At the December 11, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting, CTPF celebrated the dedication of its Trustees and staff through its Milestone and special recognition programs.
Milestone Awards
CTPF honored Trustees Pedro Beiza and Vicki Kurzydlo for completing their first year of service and Trustee Maria J. Rodriguez for her 20 years of service. Trustee Rodriguez joined the Board as an active Teacher Trustee in 1999, serving until 2011, and then she rejoined the Board as a Pensioner Trustee in 2017. She was the Fund’s first Hispanic President, serving from 2002-2004 and has served on nearly every committee, putting in extensive service to the Fund and its members.
Additionally, 15 employees were recognized for reaching career milestones of 1, 5, 10, 15, and 25 years, with special recognition given to Edgar Samayoa, Director of Employer Services, for his 25 years of service.
Special Recognition for Former Trustee and President Jeffery Blackwell
The CTPF Board of Trustees recognized former Trustee Jeffery Blackwell for 15 years of service and honored his leadership and dedicated service to the Fund and its members, passing a special resolution in his honor.
A 27-year teacher with Chicago Public Schools, Blackwell has dedicated his career to serving students with special needs and mentoring future educators. He joined the CTPF Board of Trustees in 2010 as an elected representative of active members and was re-elected five times. In 2018, he became the first African American male elected President of the Board, a role he has held for seven consecutive years. He has helped set and support sound and responsible investment policies, guided the Fund through challenging economic conditions, including the COVID-19 epidemic, and and helped CTPF achieve a long-term compound annual growth rate of 8.6% exceeding the 6.5% actuarial assumption by 200 basis points. He has championed diversity in investments, and responsible governance initiatives. During 2021 he served as Interim Executive Director of the Fund, providing leadership and guidance during a transition period.
“Trustee Blackwell’s dedication to CTPF has been truly remarkable. His leadership and advocacy have strengthened the Fund and advanced our mission to protect the retirement security of Chicago’s educators. Trustee Blackwell’s commitment to transparency, diversity, and sound governance has set a high standard for all of us,” said Executive Director Carlton W. Lenior, Sr. “While his presence on the Board will be greatly missed, his influence and contributions will continue to shape our work for years to come.”
Read the full resolution here.
