COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund (OP&) has named Robert E. Hartsook II as Director of Health Services. Hartsook, who retired last year as the Deputy Director of the School Employees Retirement System (SERS), began employment with OP&Fon August 26.

"Mr. Hartsook offers a wealth of experience and knowledge in health care administration acquired during his 30-year career that will benefit both our members and our employees," said William J. Estabrook, OP&Fexecutive director. "With medical expenses and prescription drug costs rising at an alarming rate, it will be invaluable to have Mr. Hartsook help lead OP&Fin making the most cost-effective health care available to retirees, dependents and survivors."

As Director of Health Services, Hartsook will be responsible for the efficient and cost-effective management of health care benefits for more than 22,000 retirees, survivors and their families.

During his 17 years with SERS, Hartsook managed the retirement system's health care program, which included responsibility for vendor relations, contract negotiations and problem resolution. Prior to his career with SERS, he served for 13 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Created in 1965 as a result of an act passed by the Ohio General Assembly, the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund is a multi-employer pension fund. OP&Fis one of five statewide retirement systems and provides pension, disability, survivor, and health care benefits to full-time police officers and firefighters in the state of Ohio.

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Contact: Dave Graham (614) 628-8396, dgraham@op-f.org