related to advanced investment analysis and provides a generalist knowledge in other areas of finance.

FINANCE TEAM Public Pension Standards Award For Funding and Administration

Congratulations to everyone on the KCERA Finance Team for their work on the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). They received an award in recognition of meeting professional standards for plan funding and administration, as set forth in the Public Pension Standards.

IRMA CHAVEZ Five Years at KCERA

Congratulations Irma Chavez on reaching your five-year milestone at the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Association. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our team and the members we serve. We are grateful for your professionalism and the positive spirit you bring to the workplace every day. Thank you for your service and for being an inspiration to us all; here's to many more years of success together!

We would like to celebrate Cori (pictured here with KCERA C.E.O. Dominic Brown), our Senior Member Services Analyst, on her 5-year anniversary at KCERA! She has a wealth of #retirement knowledge and is an amazing asset to Kern County employees. Thank you for everything you do Cori!

A bittersweet celebration at KCERA as Brenda, our Chief Technology Officer,  retires.  Brenda started at KCERA in March of 2009 after working at the Kern County Auditor-Controllers office. Brenda was instrumental in the deployment and refinement of CPAS, KCERA’s pension system. Brenda brought a wealth of payroll and programing experience allowing KCERA to always place the members first with solid processes and behind the scenes customer service.

Everyone at KCERA would like to wish Brenda much joy and happiness in her retirement. 

KCERA would like to celebrate two staff members: Tyson and Jennifer.

• Tyson is the Senior Network Manager and recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary at KCERA!
• Jennifer is the Chief Legal Officer and also recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary at KCERA!

Fun fact: They started at KCERA on the same day! Everyone at KCERA would like to congratulate Tyson and Jennifer on their professional milestones and wish them a very happy work anniversary!

KCERA would like to celebrate another work anniversary! Justine is a KCERA Member Services Technician and she is often the first voice you hear when you call KCERA. She recently celebrated her 5-year work anniversary.

Congratulations Justine on your professional milestone!

KCERA would like to celebrate two staff members: Daryn and Tina.

• Daryn is the Chief Investment Officer and recently celebrated his 5-year anniversary at KCERA!
• Tina is a Retirement Services Analyst and recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary at KCERA!

Everyone at KCERA would like to extend their congratulations to Daryn and Tina on their professional milestones and wish them a very happy work anniversary!