STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY

Contact information:
avaharston@gmail.com

As a candidate for Trustee of the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund I am grateful for an opportunity to advocate and serve as a fiduciary with due diligence to protect, improve and safeguard CTPF retirement and health benefits. 

As an “independent” Pensioner Candidate I will publicly recommend transparency of how the funds of all CTPF annuitants are being invested and promote
administrative investment accountability. 

As a Trustee I pledge to monitor, remain aware of issues important to our pensions, act as a strong proponent for improved funding by CPS and support state legislation to protect the benefits of active teachers and retirees.

If elected I will act with integrity to gain knowledge as it pertains to CTPF investing, lobby pension issues in Springfield, and protect the financial security of all CTPF members.

Professional Experience

Illinois Federation of Teachers
Professional Issues Director
researched, monitored, assisted with the development of and lobbied statewide educational policy; provided staff and member professional development

Field Service Director
provided labor relations services to AFT/IFT locals, assisted with negotiating
contracts regarding wages, employee welfare, health care and pensions

Chicago Teachers Union

Field Representative and Technical Assistant for Education Reform
administered the Agreement between CTU and CBOE
investigated, drafted, filed and advanced grievances
represented Union members at grievances, discipline, investigation, mediation
and arbitration hearings
researched educational issues, professional development and legislation for
presentation to members

Chicago Board of Education

Successfully taught, organized, planned, implemented and evaluated curriculum for Elementary School students

Education

Loyola University, Chicago - M.S. Human Resources/Industrial Relations
Roosevelt University, Chicago - M.A. General Administration and Supervision
University of Illinois, Chicago - B.A. Elementary Education

Memberships

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Delta Kappa Gamma Society - DKG
Chicago Principals and Administrators Association - CPAA
Chicago Teachers Union Retiree
Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 571 Retiree Chapter
Illinois Principals Association Retiree - IPA
Illinois Retired Teachers Association - IRTA
Retired Teachers Association of Chicago - RTAC
GriefShare Church Initiative Co-Facilitator at Christ The King Parish