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Arapahoe County Pension Plan
The Arapahoe County Pension Plan was established in 1969 as a 401(a) defined-benefit plan for full-time employees of Arapahoe County, Colorado.
Arapahoe County Pension Plan
The Arapahoe County Pension Plan was established in 1969 as a 401(a) defined-benefit plan for full-time employees of Arapahoe County, Colorado. Monthly contributions flow from both employees and the County into a professionally managed trust. Retirement Plan Administrator Ben Colussy oversees day-to-day operations, while Treasurer Michael Westerberg and Board Chairman Rich Harris govern the plan's fiduciary direction. The plan runs a balanced, fund-of-funds strategy across at least four asset classes — equities, real estate, hedge funds, and bonds. One confirmed holding is the Dodge & Cox Core Plus Bond Portfolio, signaling a preference for institutional-grade fixed-income mandates. Altss research estimates total plan assets at approximately $386M. The investment approach does not appear to include direct company stakes or co-investment vehicles; instead, capital is channeled through external fund managers. The board maintains a lean governance structure, with three named fiduciaries guiding investment policy and administration from Littleton, Colorado. The plan participates in the National Pension Education Association, a professional network focused on public pension education. No separate foundation, venture arm, or co-investment club has been identified. The plan's structural posture is that of a traditional municipal pension fund: a closed participant base, a defined-benefit promise, and a multi-asset, manager-selection approach to funding that liability. Unlike many public plans that have migrated toward hybrid or defined-contribution designs, Arapahoe County retains the pure defined-benefit architecture established in 1969.
General information
Firm type
Pension Fund
Year founded
1969
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Littleton
Corporate office
Littleton, CO, United States
Principals
Ben Colussy
Retirement Plan Administrator
Michael Westerberg
Treasurer
Rich Harris
Chairman, Retirement Board
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Arapahoe County Pension Plan?
Investment oversight rests with the Retirement Board, chaired by Rich Harris. Day-to-day plan administration is handled by Ben Colussy, the Retirement Plan Administrator, while County Treasurer Michael Westerberg serves as Treasurer for the plan. The plan employs external professional managers to execute the investment strategy.
How is the plan funded?
The plan is funded through mandatory monthly contributions from both Arapahoe County employees and the County itself. These contributions are pooled and professionally managed to provide a guaranteed lifetime monthly income stream upon retirement, consistent with its 401(a) defined-benefit design.
What investment strategy does the plan follow?
The plan pursues a balanced, fund-of-funds approach, allocating capital across a diversified mix of equities, real estate, hedge funds, and bonds. It does not appear to make direct investments in companies. One known mandate is the Dodge & Cox Core Plus Bond Portfolio.
Is the plan open to new participants?
No. The Arapahoe County Pension Plan is a closed 401(a) defined-benefit plan available only to full-time employees of Arapahoe County who meet eligibility requirements. It is not open to the general public or employees of other entities.
Does the plan maintain any philanthropic or alternative investment vehicles?
No separate philanthropic foundation, venture capital arm, real-asset operating company, or co-investment club has been identified. The plan participates in the National Pension Education Association for educational purposes, but this is a professional network, not an investment vehicle.
What is the plan's known posture on co-investments or direct deals?
The plan operates as a fund-of-funds allocator, committing capital to external managers rather than pursuing direct co-investments or proprietary deal flow. Its disclosed holdings and strategic descriptions point entirely to fund-level commitments.
How large is the plan's asset base?
The plan does not publicly disclose its assets under management. Altss research estimates the portfolio at approximately $386 million, based on available pension data and observable fund commitments.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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