2024 Executive Board Member-at-Large Election
Voting closes Wednesday, July 31.
NAGDCA received one nomination for the 2024-2025 Member-at-Large position. We’re pleased to have such a talented individual interested in serving the NAGDCA membership as a volunteer Executive Board member. Please click below to meet the candidate and cast your vote.
Please note, although there is only one candidate, we still need to conduct a vote per NAGDCA’s Bylaws. Thank you in advance for participating!
Only one vote is allowed from each plan. Duplicate votes will not be considered.
Meet the Candidates
Jim Potvin
Executive Director
Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia
Jim Potvin became the Executive Director for the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia in 2012. He previously served as the agency’s Deputy Director. Under Jim’s leadership, ERSGA administers five defined benefit plans, two life insurance plans, and three defined contribution plans. These plans combined cover more than 115,000 active members and 77,000 retirees and pay out more than $1.5 billion per year in benefits.
Jim is a Past President of the National Association of State Retirement Administrators (NASRA). He earned a BA in Mathematical Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University and an MS from Georgia State University.
How long have you been in your current position and how does it relate to the defined contribution industry?
I have been the Executive Director at ERSGA since 2012. In addition to five defined benefit and two life insurance plans, ERSGA manages three defined contribution plans – a 401(k) plan, a 457 plan, and a Social Security replacement safe harbor plan. The 401(k) plan is a key component of the current tier of retirement benefits for ERS members hired after 2008 – our “hybrid” tier consisting of a DB component plus the 401(k) component with an employer match.
What leadership positions have you held within the deferred compensation/defined contribution community, as well as with other organizations (professional or volunteer), that have bearing on potential NAGDCA leadership responsibilities?
I’ve been a NAGDCA member since 2011 and joined the Legislative Committee in 2023. Prior to that, I spent nine years (2013-2022) as a Board Member of the National Association of State Retirement Administrators (NASRA), including two years as President. During that time, I served as chair of all of the NASRA committees: Administration, Conference, Education and Research, Special Programs, Legislative and Resolutions, Nominations, Performance / Compensation / Benefits, and Membership Development. I have served on numerous project teams and committees for the state of Georgia, including the GASB 67/68 Steering Committee (2013-15) and the Retirement Security Study Committee (2021).
What special skills or training do you possess that would benefit the association?
I’ve spent my entire career in retirement plan administrator, as a plan sponsor, a consultant, and a third-party administrator, in both the private and public sectors. This gives me a layered viewpoint on the industry’s challenges and enhances my understanding when communicating with our partners and constituent groups. I strive to make data-driven decisions while recognizing that perfect information is not always available. I am collaborative with my staff and subject matter experts (audit, finance, legal, actuarial, technology) in developing long-term strategies that are consistent with our mission to serve our members and the Governor’s overall vision for our state.
What has been your previous experience with NAGDCA? (First year of participation, specific contributions to association such as newsletter articles, committee service, conference presentations, etc.).
I first became a NAGDCA member in 2011 and joined the Legislative Committee last year. I was a 2022 General Session panelist for “The Great Resignation: Attracting, Retaining, and Valuing Public Sector Talent” and a 2023 breakout panelist for “Recruitment, Retention, and Total Employee Wellbeing”.
Why do you want to be Board Member? What are your goals for NAGDCA and how can your involvement contribute to execution of the strategic plan?
As a plan sponsor, I have benefitted greatly from the expertise contained within our membership and hope to lend my support to others in the industry. I’ve been happy to note NAGDCA’s spirit of partnership with other organizations (such as NASRA) and believe I can contribute positively to fostering those partnerships. I’m also excited about the PRRL initiative and look forward to applying the insights it unlocks for the benefit of all of our participants.
