Looking Ahead to 2026: A Message from SBCERA’s CEO
December 23, 2025
As we reflect on this year, I’m deeply grateful for our team here at SBCERA and for our partnership with all of you—our valued members who have served, and continue to serve, San Bernardino communities.
At SBCERA, our focus remains on delivering exceptional service today while thoughtfully planning for the future. That responsibility guides every decision we make.
Invested in Your Future
Providing you with retirement security is central to our mission. We closed the fiscal year with an 8.7% return on investments and are now managing over $17 billion in assets on your behalf.
Our strong governance structure, disciplined investment strategy, and focus on diversification help position the retirement fund for long-term growth and stability. We understand the responsibility entrusted to us, and fulfilling our commitment to our members remains our highest priority.
If you have eight minutes, we encourage you to watch the video below to learn more about how SBCERA’s investments work and how we remain focused on delivering results—no matter what challenges the market may bring.
Reflecting on 2025
We Are SBCERA Campaign
Earlier this year, we launched our “We Are SBCERA” video series, featuring stories about the people who define SBCERA. These videos spotlight our members actively serving San Bernardino communities, retirees reflecting on their careers and retirement journeys, trustees, and our team who is committed to you.
Through this campaign, we offer an inside look at the people who provide the important public services that communities depend on, while learning about how SBCERA provides the foundation for a secure retirement. These stories reflect purpose, impact, and a shared commitment to service. You can learn more about this campaign at: www.SBCERA.org/We-Are-SBCERA.
Expanded Member Education & Education
Whether you are retired or planning for retirement, informed financial planning is key to achieving long-term financial well-being. That’s why we launched our Financial Education Program, offering free financial education courses exclusively for SBCERA members.
In addition to our retirement seminars, these courses cover a wide range of topics such as budgeting, debt management, estate planning, long-term care, and more. All courses are conducted by certified financial planner professionals and designed to empower members to make confident financial decisions.
Learn more at www.SBCERA.org/Financial-Education.
We also expanded the Retiree Support Initiative introduced by the Board of Retirement to better support members during their transition to retirement and beyond. As part of this effort, SBCERA hosted workshops on topics ranging from fraud prevention to financial wellness.
In September, more than 100 retirees attended our inaugural Retiree Volunteer Expo at the San Bernardino County Museum. Participants explored meaningful volunteer opportunities with 24 different organizations and connected with ways to continue giving back to the community.
Board of Retirement Election
SBCERA is governed by a nine-member Board of Retirement, with three alternate members, who carry constitutional, statutory, and fiduciary responsibilities to administer the retirement system in a sound and prudent manner.
This year, we conducted the 2025 Board of Retirement election using our new and more accessible process. Members were able to vote either by mail or through a secure online platform.
Louis Fiorino was re-elected to serve as the General Member Trustee and Gary McBride has been elected as the Alternate Retired Member Trustee. Dawn Stafford ran unopposed and will continue to serve as the Retired Member Trustee.
Each trustee will serve a three-year term, effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028.
We are also delighted that the Board of Supervisors appointed John Johnson to serve on our Board effective January 1, 2026. At that time, we will also welcome Parth Bhatt as our new Appointed Ex-Officio Alternate Member.
More information about our Board of Retirement can be found at www.SBCERA.org/Board-Retirement.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Chief Executive Officer of your retirement system, I’m confident you will be pleased with the progress we’re making and remain committed to future improvements in 2026.
We will be conducting our next member engagement survey in early 2026. The purpose of this periodic survey is simple: we want to provide the best service experience to all our members. The responses tell us what we’re doing well and where we can improve. Keep an eye out for this survey and thank you in advance for letting us know how we’re doing.
We have an incredible team at SBCERA, made up of people who genuinely care about you. In case you missed it, we prepared a special holiday message for you in the video below.
On behalf of the SBCERA team and from my family to yours, may you have a safe, healthy, and happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Debby Cherney
Chief Executive Officer
SBCERA