NAGDCA – Art Caple President’s Award
The NAGDCA – Art Caple President’s Award was founded in 2019 to commemorate the lifework of past NAGDCA president, Art Caple. Mr. Caple was a visionary and voice for those who serve others through employer-sponsored retirement plans and championed retirement programs that continue today to build financial security for state and local government employees throughout their retirement.
The President’s Award is presented annually at the NAGDCA Annual Conference* to a public sector retirement plan that has championed the participant-first mentality that Mr. Caple demonstrated in his work building financial security for public employees.
2024 Award Winner
Los Angeles Unified School District Named 2024 Art Caple President’s Award Winner
Pictured from left to right: Luis Chaves Guzman, Voya Financial; Steve Schullo, LAUSD Retirement Investment Advisory Committee Member; Barbara Healy, NFP Retirement; Sandy Keaton, LAUSD Retirement Investment Advisory Committee Member
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) was honored as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 NAGDCA Art Caple President’s Award at the 2024 NAGDCA Annual Conference in Phoenix. Since launching their 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan in 2006, LAUSD has been a leader in transforming the financial well-being of their employees. The plan, designed to offer a high-quality, low-cost retirement savings option, has achieved remarkable success over the years.
Key initiatives have included automatic enrollment, the introduction of the Roth 457(b) option, and an impressive reduction in fees from over 1% to just 0.18%. These efforts have resulted in substantial growth, with participation expanding from zero to over 11,000 active participants, and plan assets surpassing $500 million.
In addition to simplifying investment options and lowering costs, LAUSD has placed a strong emphasis on financial education and wellness. Their financial outreach initiatives, which include personalized messaging and educational campaigns, have reached thousands of employees, enhancing financial literacy and boosting retirement readiness. Their 2024 plan satisfaction survey also reported a remarkable 89% satisfaction rate among participants.
LAUSD’s unwavering commitment to participant outcomes, innovation, and excellence in deferred compensation administration has made them a worthy recipient of this year’s Art Caple President’s Award. Their success serves as an inspiration for other public sector plans, exemplifying the spirit of strategic foresight and dedication that the award celebrates.
