PAG News
I want to share what PAG has been working on, what we are watching, and how members can stay involved. I also want to take a moment to thank the people who have helped build this community we call Pension Advocacy Group.
There is meaning in the name itself: PAG is GAP in reverse; our English teachers will appreciate the anagram. And in many ways, that is exactly our work: helping close the gaps in pension education, transparency, accountability, and advocacy.
For years, many of us believed meaningful change could happen from within existing positions of power, whether as trustees, elected officials, or advocates working inside the system. I believed that too. After years of service, including nearly four terms as a CTPF trustee before retiring in December 2022, I came to understand that the work required something more organized, more sustained, and more community-driven.
That realization is part of why PAG exists today. Since 2011, my focus has remained the same: securing justice, transparency, and long-term protection for children, educators, and elders. What has changed is the structure around that work. Through PAG, we are building a more sustainable, community-centered way to educate, protect, and restore confidence in pension advocacy.
And thankfully, we are not doing it alone.
With Gratitude
PAG would not be where it is today without the continued support of our board members, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
I am deeply grateful to Ray Wolh, PAG’s board president, who has been committed to this work since 2011, when we ran together for trustee seats on the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund Board. Ray continues to dedicate his time, talent, and support to ensuring that CTPF serves current and future Chicago educators.
Other special thank yous go to:
Dawn McGrath, board secretary, who has been helping PAG navigate the grant world. Sustainable funding is essential to this work, and Dawn’s efforts are helping us move toward a stronger future.
Faith Marie Ruiz, Director of Education, for helping launch PAG’s education videos and for collaborating on trustee training curriculum.
Javier Payano, Legislative Ambassador, for helping shine a light on the educators whose work is central to public education and whose pensions deserve protection.
Julie McShane, Trustee, who has supported PAG’s trustee forums, legislative education efforts, and fundraising work while helping keep us informed about issues that may affect CTPF.
Lilian Molina, Trustee, my former student at Lane Tech, who continues to support PAG as a nonprofit advisor.
Maria Blancas, Trustee, who helped begin PAG’s legislator education efforts and has also highlighted PAG’s work on her podcast, En Lo Real.
And thank you to Cassandra “Candy” Bayna, PAG’s Chief Marketing Consultant and our first employee, whose professional experience, creativity, and strategic guidance have helped PAG look, sound, and function like the organization we are becoming. In other words, she has made us look legitimate, which is always helpful when you are trying to build a nonprofit and not just survive on caffeine and determination.
Celebrating Our Volunteers and Supporters
PAG’s volunteers also deserve special recognition.
A heartfelt thank-you to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Harris for preparing the food at our Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, especially the pancakes, which may now be part of PAG history.
We are also grateful to Venessa Kotesky, LaTa’ja Enachs, June O’Ketterer, and Francie Reizen for consistently stepping up whenever there is pension advocacy work to be done.
The success of our Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser was made possible by so many generous contributions, including the beautiful handmade quilt donated by Lois Jones, wine prize donations from Vicki Sochia and Veronica Sanchez, and the photos and video created by Felipe Barrios, which captured the joy, energy, and purpose of the day.
And of course, no pancake brunch is complete without music. Former Trustee Gregory Redfearn, along with Yves Francois and his band, brought the perfect energy to the event. Javier Payano and fellow music teachers contributed to the second act, and Greir, a 9-year-old CPS student, performed original songs on his ukulele.
It was a morning of food, music, community, and advocacy.
What PAG Has Been Working On
Since 2011, I have understood the importance of educating the people who govern our pension fund. For members to have meaningful representation, trustees must be informed, prepared, and able to understand the basics of an institutional retirement system.
Over the past four years, PAG has made measurable progress. A full report on that work is expected to be ready by the annual PAG board meeting on July 22, 2026.
One of our most important recent milestones is achieving 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This designation opens the door to new funding opportunities and helps PAG build a more sustainable foundation for the work ahead.
We are also working to reinvigorate the idea of a CTPF ambassador program. While Ray and I served as trustees, the board voted to begin an ambassador program, but it ended after Ray retired from teaching and his trustee role concluded. PAG is now working to bring renewed energy and structure to that concept.
Why This Work Matters
Without organized advocacy, the gap between accountability, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility can grow wider.
PAG exists to help close that gap.
Our mission is to educate, protect, and restore confidence in pension advocacy. That means helping members understand the system, encouraging informed participation, and supporting efforts that protect earned benefits for current and future retirees.
What We’re Watching
PAG is closely watching several issues, including:
- Tier 2 legislation
- CTPF’s 2027 lobbying agenda
- Communication concerns
- Trustee education and governance
- Upcoming advocacy priorities
These issues matter because they can shape the future of pension protection, member trust, and retirement security.
Looking Ahead
PAG will continue building resources, educational opportunities, newsletters, videos, and events to help members stay informed and involved.
We are also planning future fundraising and community events, including our upcoming Senior Prom: Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Because apparently, pension advocacy can include both fiduciary responsibility and dancing. We contain multitudes.
How You Can Stay Involved
There are many ways to support PAG’s work.
You can learn more about becoming a CTPF pension representative at your school, serving as a CTPF trustee, becoming a PAG ambassador, attending events, volunteering, donating, or simply staying informed.
Check back often for educational opportunities, updates, and upcoming events.
Thank you for being part of this work and for helping PAG continue to build momentum.
Tina