I'd like to thank Pensions & Investments for recognizing Jennifer Cooper in the Nov. 2, page 21 story about the decision of the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System to hire her firm, Cooper Consultants.
As many of your readers know, Ms. Cooper worked for 10 years at our pension system, the Houston Firefighters' Relief & Retirement Fund, becoming executive director the last four. Her commitment to excellence and her dedication to high achievement help the fund double its assets during her tenure.
She also helped bring about vastly improved benefits for Houston firefighters: our Deferred Retirement Option Plan; our "20-50/30-80," which allows Houston firefighters to retire at 50% of their average monthly salary after 20 years and 80% after 30 years; and others too numerous to list here.
Her professionalism is unparalleled. Austin is making the right move.
Donny R. Myers
Chair, Board of Trustees
Houston Firefighters'Relief & Retirement Fund
Houston
Joy of money managing
Christine Williamson writes a wonderfully self-serving article in the Jan. 11 issue on page 3 speaking of the joy of money management.
Wouldn't it be great if all of us who want to do what we love could do so, instead of being merged out of business?
She probably also writes the articles on how great the paychecks are, too. Why not ask those of us underemployed, out of work, or looking for that great job we once had, how we feel going to work every day?
Pascal Romano, Vice president
1st Source Bank
South Bend, Ind.
