Catherine Marx leads the planning and operations of the Tacoma Employees’ Retirement System (TERS) which serves more than 6,000 active and retired members. In addition, she works collaboratively with the Chief Investment Officer to provide oversight of the $2.1 billion investment portfolio.
Working under the governance of the Retirement Board of Administration, she is responsible for TERS’ investment, actuarial and plan administration activities. As Director, Catherine is also responsible for overseeing the staff administering the pension and health benefits for approximately 425 public safety retirees participating in the Washington State LEOFF 1 system.
Catherine Marx is a highly accomplished leader with seventeen years of expertise in employee retirement benefits and public retirement system operations and possesses over two decades of financial management, accounting, and budgeting experience. Catherine joined the Tacoma Employees’ Retirement System (TERS) in 2006 as a Financial Analyst and progressed to the Assistant Director role by 2017. She is a strategic thinker with a focus on efficiency and compliance who has consistently demonstrated her commitment to TERS by improving processes. Catherine assumed the position as Retirement System Director on January 29, 2024, and her capable leadership and expertise in retirement system operations continues to be an invaluable asset to TERS.
Education:
- Masters in Accounting (MAcc) - University of Washington
- Master of Public Administration course work - University of Southern Philippines
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy - University of Mindanao
Professional Designations and Affiliations:
- CPA, Philippines (inactive)
- Member, Public Pension Financial Forum
- Member, Government Finance Officers Association