One hundred years ago, ICMA, an organization that would change the face of local government management and guide the way for local government leaders, was founded. The ICMA Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC) feels fortunate to be just one of ICMA’s many success stories as we recognize its centennial.

ICMA’s mission and commitment to public employees has not faltered over the past 10 decades. It continues to further its commitment to public sector leaders by creating educational resources, as well as networking and advancement opportunities for those in public service.

Most importantly, ICMA is committed to raising awareness about the significant role that local government managers play in our day-to-day lives. Over the years, ICMA has blazed many trails for government leaders and has been an advocate for the advancement of all public sector employees. ICMA-RC is proud to call the association our founder and partner.

Blazing a New Path

ICMA-RC’s work began with our first participant, Cole Hendrix, ICMA member and city manager of Charlottesville, Virginia. More than 40 years ago, he trusted ICMA to create an organization that would help him build his retirement security.

At that time, and through the support of ICMA leaders like former Executive Director Mark Keane, ICMA-RC was created. Our organization’s success has continued over the years with the support of such ICMA leaders as former Executive Director Bill Hansell, and current Executive Director Bob O’Neill, along with the many ICMA members who have served on boards within the ICMA-RC complex over the years.

Because of ICMA’s vision in 1972 to create a portable retirement system for public sector employees, ICMA-RC has grown from a single participant to more than 1.2 million participant accounts under management and administration today.

In 2007, ICMA-RC partnered with ICMA to help found the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE). The organization was created to respond to the challenges facing state and local governments, especially as they address issues affecting public sector retirement and employment benefits. Since its inception, SLGE has published more than 100 issue briefs on relevant public sector subjects and has been a resource to governments across the nation.

Dedicated Service

Thank you for continuing to let us serve you and the public sector. ICMA-RC is honored to have partnered with you in this journey of professional local government management throughout the decades. We celebrate your many accomplishments and extend our congratulations and thank you to your members, executive board, and executive director for your 100 years of dedicated service. Here’s to another 100 outstanding years!