About Us

Pension Advocacy Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to pension education, transparency, and advocacy.

Why It Matters

The CTPF has increasingly shifted away from stable, defined-benefit structures toward models that place greater risk on individuals.

While this transition began in the private sector, its impact is now being felt in public systems, introducing uncertainty into previously predictable retirement outcomes.

Supplemental plans, such as 403(b)s, do not provide the same level of security, leaving many Chicago educators more vulnerable to market volatility and complex financial decisions.

In response, the Pension Advocacy Group was formed to bring clarity, protect earned benefits, and support the long-term strength of defined-benefit retirement systems.

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Our Mission

We work to promote transparency, strengthen oversight, and protect defined-benefit retirement systems for CTPF members.

Our Approach

Our work is focused on three core priorities:

Educate

We provide clear, accessible information to help members understand their benefits and the decisions that affect them.

Protect

We advocate for the preservation of defined- benefit pensions and the protection of earned benefits.

Restore

We support efforts to strengthen oversight, transparency, and long-term stability within the CTPF.

Meet Our Team

Real advocacy takes real people. Meet the team working to educate, protect, and restore.

Tina Padilla

Founder and Executive Director

Tina is a veteran CPS math teacher. She also served as a fiduciary to the CTPF, where she represented active educators, oversaw a multi-billion-dollar asset portfolio, and contributed to the governance and administration of the Board of Trustees.

Tina founded the Pension Advocacy Group to preserve defined-benefit pensions, strengthen oversight, and ensure CTPF members have clear, timely information about their benefits and the decisions that affect them.

Her work is focused on protecting earned benefits and supporting the long-term integrity of the fund.

Board of Directors

Effective advocacy requires experienced, committed leadership. The members of the PAG Board bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to protecting the integrity of the CTPF.

Ray Wohl

President

Dawn McGrath

Secretary

Faith Marie Ruiz

Director of Education

Javier Payano

Legislative Ambassador

Julie McShane

Trustee

Maria Blancas

Trustee

Lilian Molina

Trustee

Cassandra Bayna

Chief Marketing Consultant

Take Action Now

Stay Informed. Stay Protected.

Subscribe to the newsletter for timely updates on pension policy, board activity, and the work PAG is doing to protect and strengthen defined-benefit systems.

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