In Memorium
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Vice Chair, Rick Lawrence on Friday, September 11, 2026. Please keep his family in thoughts and/or prayers during this difficult time. Rick Lawrence joined our Board of Trustees in 2016 as a District 10 Representative, who served in that capacity until being voted to the 2nd Vice Chair position in October of 2023, and served until he resigned for health issues in December of 2024. In 2025, Rick returned to run as Vice Chair and was sworn in October 2025. The years of service will not be forgotten and for all who knew him, we are blessed.
Obituary: Harold “Rick” R. Lawrence
Ohio's Voice for Public Employee Retirees
Public Employee Retirees Inc. (PERI) is Ohio’s leading advocacy organization for OPERS retirees. We monitor legislation, lobby on your behalf, and fight to protect the pension benefits you earned.
Membership is how we stay strong.
Spirit of PERI Award
Guidelines for nominating:
The Spirit of PERI is demonstrated in our organization through the actions and the relationships we build daily. A nominee for The Spirit of PERI Award must be a member of PERI, in good standing, and cannot be a member of the PERI Board or staff. They must be selfless in their desire to help others. A crucial aspect is their loyalty to PERI and our membership, a commitment that is unwavering. They recognize opportunities to lead initiatives that make a difference for OPERS retirees and our PERI community.
Why Join PERI?
The Public Employee Retirees Inc. (PERI) is the #1 organization actively working to protect and maintain Ohio’s public employee retiree’s pensions.
Your membership gives you access to exclusive member benefits.
AMBA Insurance Benefits
Dental, vision, Medicare supplement and more. Exclusively for PERI members.
Upcoming Events
Help Keep PERI Strong
PERI is launching a fundraising campaign to cover rising operational costs. While our $2 million legal reserve remains protected for pension defense, day-to-day costs have created a shortfall of approximately $90,000.
Your contribution helps fund:
- Newsletter printing & postage — $68,000/year
- Legislative representation — $30,000/year
- Office operations & member outreach
Over 80% of Life Members paid $100 at a time when that covered costs. Today, PERI needs your support more than ever.
Latest News
August 17, 2026
Senate Bill 293 – Revise deadline to return absent voter ballots
Check status of SB 293
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August 17, 2026
Senate Bill 69
PERI is watching SB 69 – “Reform Ohio’s state public retirement system laws.” To declare the General Assembly’s intent to…
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