Committees at Work
PERI’s work is carried out through a set of standing committees, each focused on a key area of the association’s mission, from membership and education to finance, governance, and legislative advocacy.
Made up of board members representing districts across Ohio, these committees guide PERI’s decisions, monitor the issues that affect your pension and benefits, and ensure the association stays accountable to its members. The 2026 committee assignments are listed below.
Membership Committee
Oversees recruitment, retention, and engagement efforts, working to grow PERI’s membership and strengthen the value it delivers to OPERS retirees across Ohio.
Rick Lawrence
Vice Chair
Brenda Harden
(D5)
Chris Shank
(D7)
Education Committee
Develops the resources, webinars, and communications that keep members informed about their pension, benefits, and the issues affecting their retirement.
John Abel
Chair (D4)
Connie Rubin
(D11)
Patty Pikula
(D6)
Sharon Heitbrink
(D2)
Employee Compensation/Benefits Committee
Reviews staffing, compensation, and benefits matters to ensure PERI operates responsibly and remains a sound, well-run organization.
Chris Thompson
Chair (2nd Chair)
Peggy Estes
(D1)
Finance/Investments Committee
Safeguards PERI’s financial health, overseeing budgets, investments, and the reserves that fund the association’s advocacy and operations.
Quentin Potter
Chair Treasurer
John Abel
(D4)
Patty Pikula
(D6)
Governance Committee
Maintains PERI’s bylaws, policies, and board practices, ensuring the association is led with accountability and integrity on behalf of its members.
Peggy Estes
Chair (D1)
Richard Ross
(D8)
Connie Rubin
(D11)
Legislation Committee
Monitors bills in the Ohio General Assembly that affect OPERS pensions and benefits, and coordinates PERI’s testimony and advocacy at the statehouse.
Richard Ross
Chair (D8)
Brenda Harden
(D5)
Connie Rubin
(D11)
Audit Committee
Provides independent review of PERI’s financial records and controls to ensure transparency and proper stewardship of member funds. Convenes when called upon.
Rick Lawrence
Chair (Vice Chair)
Nominating Committee
Identifies and recommends candidates for PERI’s board and officer positions to support strong, continuous leadership. Convenes during elections.
Peggy Estes
Chair (D1)
Brenda Harden
(D5)
Sharon Heitbrink
(D2)
Patty Pikula
(D6)
Merrill Asher
(past Vice Chair)
Communications Committee
Lezlie Garcia
Chair
Executive Board
(past Vice Chair)
