The Role of the Pension Commission
The Pension Commission consists of three voting members who are appointed by the Mayor to serve staggered three-year terms, which are renewable. The active members of the MERF elect a fourth non-voting employee representative for a three-year term. The Pension Commission, along with the City Treasurer and her staff, is responsible for the administration of the City`s Municipal Employees` Retirement Fund (the "MERF"), the 415(m) "Excess Benefit" Fund, the Fireman`s Relief Fund ("FRF"), Police Benefit Fund ("PBF"), the Retirement Allowance Fund ("RAF") and the City`s Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan).
The City Treasurer, in her role as Secretary of the Pension Commission, is custodian for and manages all the assets of the MERF, whether stocks, bonds, cash, annuities, real-estate holdings or other investments. The assets are managed in a prudent fashion as to ensure that sufficient income is generated by those investments to meet the City of Hartford’s current and future pension obligations.
The City of Hartford Pension Commission meets monthly in regular session, except for the month of August. All regular Pension Commission meetings begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and are, of course, open to the public. The meetings take place at the City Treasurer's Offie located at 250 Constitution Plaza, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT.
Chairman Peter Stevens
President of JCJ Architecture, Mr. Stevens has been instrumental in planning and development of a wide variety of building projects throughout his 30 year career in the Architecture and Design industry. He has led the firm to national prominence, now having offices in Hartford, Boston, New York City, Phoenix and San Diego.
In addition, he is the fiduciary overseer of the firm’s defined contribution plan. As a business leader and a third generation resident of Hartford, Peter contributes his expertise to the Boards of many organizations that include The Watkinson School, the Connecticut Convention and Sports Bureau, the Hartford Scholar’s Program and the University of Hartford’s College of Engineering, Technology and Architecture, the Montessori School of Greater Hartford, the New Children’s Museum of West Hartford and Vistage Central Connecticut.
Peter received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College and his Masters from the State University of New York at Albany.
In addition, he is the fiduciary overseer of the firm’s defined contribution plan. As a business leader and a third generation resident of Hartford, Peter contributes his expertise to the Boards of many organizations that include The Watkinson School, the Connecticut Convention and Sports Bureau, the Hartford Scholar’s Program and the University of Hartford’s College of Engineering, Technology and Architecture, the Montessori School of Greater Hartford, the New Children’s Museum of West Hartford and Vistage Central Connecticut.
Peter received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College and his Masters from the State University of New York at Albany.
Joshua B Gottfried, CFP
Joshua B Gottfried, CFP® is the co-founder of Gottfried & Somberg Wealth Management, LLC, an independent investment and financial services firm with offices in Glastonbury, Avon and East Lyme. The firm currently manages over $1.5 billion in assets for individuals. Josh lives in the West End of Hartford with his wife and three children.
Gene A. Goldman
Mr. Goldman has been a Pension commissioner since 1996. He has over forty years of experience as a retirement plan actuary for Hartford-based pension consulting and investment firms.
Mr. Goldman is a well-respected and credentialed member of several actuarial professional organizations such as: Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Member of the American Academy of Actuaries, Enrolled Actuary and Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries.
Mr. Goldman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin & Marshall College and completed Post-graduate Actuarial courses at University of Connecticut.
Nicholas J. Trigila
Mr. Nicholas Trigila was elected on December 19, 2014 as the Employee Representative for the City of Hartford Pension Commission, to a 3 year term.
Mr. Trigila is a lifelong resident of Hartford and has been a Police Officer since 2007. He graduated from Bulkeley High School in Hartford and received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UConn. He is currently a graduate student in Public Policy at Trinity College.