Message From the Executive Director Alan Conroy

Members sometimes express concern whether their KPERS benefits will be there when they retire.

When they call in, or ask questions during a KPERS presentation, here is what we tell them: “Please don’t worry. There is certainly reason for all of us to increase our attention on KPERS’ funding, but not enough to make you doubt if your benefits will be there for you when it’s time.”

KPERS is a prefunded system. That means contributions and investment returns come in during your career to pay for your benefits when you retire. Right now, about $1.6 billion in contributions come in each year. This alone would almost cover the annual cost of current benefits. And then there’s investment income. Over time, it accounts for more than half of income to the Trust Fund.

KPERS manages over $28 billion in assets. Your assets. The System has continued to earn a long-term investment average of 6.9% (as of September 30, 2024), in line with our 7% target. The Trust Fund is your money. It’s not going anywhere except to pay your benefits.

In addition, for the sixth year in a row the Governor and the Legislature have authorized payment of the actuarially required employer contributions to KPERS. These payments are key to the long-term funding position of KPERS. As your fiduciary, we're working with employers and State leaders to ensure sound funding for your promised benefits.

Rest assured, your benefit will be there. To learn more about KPERS Funding, please visit kspers.gov/about/funding.

Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions ([email protected] or 785-296-6880). Thank you for your public service.

Alan D. Conroy, Executive Director