I am extremely pleased to announce that this afternoon, the ATRS Board of Trustees hired Mr. Clint Rhoden as the new ATRS Executive Director. Mr. Rhoden was hired from a pool of 26 applicants and after the Board conducted interviews of the 6 leading candidates. Mr. Clint Rhoden was the unanimous choice for executive director after the interviews were concluded. The Board was highly impressed with Mr. Rhoden's 17 years of work under the ATRS umbrella including his leadership in the last 4 years as a part of the executive team under the current executive director. Mr. Rhoden's background, skill set and dedication stood out to the Board. For example:
- For over 17 years, Mr. Rhoden has lead the IT team at ATRS.
- Through his leadership in IT development and technology, he has saved ATRS millions of dollars by developing internal software and migrating away from expensive third-party software.
- He has extensive knowledge of the day-to-day operations of ATRS including member issues, ATRS legislation, actuarial analysis, ATRS investments, and was a key member of the current executive director's policy team.
- In addition, Mr. Rhoden has a Juris Doctorate degree that he obtained while working at ATRS due to the legal issues that ATRS constantly has to address.
- Mr. Rhoden is homegrown talent having grown up in Sheridan, Arkansas.
As Board Chair, I asked Mr. Rhoden to provide me a statement that I could include in this update. Here is what Mr. Rhoden said:
"As Executive Director of ATRS, I will continue to focus on providing exemplary member service for all ATRS members, continue and expand member outreach, and maintain day-to-day business as usual with the help of an outstanding staff already in place."
The ATRS Board looks forward to ATRS members and other interested parties to meet Mr. Rhoden and see his passion, dedication, and capability to continue the mission of ATRS and service to ATRS members.
Respectfully,
Jeff Stubblefield, Chairman
ATRS Board of Trustees