Colorado PERA Board to Elect Vice Chair

DENVER—Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) Board Chair Taylor McLemore today announced that he will step down from his roles as Board Chair and Trustee at the conclusion of the June 27 Board meeting. Vice Chair Rebecca Freyre will assume the role of Chair to complete McLemore’s term ending January 2027 in accordance with the PERA Governance Manual.

The Board will elect a new Vice Chair at the June meeting. The elected Trustee will then complete the existing Vice Chair term, ending January 2027.

“It has been a profound honor to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Colorado PERA,” said McLemore. “I have deep respect for the mission of PERA and the dedication of the staff, my fellow trustees, and stakeholders who work to secure the retirement benefits of Colorado’s public employees.

“Personal obligations require me to relocate out of state making it difficult to dedicate the time and attention required of a Trustee. PERA has a strong Board and leadership team to manage the fund for Colorado’s public workforce. It will be in excellent hands with Judge Freyre serving as the Board Chair.”

McLemore was first appointed in 2021 by Gov. Polis to the Board of Trustees and was reappointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate in April 2025. He was elected to serve as Chair beginning in January 2025. McLemore will step down as a Trustee at the conclusion of the June 27 meeting. The Governor’s Office is currently considering candidates to replace Mr. McLemore.

“I appreciate Taylor’s thoughtful leadership, guidance and support as Chair and his commitment to a smooth transition of responsibilities,” said Andrew Roth, PERA’s CEO/Executive Director. “We also welcome Judge Freyre’s leadership and very much appreciate her willingness to step forward to assume the role of Board Chair.”

Hon. Rebecca Freyre, who has served on the PERA Board of Trustees since 2019, is a Colorado Court of Appeals Judge. She was elected as Vice Chair beginning January 2025. 

“On behalf of the PERA board, I want to thank Taylor for his service as Chair and for his many contributions since joining the Board in 2021,” said Judge Freyre. “His thoughtful approach to difficult questions and to seeking solutions that enhance PERA’s long-term success are appreciated, and it is with sincere gratitude that I assume the role of Chair.”

By state law, the management of the Public Employees’ Retirement Association funds is vested in PERA’s Board of Trustees. The 16-member Board of Trustees includes three Trustees appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate; four members from the School Division; three members from the State Division; one member from the Local Government Division; one Judicial Division member; two PERA retirees; a non-voting representative from the DPS Division; and the State Treasurer as an ex officio, voting member. 

About Colorado PERA

Colorado PERA provides retirement and other benefits to over 700,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snowplow drivers, and other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado. PERA is a vital and stable contributor to Colorado’s economy, distributing $4.55 billion in benefits in 2023 to more than 114,000 retirees who live in Colorado.