TMRS Over the Years: Pete Krnavek

When I first got here, the staff was very warm and welcoming, and it felt like I was joining a familyowned business. I had come from a much larger organization with over a thousand employees, so the adjustment to such a small organization was pretty significant. It was obvious that the staff really cared about the work they were doing and cared deeply about taking care of their customers, whether that was a retiree from a little town or an employee of a major city.

My favorite thing about working here is that every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to support the organization. Whether that challenge is brought about by the introduction of new state legislation or federal tax law, or just a new way of trying to tackle a problem or improve a process, there is always opportunity to sharpen the saw. ★

Pete Krnavek, Enterprise Architect, has been a pillar of TMRS for nearly 30 years. As a software engineer, he was instrumental in the development and implementation of TMRS’ NextGen Pension Administration system, which is still in use today. His enthusiasm, kindness and expertise is second-to-none. Also, he has the most infectious laugh in the organization.

To celebrate our 75th year, we asked Pete, one of our longest tenured employees, to reflect on the changes he’s seen during his time at TMRS.

I joined TMRS in 1995 as the 29th employee, and the 3rd member of the Information Systems Department. I am now in my 28th year with TMRS.

The most significant change over the years has been the growth of the organization. When I started, the staff was 29 people. Now, it’s 125. The Member Benefits Department, as they were known at that time, was only 11 people. Those responsibilities are now shared across 4 departments with more than 50 staff members providing significantly more service than ever imagined in 1995.

From its beginning, TMRS has maintained a culture of service to our Members and cities that has kept us very engaged in the work that we do here. We are not here to earn a paycheck. We really believe in the mission of TMRS: to provide a lifetime of security to our members and their beneficiaries. The underlying structure of the plan that was designed and built in the 1940s is more sound and relevant today than ever was.

TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM

P.O. Box 149153 • Austin, Texas 78714-9153

From Mainframe to Mobile

In the 70s, TMRS used a mainframe computer to serve Members. In 2023, you can now self serve by logging into MyTMRS using your smartphone.

On MyTMRS you can:

⊲ Review and update your beneficiary designation

⊲ Update your contact information

⊲ Review your account information and service history

⊲ View your account balance

⊲ Run retirement estimates

To join the more than 25,000 Members who have already downloaded the TMRS app, scan the QR code to the right. ★