The Program’s structure has always been one of its strengths – it is administered by public employees, for public employees, and governed by a Board with a majority of public employees. Last summer the General Assembly passed pension reform legislation, which altered the composition of the Ohio Deferred Compensation Board. The Auditor of State and the Attorney General will continue as financial and legal advisors, but will no longer be Board members. They have been replaced on the Board with another retired member and three investment experts. The recently appointed Board members include:

James R. Tilling, appointed by Governor Taft as an interim retiree member serving on the board until the next election. Mr. Tilling previously served on the Board as the fiduciary representative to Auditor of State, Betty D. Montgomery.

Robert C. Smith, appointed by Governor Taft as an investment expert. Mr. Smith is employed by Spero-Smith Investment Advisors, Inc.

Zuheir Sofia, appointed by the General Assembly as an investment expert. Mr. Sofia is employed by Sofia & Company, Inc.

Warren W. Tyler, appointed by Treasurer of State Deters as an investment expert. Mr. Tyler is employed by Warmarr Capital, Inc.

The expanded 13 member Board will provide a well-rounded, diverse governing board to represent the interests of participants and to guide the future direction of the Program. The entire Board membership can be found by clicking here.