Belinda Vega Elected New Board President On July 17, 2014, Belinda Vega was elected as the new President of the Board of Fire and Police Pension Commissioners. Ms. Vega was originally appointed to the Board on December 5, 2012 and succeeds Ruben Navarro, who served as Board President since July 2013. As President of the Board, Ms. Vega will preside over the Board’s primary responsibility to oversee the administration of the pension system; its assets, investments, actuarial services, rules and regulations. Additionally, the Board President provides leadership in furthering the mission of LAFPP “to advance the health and retirement security of those who dedicate their careers to serve and protect the people of Los Angeles” and the delivery of professional and prompt service to over 25,000 active and retired members.

As President, Ms. Vega will exercise the following duties:

• Appoint members to committees;
• Approve the Board agenda; Preside at all Board meetings, ensuring that such meetings are conducted in an efficient manner and in accordance with the City Charter and Administrative Code, applicable public meeting laws, and relevant Board policies, including utilizing Robert’s Rules of Order as a guideline in conducting meetings;
• Determine who shall act as spokesperson for the System should the need arise; and,
• Approve the travel expenses incurred by the General Manager and the Board, as appropriate.

In addition, Robert von Voigt was elected Vice President of the Board. The Vice President assumes the duties of the President when the President is absent or if the President delegates to the Vice President to act. The Vice President also assumes the duties of the President if the President becomes unable to carry out his or her duties due to death, resignation, removal from office, or permanent disability. Mr. von Voigt was appointed to the Board on December 1, 2008 and succeeds Ms. Vega, who served as the Board’s Vice President since December 2013.

The Board consists of nine members, of which Ms. Vega is one of the five members appointed by the Mayor. Mr. von Voigt is one of the four members elected by active and retired plan members.