By David Archuleta, Executive Director
Dear Educational Retirement Act Plan Participants,
Following the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the education community for all the hard work and effort required to support a safe and productive learning environment. This past year I had the privilege of observing and participating in school events sponsored by my son’s elementary, which provides insight into the incredible demands placed on educators every day. More than anything, I thank you for your patience, understanding and ability to juggle competing demands placed on you by students, parents and our communities.
As the summer rapidly begins, I wanted to share a few updates regarding leadership changes at the Educational Retirement Board (ERB), provide a reminder about the changes to ERB’s return-to-work programs resulting from this past legislative session and give an update on the construction of our new office building.
Promotions
Renada Peery-Galon has been promoted to serve as the deputy director for the Educational Retirement Board. Ms. Peery-Galon joined ERB in March 2023 as our Administrative Services Director/Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Peery-Galon has an extensive history and background in state government; having previously served as Administrative Services Director for the Public Regulation Commission, Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Public Employees Retirement Association, Children, Youth and Families Department, and as an analyst for the Legislative Finance Committee. She holds a Master of Public Administration from New Mexico State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication and Public Relations from Eastern New Mexico University.
Megan Mannila was selected to fill the vacancy created following Ms. Peery-Galon’s promotion and now serves as our Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Manilla has served ERB and its members in various capacities for more than a decade, most recently as Budget and Financial Services Manager. Ms. Manilla has a Master of Business Administration from Highlands University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Minnesota.
Return-to-Work Updates
As previously mentioned, certain changes to ERB’s return-to-work programs were enacted through Laws 2025, Chapter 144. This includes an increased earnings limit to the program that previously allowed a retired member to earn up to $15,000 per fiscal year to now earn up to $25,000 per fiscal year. The amended law also extended the period of time a retired member can work (without an earnings limit) from 36 consecutive or non-consecutive months to 60 consecutive or non-consecutive months. The condition of these changes will automatically apply to the affected members; therefore, retired members who are already in an approved program will not need to reapply.
New Office Building
After breaking ground nearly, a year and a half ago, construction of ERB’s new office building is nearly complete. Following a disagreement regarding the State’s obligation to meet the City of Santa Fe’s building requirements as a condition of access to city utilities, the Planning Commission approved ERB’s development plan on April 17. This follows a court decision denying ERB’s Motion for Judgement on the Pleadings. While the Court agreed that the City cannot require the State to subject itself to a municipal ordinance or require compliance with the City development code, the Court did find that the City has authority to regulate water usage by contract.
Beyond our gratitude, please know that ERB staff are working hard to ensure the financial integrity and security of your pension benefits. ERB’s management team has assembled an extraordinary team of individuals dedicated to our Mission, Vision, and continues improvements to the services we provide. Until the Fall Edition of our newsletter, I hope you have a fun filled and safe summer.
Sincerely,
David Archuleta