Advisory Committee

Vote for the next advisory committee members.

Read about the candidates and cast your vote electronically.

Click here to vote through SurveyMonkey.

You may only vote once and must provide your first and last name, and either your DERP ID and/or a work email for active members or a personal email for retired members.

Voting closes Friday, May 9, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Active, Vested Candidates

Chris Miller

I have worked for the city of Denver for nearly 20 years in financial management roles and bring a strong background in finance along with a deep commitment to public service. I understand the vital role our pension plan plays in securing the retirement of both current and future members. I want to contribute my experience to the Denver Employees Retirement Plan Advisory Committee to help ensure its long-term strength and transparency. I would be honored to have your support.

Daneille Sexton

I have had the privilege of serving on the Advisory Board for the last 3 years, and I would be honored to serve again.  After prosecuting cases in the Economic Crimes Unit at the District Attorney’s Office for 6 years, I am all too aware of dangers of a mismanaged or neglected retirement fund. Our DERP pension is one of the greatest benefits we receive as city employees, and I want to help keep it accountable and thriving. I hope to continue acting as a liaison between DERP and my colleagues – answering questions and helping them plan for retirement.

Hannah Stewart

I’m interested in joining the DERP Advisory Committee because I want to help protect and strengthen a retirement system that so many of us are counting on. This system provides financial stability to people who’ve dedicated themselves to public service, and I want to help make sure it stays strong, transparent, and sustainable for years to come.

I’ve worked in finance and accounting for nearly two decades, and since joining the City in 2018, I’ve seen how thoughtful planning and responsible decision-making can directly support the people who keep our city running. I’d bring that same mindset to the Advisory Committee – asking good questions, listening to concerns, and contributing to balanced choices that serve both active and retired members.

I’m a Colorado native and the oldest of five siblings. My brothers and sisters all still live here, and they’re raising their families just like I am. My husband and I have two kids, and our lives are deeply rooted in this community. Being surrounded by family and deeply rooted in this community makes me think a lot about the future we’re building -not just for ourselves, but for the next generation. A reliable retirement system is a key part of that future.

Most of all, I see this as a way to give back. Even though I haven’t spent my whole career in public service, I believe strongly in the work we do and in making sure the people behind that work are supported. I’d be honored to represent my fellow DERP members and bring both financial experience and a personal perspective to the role.

Retired Candidates

Judith Bergquist

I think the benefits of DERP is amazing. I was part time for 10-11 years and that I have a bit of retirement money to bolster my small amount of social security is a life saver. I would like to support and enhance all the DERP benefits by being an advisor committee member.

John Carlson

To ensure sound fiscal management of the fund and to stay in touch with fellow retired and active members.

Richard Carreras

I’m always open to improve things within. I feel I can speak for others and give positive feedback.

Nancy Fjeldheim

I feel I have insight into housing, financial, and health programs that are woefully hurting retirees and current employees. 55 and older apartments lure in folks into signing horrible leases.  This mentality of lets get rich off the backs of others has to stop. We are all just folks. No one is immune to what is happening in our society. I have children, grand children, and a masters degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education. I have knowledge of trauma, grief and others doing harm where the credo of  do no harm is the cornerstone of their professions.  I want to feel like I still have something to give.

Raymond L. Greene

It will be an honor to served the denver county as a DERP advisory. I have over 36 years in the Military and over 13 in law enforcement. My job in the military was as advisory in (sharp) sexual harassment advisory response program. I gather information from different soldiers from different ranks in the military and bring it to my commander.

George Holt

First off, I’m an innovative Problem Solver & Program Developer – With decades of experience at Motorola, the satellite industry, Regional Transportation District, and Denver Traffic Engineering, I have a proven track record of analyzing inefficiencies and creating cutting-edge programs to improve operations. At Foothills Animal Shelter, I identified workflow challenges and used my own resources to design and 3D-print hundreds of custom solutions, streamlining processes with items that previously did not exist.

2nd, my unwavering Determination & Leadership – Recognized with numerous awards, including Employee of the Year, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Even when faced with threats, such as an armed employee at the City of Denver attempting to stop my reforms, I remained steadfast in my mission, reporting the incident to law enforcement and continuing my work without hesitation.

3rd, I’m a Patriotic Visionary Ready to Serve – As a U.S. Army veteran and dedicated patriot, I am eager to apply my expertise to advance the mission of DERP. I bring a fearless, results-driven approach to government efficiency, inspired by the transformative leadership of the visionaries around me, and other forward-thinking innovators shaping DERP’s future.

I look forward to serving you.

Sincerely,

George Holt III

Mithilesh Kumar

I proudly served the City and County of Denver as the Director of Engineering from December 2007 through June 2023. Now retired and a DERP beneficiary, I am deeply invested in the continued strength, sustainability, and fairness of our retirement system.

While DERP provides valuable retirement benefits, I believe the absence of a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or retirement adjustment provision is a significant gap that affects many of us who have dedicated our careers to public service. I want to use my experience across both public and private sectors to work collaboratively with fellow DERP members and appropriate stakeholders to explore and advocate for enhancements to the retirement system that better reflect economic realities and support long-term member well-being.

With over 40 years of leadership in transportation and infrastructure -28 years with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and more than 6 years with the City and County of Denver – I bring deep knowledge of strategic planning, project delivery, budget management, and stakeholder collaboration. I have successfully managed multimillion-dollar programs and led diverse teams across complex regulatory and operational landscapes.

I have also served as CEO and Managing Director of a private consulting firm, where I built strong alliances between public agencies and private partners, including CDOT, FHWA, FTA, and municipal governments. I have a track record of creating high-performing teams, streamlining operations, and finding sustainable solutions to difficult challenges.

I am committed to using this experience to help guide DERP toward a more responsive and resilient future for all members. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to serve the Denver community.

Michael Major

I retired from the city in 2015 after 10 years of service as the Director of Call Center Operations (311). As a retiree I believe I can represent the retired members and advise the committee on the trials and tribulations of being retired as well as the rewards and benefits of being retired from the City and County of Denver. As any retiree will tell you it is critical to plan in advance for your retirement, both financially and mentally, and I believe I can assist in that arena. I stay active and involved which is one of the keys to a successful retirement. I have the time to serve on the DERP Advisory Committee and will represent both active members and retired members if receiving the honor to serve on this most important committee.

Joseph Margoshes

My name is Joe Margoshes and I am asking for your vote to represent you as the Retired Member of the Advisory Committee to the DERP Board of Directors. The duty and function of the Advisory Committee is to present to the retirement board suggestions and questions which are in the interest of the general membership of the plan. While an Active Member of DERP, I had the privilege to serve on the Advisory Committee and am familiar with the workings of the plan and how Board decisions impact the current and future wellbeing of Retired Members. I am confident that my previous experience as an Advisory Committee Member, combined with my long background as a Colorado attorney and asset manager, prepare me to best advocate for your financial interests and help guarantee the security of your continuing retirement income.

During my 11 years at the city, I worked in the Real Estate Division in the Department of Finance and served as the Senior Asset Manager involved in the oversight and management of the city’s real estate portfolio. I handled the business side of the city’s more complex real estate transactions and asset management issues. Prior to my time with the city, I worked for 10 years at the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) in the Department of Legal Operations and as the Assistant Director of the Asset Management Division. My work at CHFA included the creation, financing and management of affordable home ownership and rental housing on a statewide basis.  I have also worked at a medium-sized Denver law firm as well as in the private real estate sector.

As a result of my background and accumulated experiences, I am familiar with those portions of the Denver Revised Municipal Code that create DERP and govern its powers and activities. I am prepared to make an immediate and positive impact and do not need to spend precious time progressing through the steep learning curve otherwise required to make a meaningful contribution. I am ready to serve you.

Roberta Monaco

I have been a member of the Denver Employees Retirement Plan Advisory Committee since July 2022. I have provided suggestions and input based on my experience as a city employee.  I am seeking to serve second term as I believe that I can continue to represent city employees in a meaningful and thought way.

I worked for the City and County of Denver for 22 years in the Office of Human Resources and am now a retired DERP member. My career was spent as a member of the Classification and Compensation team as a Compensation Analyst and a Manager establishing pay, pay practices, and fringe benefits. Over the years I worked on many large-scale compensation projects that impacted pay and benefits for all City and County of Denver employees which required approval by the Career Service Board and Denver City Council. I was a member of the Collective Bargaining team with Police, Fire and Deputy Sheriffs and served as a subject matter expert on pay, pay practices, and benefits survey data. The extensive experience I had working on the compensation team provided me a unique experience and understanding that the most successful changes and outcomes are those that consider and incorporate employee input.

I am a Colorado native and enjoy winter skiing and spending time reading. Life has afforded me the opportunity to travel and experience the wonderful cultures and cuisine around the world.

Loretta Perry-Wilborne

Hello, I have an MBA degree and would love to be a part of the advisory board. I bring financial literacy and a social services background with me. In difficult financial times steady leadership and someone who can be a visionary would be an asset to the team.

Joseph Richardson

I retired from the City & County of Denver after 23 years of service and have been a retired DERP member since October 1, 2018. Since this time, I have followed the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report in addition to the Quarterly and other Financial Report releases.  I also have called the DERP office with questions and have shown an overall interest in the operation of the DERP Advisory Committee.  In addition, I spend a significant portion of my free time following the capital markets and investing and personal finance in general.  I have learned how to manage risk aversion with our own investments and have realized capital appreciation in the self-directed 403b account that consistently exceeded the plan administrator portion from Cooney & Associates, Hartford, TIAA CREFF, and Nationwide Summit Savings.

I received a Master of Criminal Justice Degree from the University of Colorado Denver, Graduate School of Public Affairs, in May 1997. In addition to my 23 years serving the citizens of the City and County of Denver, my formal education, and my personal knowledge of retirement accounts and investing, I am passionate about helping both current and retired employees achieve financial success.  I realize I still have much to learn about serving on the Advisory Committee of the DERP Retirement Board, and if offered the opportunity to be an Advisory Committee Member, I will work collaboratively with other DERP Advisory Committee and Board Members to represent active and retired members, attend DERP Retirement Board meetings, and present suggestions and questions to the DERP Retirement Board. Perhaps, most importantly, I am a “people person” and enjoy working with others toward a common purpose.  My personality would be an ideal fit for this position.

Thank you for taking the time to review my Advisory Committee Intent to Run Form.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Sandra Roberts-Taylor

I am writing to express my sincere interest in serving as an Advisory Board Member for the Denver Employees Retirement Plan (DERP). As a full-time retired member since 2005, following the passing of my late husband, William R. Roberts – DERP member since 1991 – I have a deep and personal connection to the plan and a vested interest in its continued success.

My commitment to serving the DERP community stems from my appreciation of the vital role the plan plays in ensuring financial security for it members. I am eager to contribute my time, skills and dedication to the board actively engaging in learning opportunities and fulfilling the necessary qualifications to provide meaningful input. My background combined with my willingness to collaborate and uphold DERP’s mission, makes me confident that I can bring value to the existing board.

I would be honored to discuss how my experience and dedication align with the responsibilities of this position. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the future of DERP and its members.

Maggie Rysdam

Having worked in Human Resources and Administration Assistant positions, I would like to carry on with a position such as these to help where help is needed.  I have worked in various positions, and feel all of the positions have given me experience and taught me to suggest ideas and I am known to ask questions. After all, if you want to know, ASK! I will do my very best to accomplish the tasks associated with this position.

Dr. Dana Williams

As a fairly new retiree having retired in 2024, there were so many things I learned about the overall retirement process and DERP.  My experiences with both were in a positive light – from the numerous emails and questions I had throughout the process that never went unanswered, I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and care that was demonstrated.  As a prospective candidate for the DERP Advisory Committee I would like to join other individuals who are committed to ensuring that City and County of Denver employees have those same positive experiences as well as an understanding of the resources and benefits that await them.  I served the City & County of Denver for 24 years and would take pride in representing you as a DERP Advisory Committee Member.