OPTrust Member
Classified Correctional Officer, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
OPTrust will continue to take a leadership role in the pension industry, advancing new ideas on topics ranging from the implications of climate change for pension investing to the Canadian pension model, in service of a sustainable, secure future for everyone.
Working as a Classified Correctional Officer in the medical unit at a maximum-security detention center, Diane Walker works with adult male inmates in traumatic and often contentious situations. Diane works to maintain positive officer and inmate relations in all areas of her job, in what can otherwise be a negative environment. It’s challenging work, but for Diane it's part of the job to maintain the safety and well-being of the inmates.
At the end of each day, I can rest easy knowing I have a secure pension plan. My work in the public service is demanding. Knowing I have a pension is one less thing to worry about. While retirement is still a few years from now, I like knowing that I have that security when the time comes.
Raymond Jalea takes immense pride in his dedicated 38 years of public service. During his career with the Toronto South Detention Centre, Raymond wore many hats within his supervisory role in the Procurement department - managing institutional operations, safeguarding policies and budget, as well as counselling inmates as part of cultural rehabilitation, to name a few. Retired since November 2015, Raymond is now a dedicated grandfather, devoting much of his time to helping his growing family. He and his wife both enjoy the benefits of a secure pension.
My work as a civil servant was important and my reputation as a diligent worker was a focus throughout my career. My wife and I saved to ensure our family were provided for, while also passing along the importance of public service to our children. My OPTrust pension is the security we need to continue to provide for our family and to enjoy the benefits of retirement years.
Newly retired as of January 2018, Jim Jurens served as a Provincial Court Enforcement Officer during his lengthy career. Every day brought new challenges for Jim, who’s responsibilities included facilitating the delivery of justice services through enforcement of civil court orders. Jim gained satisfaction in helping the community turn difficult situations, into positive outcomes. He also served as OPSEU local 526 president for 10 years and understands the importance of pension security. Jim plans to spend his retirement travelling and enjoying time with his family and friends.
How many billions of people in the world do not have what we have? What’s becoming more obvious, is the importance of receiving a defined benefit pension plan – not only for current members, but for everyone else. My OPTrust pension gives me the financial security to travel and gain the benefits of retirement security.
Maria Clara Rendon is a member of the Responsible Investing (RI) Team, an integral element of the investment strategy at OPTrust. Maria Clara works to ensure the integration of environmental, social and governance factors (ESG) are a part of investment decision-making, risk management and active ownership practices. She has been a vital contributor to OPTrust’s responsible investment program, tobacco divestment and building a climate change framework.
Our goal is to see responsible investing completely integrated in our investing practices, and fully aligned with the long-term interests of our members. The world is rapidly changing and the consideration of factors such as climate change, human and labour rights and resource scarcity is increasingly relevant for the sustainability of the financial markets.
Joining OPTrust has provided Paul Lishman with a unique career opportunity, to be involved in the build out of OPTrust’s Member-Driven Investing Internalization strategy (MDII) from its inception. Paul has helped to optimize the fund’s public markets portfolios, capitalize on efficiencies, enhance market intelligence and increase dynamic risk management on behalf of our members. He is an integral member of the Total Portfolio Overlay Committee (TPOC), a group formed internally to dynamically manage the overall risk level and exposures of the Total Fund portfolio.
With the current challenging investment environment, we need to be in a position to optimize our public market exposures and the best way to do this is by bringing these management capabilities in-house. Internalizing our capital markets investment management allows us to be more capital- and risk-efficient, enhance our market intelligence, better seize market opportunities and dynamically manage risk.
Raja Balaraman is the first point of contact for all employees’ technical support needs. Raja enjoys the fast-paced nature of the role, which includes analysis and support for computer hardware, printing, networking and telephone systems for OPTrust. Tackling these projects puts Raja at the center of the action, which requires him to process requests in a timely manner through his fast thinking and first-rate interpersonal skills. Raja wouldn’t have it any other way, he enjoys the diversity in his role at OPTrust.
No two days are ever the same. It’s important for me to actively seek issues before they arise. It’s not about putting out fires, its more about thinking one step ahead. I am proud of the work OPTrust does as an organization to support its members. I come to work each day knowing that we all do our part to contribute – that’s what OPTrust’s culture is all about.
