The PORAC Retiree Medical Trust had its genesis in Sacramento in 2008. It was yet another example of PORAC breaking ground to establish and maintain a quality benefit for many of its members. I think that is always the one thing that continues to impress me the most about PORAC: they exist to help the men and women in public safety, a bit like a guardian angel.
I guess you could say that the RMT was built from the ground up. A few of us had some ideas on how it was to be constructed. But honestly, we weren’t the ones with the institutional knowledge and know-how. I would say that, at the time, we were more like followers than leaders. There was a “sensei” in the room, and she really knew what she was doing. She was the resident expert.
Her name is Shana Saichek and she is an attorney — a highly respected, well-educated and extremely accomplished attorney who specializes in ERISA law. Shana was the foundation upon which we put the RMT together. We were extremely fortunate to have her as legal counsel for our Trust.
When I think back to the dozens and dozens of trustee meetings, the hundreds of phone calls and the thousands of emails, it almost seems a tad surreal. How she put up with us is certainly easier to explain than the “why.”
For sure, we knew we had chosen the right advisor for the job.
And then, a few years ago, I think I had an epiphany— a lucid moment wherein I realized Shana was preparing herself for retirement. There wasn’t much we could do about that except to enjoy the ride while it lasted.
And so now it’s been 16 years since it all started. At the annual Conference of Members in Palm Desert, we had our final trustee meeting with Shana. It was tough to have to say goodbye to a dear friend, a trusted partner, a learned scholar and an incredibly decent person. Her feet really aren’t that large, but I have a sense that her shoes will be difficult to fill.
Endings can teach us resilience. To quote the famous lay theologian, C.S. Lewis, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” So that is what we will do.
At our meeting, the trustees presented Shana with a plaque of appreciation for all of her hard work and extraordinary dedication to the cause. We could not have asked for more. Thanks again, Shana. We wish you good luck and the very best in retirement.
