State Board honors David G. Bronner on 50 years leading RSA

The Alabama State Board of Education on June 8 adopted a resolution honoring David G. Bronner for 50 years as chief executive officer of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, voting unanimously to approve the recognition.

The resolution, read at the meeting by Dr. Mackey, notes that under Bronner’s leadership the system grew from about $500,000,000 in funds to more than $43,900,000,000 and that RSA manages retirement benefits for more than 385,000 public school teachers and public employees.

"The Alabama State Board of Education celebrates Doctor Bronner's 50 years as CEO of RSA," Dr. Mackey read as part of the resolution. The text also cited investments and developments attributed to RSA during Bronner’s tenure, including the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and several RSA-owned buildings and resorts in Alabama.

Steve Flowers, identified by the board as a political writer and historian, addressed the gathering after the resolution was read. "When the annals of Alabama history are written, there will never be another Alabama as remarkable public servant in the state of Doctor David Bronner," Flowers said, and described the retirement system as "financially sound in the envy of the country." He also noted RSA manages the public educators’ health insurance program, which he described as covering more than 300,000 educators, spouses and retirees and a "$1,400,000,000 a year" program.

Board members approved the resolution without recorded opposition. The board also thanked Flowers for his remarks and invited photographs with students and board members at the meeting’s close.

The board took no formal policy action tied to the resolution; the item was a recognition placed on the agenda and approved by voice vote.