Michael Moorefield Named PSRS/PEERS Chief Counsel

Michael Moorefield, PSRS/PEERS Chief Counsel
Michael Moorefield, PSRS/PEERS Chief Counsel

Michael Moorefield, of Columbia, MO, has been named chief counsel for the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri (PSRS/PEERS) effective January 4, 2023. The position became vacant when former General Counsel Sarah Swoboda assumed the role of chief operating officer for the Retirement Systems in December 2022.

Moorefield first joined PSRS/PEERS in April 2022 as the Systems’ director of legislation and policy and will continue those duties in his new role. As chief counsel, Moorefield will provide legal advice, interpretations, opinions and assistance to the Board of Trustees, executive director and staff.

Before joining PSRS/PEERS, Michael spent seven years as chief of staff and legal counsel for the Office of the Missouri State Auditor. He also has experience as deputy chief of staff and director of policy and legislative affairs for the Office of the Missouri State Treasurer. He began his career as an associate in public policy at the Polsinelli law firm.

“Mike’s background in both the legal field and in legislative affairs gives him a strong and unique skillset,” said PSRS/PEERS Executive Director Dearld Snider. “His education and work experience allow him to serve well in both capacities.”

Moorefield has a bachelor’s degree in journalism in addition to a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

PSRS/PEERS provides service retirement, disability and survivor benefits for over 129,000 active members and approximately 104,000 retired Missouri public school teachers, school employees, and their families. The market value of invested assets for PSRS and PEERS combined were approximately $53.5 billion as of June 30, 2022, making the combined entity larger than all other public retirement plans in the state combined, and the 46th largest defined benefit plan in the United States.