What does it take to safeguard the retirement future of more than 200,000 LA County employees and retirees?On this episode of Live from LA County, host Rodney Collins sits down with Luis A. Lugo, Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA), for a conversation about retirement security, leadership, innovation, and the responsibility of managing one of the nation's largest county pension systems.Lugo takes us inside an organization responsible for more than $90 billion in assets and nearly $5 billion in annual benefit payments. He explains why employees should engage with LACERA long before retirement, the importance of keeping beneficiaries and power-of-attorney information current, and how LACERA is exploring digital tools and AI to better serve members.The conversation also goes beyond the numbers. Lugo shares his journey from growing up in the South Bronx to public service, the mentors who changed his trajectory, and the leadership philosophy he brings to LACERA today: empower, inspire, and motivate.Whether you're beginning your County career, approaching retirement, or simply interested in leadership and public service, this conversation offers something you can use.

Host: Rodney Collins

Producers: Tina Curry, Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia Khan

Editor: Alban Kalasa

Guest: Luis A. Lugo

Live From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.