The LAGERS Board of Trustees is the governing body charged with ensuring the LAGERS system is appropriately managed. The board’s primary duties are serving the members and beneficiaries and protecting system assets. Trustees approve strategy and policy and delegate day-to-day management of the retirement system to staff. The board is made up of three elected member trustees, three elected employer trustees, and one appointed citizen trustee. This October, two seats will be up for election:
– Member Trustee (full term to 12/31/2029)
– Employer Trustee (full term to 12/31/2029)
The nomination period for candidates took place from July 14 through September 4. Below are the candidates for this year’s election, which will be held during the LAGERS Annual Meeting on October 31, 2025. No additional nominations will be accepted from the floor.
Member Trustee (full term to 12/31/2029)
Drew Hilpert, Springfield Utilities
Drew is an attorney with more than 24 years of legal experience, nineteen years of which has been with local governments. Drew currently serves as Vice President – Chief Legal Officer for City Utilities of Springfield, the municipal utility owned by the City of Springfield, and worked as an attorney (including as city attorney) for the city of Jefferson City from 2006-2016. Throughout his career, Drew has participated in professional committees, including The Missouri Bar’s Legislative Review Committee, The Missouri Bar’s Local Government Section, and Leadership Springfield. He also served as a board member and chief legal counsel for the Jefferson City Firefighter Pension fund before it transitioned into LAGERS.
“My primary motivation for seeking a position on the LAGERS board is to help protect the pension benefits that allow us to continue serving the public. As public servants, we understand that there are private-sector jobs that pay more, but the satisfaction we get from helping others and making a difference can help offset that. Our work truly matters,” Hilpert said. “Maintaining strong retirement benefits is critical to helping retain talented public employees now and in the future. I am passionate about supporting the long-term financial well-being of our members and believe my passion and experience will benefit all of my fellow employees within the LAGERS system.”
Erich Weimer – City of Webster Groves
Erich brings over 23 years of dedicated public service to the city of Webster Groves, most recently serving as the Assistant Chief of Police. Throughout his career, Erich has been responsible for managing complex operations, developing policy, overseeing budgets, and leading strategic planning efforts for his department. Erich has also served in various other leadership capacities for his community, including serving on the Traffic Advisory Commission, the WG Safe Streets Task Force, and the Business Development Commission.
“I’m passionate about supporting the people who serve our communities, especially when it comes to protecting their retirement security. I understand the critical importance of safeguarding the system’s assets, supporting sound policy, and promoting long-term sustainability for the benefit of every member. If elected, I will strive to be a steady, thoughtful voice for law enforcement professionals statewide, while also representing the broader interests of all LAGERS members. I’m committed to collaborative leadership that keeps the system strong and financially secure.”
Employer Trustee (full term to 12/31/2029)
Chad Munsey – City of Springfield
Chad currently serves the city of Springfield as a trustee for the city’s Police and Fire Pension System Board, a role which he has held since 2021. Chad previously served on the Springfield Police Fire Pension Task Force, which was instrumental in understanding and solving the city’s pension deficit. At the time, the plan was 29% funded and in jeopardy of becoming insolvent. The task force studied the problem, communicated to the citizens the need to fully fund the plan, and successfully passed a 3/4 cent sales tax to fulfill the pension obligations. Today, the tax is retired, and the plan is 100% funded.
Chad professionally works as a broker for Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance, one of the largest brokerage firms in southwest Missouri, specializing in commercial bonds, employee benefits, and personal risk solutions. In addition to his professional work, Chad has previously served as a member of the Rotary of Springfield, Southeast chapter, and as past president of Friends of the Zoo.
Chad was appointed to the LAGERS Board of Trustees in 2022 to fill a partial term and was reelected to his first full term in 2023. “It has been an honor to serve as an employer trustee for Missouri LAGERS, and I am seeking reelection to continue the important work we have accomplished together.”
