Robert J. Scott, former Colorado PERA Executive Director, passed away on April 20, 2020. Mr. Scott served as PERA’s Executive Director from November 1984 until his retirement in July 2000. Prior to being appointed Executive Director, he was Colorado’s State Auditor from 1977 to 1984 and served as a Trustee on the PERA Board for seven years.
During Mr. Scott’s tenure as PERA’s fourth Executive Director, the PERA trust fund grew to more than $28 billion. Under his leadership, PERA implemented the 401(k) Voluntary Investment Plan program, the retiree health care program, and earned Certificates of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
Mr. Scott was a leader in the public pension industry and held positions with the National Association of State Retirement Administrators including serving as its President. He served as Chairman of the Public Pension Coordinating Council, on the Executive Committee of National Conference of State Legislatures, and on the Government Finance Officers Association Committee on Public Employee Retirement Associations. Mr. Scott’s exemplary credentials prepared him for a lifelong career in public service that also included serving as the Executive Director of the Denver Public Schools Retirement System from 2003−2005.
Mr. Scott was admired and respected by members, employees, and peers across the country and will be remembered for his commitment to improve upon past programs and philosophies while drawing blueprints for the future. PERA and Colorado’s public employees are still benefiting today from his vision and dedication for a better retirement plan for all PERA members.
The PERA Board and staff extend their sincere condolences to Mr. Scott’s family.