NCPERS

Establishing the National Voice for Public Pensions 

A Sharpened Message for a Stronger Professional Association

At a moment of growing political pressure on public sector benefits, the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) set out to redefine its role on the national stage. The association recognized the need to raise its profile and clearly establish itself as the trusted voice for public employee pension systems across the country.

Challenge

Public sector employee pension plans—particularly defined benefit plans—were under sustained political scrutiny. Cash-strapped state legislatures increasingly framed pension rollbacks as a budget solution, putting employee benefits and retirement security at risk. 

Despite its expertise and long-standing member base, NCPERS lacked broad national visibility. The association faced a dual challenge: 

  • Elevating awareness among policymakers, and the media 
  • Reframing their message around public pensions to counter growing misinformation and political pressure.

Solution

Yes& CommCore partnered with NCPERS to help the organization claim its role as a national leader and advocate for public pensions. Together, we: 

  • Clarified NCPERS’ voice and point of view as the authoritative representative of public employee retirement systems. 
  • Strengthened its public positioning to move from member-focused communications to a broader national platform.
  • Supported consistent, credible messaging that reinforced the value and importance of defined benefit pension plans. 

Our approach ensured NCPERS could engage confidently with policymakers, media, and stakeholders. It helped the association speak clearly and persuasively about public pensions nationwide.

Results

With a stronger identity and clearer narrative, NCPERS emerged as a more visible and influential presence in national conversations about public employee retirement systems. 

The association was better positioned to advocate for public section pensions plans. It reinforced its role as “The Voice of Public Pensions” for members and non-members alike.

Most importantly, NCPERS gained the clarity and credibility needed to shape the conversation—rather than react to it.

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Takeaways

When an organization’s mission is under pressure, visibility and voice matter as much as expertise. 

By sharpening its positioning and elevating its public presence, NCPERS transformed from a relatively quiet trade association into a recognized national authority. Yes& CommCore’s work with NCPERS proves that strategic communication can help organizations lead, defend their mission, and influence outcomes when it matters most.