The Wyoming Coalition for a Healthy Retirement was formed in 2012 to fight against proposed legislation that would have converted the Wyoming Retirement System from a Defined Benefit pension system to a (401)k-style Defined Contribution system. Similar attacks were, and still are, occurring around the country, and other states have implemented the switch to DC, devastating their systems and hurting retirees. WCHR stands vigilant against any such attacks. 

For over 13 years, our Coalition has existed to educate lawmakers about the importance of protecting the WRS and the benefit it has for the citizens of our state. 

Our member organizations represent nearly 70,000 retired and employed state employees, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, Game and Fish, and others.

Current WCHR members include:

• Wyoming Public Employees Association
  Betty Jo Beardsley, Executive Director (307) 635-7901 

• Wyoming Education Association
  Grady Hutcherson, Executive Director (307) 634-7991 ex. 104 

• Federated Fire Fighters of Wyoming
  Kevin Reddy, President (307) 287-2250

• Wyoming Education Association-Retired
  Vicki Swenson, President (307) 660-9995

• Wyoming Retired Educator Personnel
  Wayne Schatz, Executive Director (307) 751-5047 

• AARP of Wyoming
  Sam Shumway, Executive Director (307) 432-5816

Our Coalition partners include:

• Equality State Policy Center
  Jenny DeSarro, Executive Director (307) 228-4163

• WY Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police
  Allen Thompson, Executive Director athompson@wascop.com

• Wyoming Game and Fish Retired
  John Emmerich, Representative (307)421-0570 

• The Wyoming Retirement System, Ex Officio member and agency partner