PSRS/PEERS Welcomes John Ruth to Board of Trustees

John Ruth, governor-appointed Trustee — John Ruth, appointed by Governor Mike Kehoe to the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri (PSRS/PEERS) Board of Trustees, effective July 17.

July 23, 2026

John Ruth has been appointed by Governor Mike Kehoe to the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri (PSRS/PEERS) Board of Trustees, effective July 17. Ruth will fill the seat previously held by Dr. Eric Park, who was appointed in July 2021.

Ruth is president and CEO of Build Asset Management, based in Jefferson City. Before co-founding Build, Ruth gained over a decade of experience within the investments and group benefits industry. During his time with Wallstreet Group Advisors, he oversaw a rapid expansion of the firm's 401(k) plan advisory business, earning a partnership in the firm in 2016.

Ruth’s community involvement includes serving as vice president and treasurer of the Baker-Gordon Syndrome Foundation and as president of the Genetic Autism Alliance. Ruth previously served on the Jefferson City Area YMCA Board of Directors and as an elected member of the Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Missouri.

PSRS/PEERS Thanks Dr. Eric Park for His Service

As Dr. Eric Park leaves the PSRS/PEERS Board of Trustees, PSRS/PEERS extends its sincere appreciation for his five years of dedicated service to the Systems.

Dr. Park began his Board service on July 2, 2021, as a governor-appointed trustee, and served as vice chair from 2024. He provided thoughtful leadership rooted in decades of professional experience across investment management, corporate finance, and higher education.

“During Dr. Park’s time on the Board, our investment assets continued to grow, we provided consistent cost-of-living adjustments to our benefit recipients, and we kept contribution rates steady for active members — achievements that speak to both strong governance and disciplined financial management,” said PSRS/PEERS Executive Director Dearld Snider. “We thank him for his thoughtful leadership and investment expertise. He has made a lasting impact on the strength and stability of PSRS/PEERS.”

“I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve Missouri's teachers and school staff in this volunteer capacity,” Ruth said. “Thank you, Governor Mike Kehoe, for your trust and confidence. As the husband of a former teacher, the son, grandson, and nephew of educators — and as a former elected member of my local Board of Education — this opportunity is especially meaningful. I look forward to serving the teachers, coaches, administrators, and public school employees who invested so much in my own life and who now educate and care for my children.

“I'm also grateful to the current and former trustees and the dedicated PSRS/PEERS staff whose stewardship has helped build one of the nation's strongest and best-funded public retirement systems,” Ruth continued. “As the nation's 47th-largest defined benefit retirement plan, PSRS/PEERS plays a vital role in providing retirement security for Missouri's public school employees.

“I have the privilege and responsibility of helping oversee this exceptional system, and I hope to play a small part in leaving it even stronger for future generations of Missouri educators and school employees,” Ruth concluded.

PSRS/PEERS Executive Director Dearld Snider said he welcomes Ruth’s addition to the Board.

"John’s leadership experience, broad community involvement, and commitment to public education make him an excellent fit for our mission,” Snider said. “We look forward to the insight he will bring as we continue to work on behalf of Missouri’s active and retired public educators.”

The PSRS/PEERS Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the operations and administration of the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri. The Board ensures that the Systems are managed with integrity, transparency, and in the best interest of all members and beneficiaries.

PSRS/PEERS provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible Missouri public school employees and education personnel. The Systems are committed to prudent financial management and delivering excellent service to members throughout their careers and retirements.