Reflections and Thanks from Retiring CEO, Scott Hood

After more than 25 years with the San Mateo County Employees’ Retirement Association (SamCERA)—including over a decade as Chief Executive Officer—I’ve had the profound privilege of watching thousands of dedicated public servants reach their retirement milestone. Year after year, I’ve celebrated with members as they stepped into this well-deserved next chapter. Now, it’s my turn. But as I prepare to retire, I find myself reflecting less on my own transition and more on a question that feels far more important—for all of you: When is it your turn? 

To our retirees—the many who have already had their turn and whose retirement security we’ve proudly supported—I extend my deepest gratitude for your years of public service and for trusting SamCERA to be there for you in this chapter. I now join you in retirement, and I do so with full confidence that the exceptional team we’ve built will continue providing the same high level of care, accuracy, and dedication you’ve come to expect. To our active members—the thousands still serving San Mateo County every day in public safety, health, public works, courts, parks, mosquito & vector control, libraries, administration, and other essential roles—know that SamCERA remains steadfastly committed to supporting you every step of the way: through your career, up to the moment it’s your turn to retire, and long after, ensuring your benefits are secure and your questions are answered with integrity and expertise. To ensure that when your turn arrives—whenever that may be—it is seamless, secure, and supported, I leave SamCERA in exceptionally capable hands. We have assembled one of the best-in-class teams in the industry—talented professionals who bring deep expertise, unwavering integrity, and genuine care to every aspect of member service. Our staff excels in:

• Delivering accurate, time benefit administration
• Providing clear education and personalized outreach
• Advancing technology and robust cybersecurity to protect your information and benefits
• Positioning investments to support and secure long-term performance objectives through prudent diversification, risk management, and a focus on sustainable returns
• Maintaining disciplined, forward-thinking operations that safeguard the system’s long-term strength

Supported by an engaged Board of Retirement and strong County, Superior Court, and Mosquito and Vector Control partnerships, this team remains fully committed to SamCERA’s core mission: protecting and enhancing retirement security for current members, retirees, and future generations of public servants. It has been the honor of my career to serve alongside such dedicated colleagues and to support the remarkable people who make our communities thrive. Thank you for trusting me with that responsibility. As I step away with gratitude and confidence, know that SamCERA is stronger than ever—and ready to help every one of you answer that important question: When is it your turn? 

With appreciation and best wishes for your future,

Scott Hood
Chief Executive Officer (Retiring)