Non-School Winner: Todd Hart
Current Position and Employer:  Deputy Fire Chief of the Olathe Fire Department. My name is Todd Hart and I work for the City of Olathe Fire Department.
I am beginning my 28th year of service and have participated in the KPERS retirement system for that entire time.  I have been married for 23 years and have 2 children attending the University of Kansas. 

I started my fire service career in 1986 and have held most positions within the Olathe Fire Department since that time.  As a Deputy Chief, I am tasked with budgetary, human resources, and operational responsibilities.  I have completed the National Fire Academy Executive Officer Program and have both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree.

School Winner: Ernie Claudel
Ernie (Paul E.) Claudel is retired from public education after 33 years as an elementary classroom teacher and building administrator, most in the Olathe School District.  He is a registered Primerica Agent, holding both Series 6 and 63 securities licenses. He holds a Bachelors and Masters degree from Fort Hays State University with graduate hours from KU.  He is an honorably discharged US Army veteran.

He serves as the vice-chair of the Kansas Coalition of Public Retirees.  He has spent the last eight years studying the KPERS system and observing the committees which oversee and govern KPERS, as well as the KPERS Commission of 2011. 

He and his wife of 45 years, Janet, live in Olathe.  They have two adult children.

New trustees will serve from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017.