John M. Sopranuk Award
The John M. Sopranuk Award was created by CPPC to recognize a Colorado public sector retirement plan sponsor representative who demonstrates excellence in the pursuit of fiduciary responsibility.
About John M. Sopranuk
John M. Sopranuk was a 30-year veteran of the Aurora (Colorado) Police Department. In 1986, Lt. Sopranuk initiated the withdrawal of the City of Aurora Police from the state retirement system; to what is now a 401(a) Pension Plan. A trustee with the plan since 1989, he served continuously as President of the Board of Trustees since 1990. Since 1991, Sopranuk testified in judicial and local committee hearings, as well as numerous Colorado General Assembly legislative committees concerning administrative pension policy and state law relative to retirement plans and fiduciary responsibilities. John was often a requested guest panelist, speaker, and subject matter expert for national Colorado retirement plan conferences and seminars.
John M. Sopranuk Award Winners
2023 - Brian Kelly, Aurora Police
President Kelly’s implementation of the hybrid defined contribution/defined benefit plan effective in January of 2022 has provided participants with the option to stay in the defined contribution plan or enroll in the hybrid plan. Additionally, Kelly received an 80% approval from active participants in the defined contribution plan to move forward with the implementation of a voluntary hybrid benefit plan.
2022 - Kim McDaniel, City of Westminster
“One of the items that makes Kim so deserving is her assistance with the City adopting new plan design with an earlier City contribution, shortened vesting, and higher contributions. I also think one of her good characteristics is being so participant focused. She’s dealt with them for years and understands them.”
2021 - Joyce Hunt, City of Thornton
“Joyce is a remarkable example of continual excellence in overseeing multiple fiduciary boards for the City of Thornton. Her steady demeanor, humble management style, and thoughtful wisdom have consistently helped ensure that plan participants are set up for success in retirement savings. She is a consummate example of an unwavering eye on the best interests of the employees she serves.”
2019 - Terri Velasquez, City of Aurora
“Terri has been instrumental in supporting outreach and education to Aurora’s 457 plan participants. She implemented the auto enrollment process for Aurora employees and as a result, participation in the 457 plan increased significantly. Her next goal is to pursue auto escalation. She is tireless in her pursuit of helping city employees become retirement ready.”
2018 - Chris Carleton, City of Aurora Police
“Carleton is a consummate professional and his overall approach with properly and prudently managing fiduciary responsibility is consistent with the principles he observed for many years while John Sopranuk held the position of President. Without Chris’ leadership through this tumultuous period, the Aurora Police MPP would have been a ship without a captain.”
2017 - Kerry Yamaguchi, Boulder Fire and Police
“Completely as a volunteer and not part of his regular job, Kerry is constantly focused on improving participant outcomes. He led the charge to perform a fiduciary audit and actually hired John Sopranuk to do the work.”
2016 - Craig Piel, City of Auora Police
“Craig has done a great job leading the board and maintaining an exceptional level of professionalism. He is an uncompensated volunteer, who has used countless hours of vacation and personal time to manage board duties and responsibilities. He has also established himself as an advocate for the participants, lobbying for higher contribution rates, while acknowledging it would do nearly nothing for him personally, but would have a tremendous impact on younger officers.”
2015 - Ken Reather, City of Thornton Police
“Ken’s dedication to the financial well-being not only of his fellow officers, but all of the employees who participate in the pension plans is reflected in the high level of participation rates in the plans, stability, and growth of assets. With decades of experience in this arena under his belt, it has been extremely beneficial to have Ken there to answer questions about the what, why, and how of all the changes.”
2014 - Tammy Hitchens, City of Westminster
“Tammy creates a collaborative environment among a group of diverse and varied Board members. She is regularly willing to review and consider new ideas around the plans but does so in a thoughtful manner with a consistent eye on the impact on plan participants. Throughout her interactions with Board members, staff, and plan providers she provides the expectation that they will always provide their best and will stretch themselves to provide greater service to plan participants.”
2013 - Cody Kennedy
“Cody has been very proactive in facilitating and coordinating education for employees in the Police Department. He encourages board members to act in the best interest of all participants and holds others accountable to a high standard of fiduciary excellence. Cody provides valuable insight to board members on related topics during board meetings.”
2012 - Jason Loveland, City of Northglenn
“Jason consistently went above and beyond the scope of his volunteer assignment, carefully identifying areas of improvement that will result in better long-term outcomes for city participants and enhance the many aspects of our fiduciary responsibility. His continued attention to these details and approach to this year’s initiatives have made each of the board members better fiduciary stewards.”