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Southfield (Mich.) Fire & Police Retirement System
The Southfield (Mich.) Fire & Police Retirement System is a public-sector defined-benefit pension fund sponsored by the City of Southfield, Michigan.
Southfield (Mich.) Fire & Police Retirement System
The Southfield (Mich.) Fire & Police Retirement System is a public-sector defined-benefit pension fund sponsored by the City of Southfield, Michigan. Its board of trustees includes representatives from the police and fire unions, city finance officials, and citizen appointees, consistent with Michigan's Public Employee Retirement Systems oversight. The fund's alternative investment strategy centers on buyout commitments across a series of private equity funds. While specific portfolio companies and fund-level allocations are not publicly disclosed, the strategy's institutional posture mirrors that of peer municipal plans in the region — targeting long-term capital appreciation through externally managed private equity vehicles. The geographic footprint is limited to the United States. Leadership is provided by the board, with John Fisher as President, Duane Garth as Vice President, and Megan Battersby as Retirement Program Director handling day-to-day administration. No recent operational events or structural changes have been publicly recorded, consistent with the fund's low public profile. As a single-city public pension, Southfield Fire and Police Retirement System operates under Michigan's statutory framework for municipal retirement plans, with investment decisions governed by board vote and fiduciary duty. This governance structure distinguishes it from corporate or union-administered plans, as board composition reflects both employer and employee interests.
General information
Firm type
Pension Fund
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Southfield
Corporate office
Southfield, MI, United States
Principals
John Fisher
President and Police Representative of the Board of Trustees
Duane Garth
Vice President and Citizen Representative of the Board of Trustees
Audrey Harvey
Secretary and Citizen Representative of the Board of Trustees
Irv Lowenberg
Trustee and City Treasurer
Brent Wilson
Trustee and Fire Representative
Megan Battersby
Retirement Program Director
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who makes investment decisions for the Southfield Fire & Police Retirement System?
Investment decisions are made by the Board of Trustees, which includes city officials and union representatives. The board approves fund commitments and oversees the system's asset allocation, with day-to-day administration handled by the Retirement Program Director.
What investment strategy does the system follow?
The system allocates to buyout private equity strategies. It does not publicly disclose specific fund names, target returns, or fee structures, but the emphasis on buyout funds aligns with many peer municipal pension plans in Michigan.
Does the system invest in direct deals or only through funds?
Based on available information, the system only commits capital to external private equity funds. There is no public evidence of direct co-investments or direct company holdings.
How is the system funded?
The system is funded by contributions from the City of Southfield and its participating fire and police employees. As a defined-benefit plan, it pays monthly retirement benefits based on formula and years of service.
Who is the system's Retirement Program Director?
Megan Battersby serves as Retirement Program Director, handling the day-to-day administration of the fund, including coordination with the board and investment managers.
Is the system subject to public disclosure requirements?
Yes, as a Michigan municipal pension fund, the system is subject to the Michigan Public Retirement Systems Registration and Filing Act. Its financial reports are publicly available through the City of Southfield, though detailed investment-level data is often limited.
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