President's message

CSEA has always been committed to advocating for the well-being and financial security of our members, not just during their careers but well into retirement. That’s why I’m excited that the cover story of this issue of Focus Magazine highlights a critical opportunity for all CSEA members—active and retired—to make a lasting impact on our future. Troy Johnson, our Area K Director and a dedicated CSEA leader, is running for the CalPERS Board of Administration to ensure that classified employees, retirees, and all public workers have a strong voice in protecting our hard-earned pensions and benefits. His candidacy is a momentous step for CSEA and for all CalPERS members who rely on a secure retirement. Troy’s qualifications for this role are undeniable. He has spent years fighting for classified employees, advocating for fair wages, job security, and stronger retirement benefits. His personal experience with public pensions and deep knowledge of financial stewardship, combined with his experience as a CSEA leader, makes him the right person to serve on the CalPERS Board. As a classified employee, Troy understands firsthand the challenges we face—whether it’s protecting retirement security, ensuring access to quality healthcare, or holding CalPERS accountable for responsible investment strategies. He will stand up for working members, retirees, and future generations of public employees, ensuring that the pension system remains strong, stable, and protected from unnecessary risks. Running for the CalPERS Board is no small task. Winning this seat requires grassroots support from every CSEA member—both active and retired. That starts with collecting nomination signatures to officially get Troy on the ballot and continues with mobilizing members to vote when the election begins. Here’s what you can do to help:

• Sign Troy’s nomination petition. He not only needs signatures to qualify for the ballot, but a strong show of support early in the race to demonstrate the groundswell of support behind him.
• Encourage other CSEA members to sign. Spread the word at your chapter meetings, in your workplace, and with fellow retirees.
• Talk to every CalPERS member you know. Classified employees, first responders, public employees—everyone with a CalPERS pension has a stake in this election. We need them to vote for Troy when ballots are mailed out.

CSEA has always fought for fair wages, strong pensions, and a secure future for classified employees. Supporting Troy Johnson is a natural extension of that fight. When we elect leaders who understand our needs and put members first, we protect everything we’ve worked so hard to build. Let’s come together, sign his petition, and ensure that every CalPERS member we know is ready to vote for Troy Johnson. Together, we can make a difference—not just for today’s workers, but for generations to come.