Pension Fund Administrator Accepts Executive Position With International Consulting Firm
Fort Worth Employees' Retirement Fund Executive Director Benita Falls Harper has announced her departure from the Fund to accept a new position. Her service with the Fund will conclude following the Board's monthly meeting on Sept. 28, 2022.
The Fund is one of the largest municipal plans in Texas. An interim has not been named.
During Harper's tenure as executive director, she managed and oversaw the Fund's $2.6 billion investment portfolio and its benefit programs that serve more than 11,000 retirees and active employees. She has accepted an executive-level position with the international consulting firm, Aon.
Harper joined the Fund in 2017 as general counsel and was appointed executive director in 2019. Before joining the Fund, she worked as an attorney in the private and government sectors and served as a Fort Worth judge.
Kevin Foster, the Board of Trustees vice chair, says Harper will be missed.
"She has been a wonderful asset to the organization, both as the general counsel and the executive director," he says. "She has provided outstanding leadership through some challenging times."
Foster says the Board recognizes and appreciates "how productive the last few years have been, with numerous accomplishments."
Foster added that the departure of Harper will not impact the Fund's long-term goals and priorities.
"Benita has worked diligently to put in place an experienced, diverse and dedicated staff," he says.
Harper says she appreciates the Board's longstanding support and adds, "Making this career change is bittersweet, as the Fund is an outstanding organization."
"I leave knowing that members can be assured that they will continue to receive the same quality level of service to which they have become accustomed," she says.