Marsha was raised in Oakland, California. She began her career with the County of Alameda in 1975.  She began her career as a Clerk II with the Social Services Agency Department of Economic Benefits. During her 42 years with the Social Services Agency, she also worked as a Supervising Eligibility Technician, Program Specialist and Management Analyst. Marsha also worked in the Medi-Cal and Benefits Administration Department as a Project Manager. During the last eight years of her career, Marsha was a Division Director and Labor Lead for the Department of Workforce and Benefits Administration. She officially retired in 2017.

In her role at ACERA, she was responsible for administering the pension, disability, death and health benefits for members of the system.  She was also the liaison to the Retirees Committee of the Board of Retirement, providing information and recommendations to the trustees assisting them in the decision-making process to ensure benefits were paid accurately and timely.  Kathy was also responsible for medical, vision and dental plan renewals and providing the trustees with data needed to approve contracts and set annual subsidies for retirees.

Kathy served on the State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS) Education and Program Committee for many years and participated in the California Association of Public Retirement Systems (CALAPRS) providing training to all new system employees.

As a newly appointed Director to the REAC Board in 2023, Kathy is excited to continue providing information regarding retiree benefits to the Board in an effort to assist REAC’s support to our members.