08/30/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/30/2024 14:41
Former IMRF Employee Trustee Trudy Williams passed away on Wednesday, August 28.
Williams served as an Employee Trustee from 2016 to 2020, representing over 300,000 members. During her tenure, she contributed to the administration of the pension system and served as Board Secretary in 2020. As one of the eight members of the IMRF Board of Trustees, Williams was involved in key decisions, including overseeing the management of the pension fund and participating in the hiring and evaluation of a new Executive Director.
Williams prudently managed IMRF's retirement assets in collaboration with the seven other trustees. Under her tenure, IMRF's assets grew from $34 billion in 2016 to over $49 billion by 2020, and the IMRF's funded status exceeded 90% at the time of her departure. During her tenure, IMRF was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, making it the first public pension fund in the nation to earn this prestigious presidential honor for performance excellence.
IMRF Executive Director Brian Collins said that IMRF staff members are deeply saddened by Williams' passing and extended condolences to her family.
"Trudy made a positive impact on the retirement security of thousands of IMRF members," Collins said. "We are grateful for her service to IMRF and will miss her."
A resident of Canton, Illinois, Williams worked at the Fulton County Courthouse for 31 years. In addition to her role with IMRF, she was actively involved in labor relations, serving on the Board of AFSCME Council 31 and Local 3433.
A memorial visitation will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, from 5 to 8 PM on Tuesday, September 3. A private burial of ashes will be held at White Chapel memory Gardens in Canton at a later date. Visit the Oaks-Hines Funeral home for more details.