🎉 SAMCERA Has a New Website – And More Secure Member Portal Login

laptop open on desk with coffee cup, writing supplies and small plant on left side.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new website and a more secure login process for the MySamCERA member portal.

🌐 Here’s what’s new:

  • Our new URL and website are now live at www.samcera.gov
  • The MySamCERA portal URL has changed to www.mysamcera.gov
  • We’ve added Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for your account security on MySamCERA
  • Stronger password requirements for MySamCERA are now in place. If you’re resetting your password or creating a new account, your password will need to be between 16-64 characters and include at least 1 numeric character, 1 uppercase letter, and 1 lowercase letter

🔐 About MFA

When logging into the MySamCERA member portal or mobile app, you’ll now take a few quick steps to verify your identity:

  1. Enter your username and password
  2. Choose to receive a verification code via text or phone call
  3. Enter the code to finish logging in

✨ What’s Improved?

  • A modernized, mobile-friendly website with easier navigation
  • Verified .gov domains for trusted access
  • Stronger login security to access your retirement information

🔖 Don’t forget: Update your bookmarks to samcera.gov and mysamcera.gov!

Have feedback about the new website?

We’re always looking to improve your experience. Let us know how we’re doing by filling out our feedback form


Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the SamCERA website changing?

The SamCERA URL is being updated to align with a broader effort to strengthen trust and security in government websites. The new .gov address confirms you’re accessing a verified, official government resource. Our website is being updated to improve user experience, enhance security, and ensure the website is mobile-friendly. The new site will offer a more modern design, easier navigation, and quicker access to important information about your pension benefits and account.

Will the website and member portal URLs change?

Yes, both the SamCERA website and member portal URL are changing. You will be automatically redirected to the new website if you try to visit the old URL, but we recommend updating any bookmarks or saved links to the new .gov URL to avoid confusion.

New Member Portal URL: www.mysamcera.gov

New Website URL: www.samcera.gov

Will the old website still work?

The old website (www.samcera.org) will be available for a limited time – beginning on July 7, 2025 you will be redirected to the new site (www.samcera.gov.) However, we recommend updating your bookmarks to the new samcera.gov URL as soon as possible to ensure you are using the most current version of the website.

Do I need to create a new account for MySamCERA?

No, you do not need to create a new account. Your current login credentials and account details will remain the same. Simply use the same username and password to access your member portal on the new website.

Why does the website look different now?

The website has been redesigned to improve your experience, with easier navigation, a mobile-friendly layout, and a more modern look. You’ll now find it easier to access important pension information, forms, and resources.

I had saved a bookmark to a page on the old website. Where do I find it now?

The structure of the website has been streamlined to make navigation easier, but most information from the old website is still available in the new design. You can use the new search function to find specific pages or navigate through the updated menu and will need to bookmark the new page since it will have a different URL.

I’m experiencing slower load times on the new website. Is this normal?

During the initial launch period, there may be some temporary delays or slower load times due to increased traffic. We are actively working to ensure optimal performance. Once the site has stabilized, load times should return to normal.

Will the information I need still be available on the new website?

Yes! All of the important content, such as retirement benefit information, forms, and resources, will still be available on the new website. We’ve reorganized some sections to make it easier for you to find what you need. If you have trouble locating specific content, try using the website’s search function or check the FAQs for help.

Are there any changes to the forms I use for retirement or other requests?

No, the forms you use for retirement, beneficiary changes, and other requests will remain the same. To ensure you’re using the correct form, be sure to access them directly from the new website. 

Where can I find help if I have more questions or need assistance?

You can find answers to additional questions by reaching out to SamCERA’s Retirement Benefits team:

Please note that although our official website URL is changing, email should still be sent to and our email messages will continue to come from @samcera.org for the time being.

Will the new website work with all browsers?

The new website is compatible with most modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you’re experiencing issues with a specific browser, try updating to the latest version or switching to a different browser.

Why are there two web addresses for the MySamCERA member portal, and which one should I use?

Both mysamcera.org and mysamcera.gov currently work to access the member portal. However, we encourage you to start using mysamcera.gov moving forward. The .gov domain is reserved exclusively for verified government agencies, which adds an extra layer of trust and security.

Eventually, mysamcera.gov will become our primary URL for the member portal, but for now, either link will direct you to the same secure portal.

How do I update my bookmark to use mysamcera.gov instead of mysamcera.org?

When adding or editing a bookmark in your browser, you may have the option to change the web address before saving it. If your current bookmark uses mysamcera.org, you can simply edit the URL and replace .org with .gov (so it reads mysamcera.gov).

Once mysamcera.gov becomes the permanent URL for the member portal, no updates will be needed going forward to your bookmark.

Upcoming Road to Retirement Seminars

Planning your retirement can be overwhelming, especially with all the choices you have to make. Retirement seminars with SamCERA will provide information to help you make sure you’re on the right path.


The Road to Retirement

For Members With At Least 5 Years Of Service

Dates: 
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: SamCERA Boardroom – 100 Marine Parkway, Suite 160, Redwood City, CA 94065

Like most, you probably have dreams of retiring, but are not sure where to start or if you’re making the right choices. Whether you’re early in your career or thinking about retiring soon, this seminar will help you plan ahead and provide resources to help you prepare for retirement.

Presentations from SamCERA, San Mateo County Benefits, Empower (formerly known as Mass Mutual), and Financial Knowledge will provide you with valuable insight for planning your retirement at any stage of your career and help you successfully navigate your future.

This seminar will cover topics such as:

  • How service purchases and upgrades may enhance your benefit?
  • What to do when life changes happen, such as divorce, beneficiary changes, leaving employment, etc.?
  • How to calculate your SamCERA retirement benefit?
  • Understanding your medical, dental and vision insurance options.
  • Taking advantage of your deferred compensation account and use it to plan ahead.
  • Learn about the estate planning process with an introduction to one of our most popular financial planning classes.

How to Register

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA.

Library & Mosquito District Employees: Register on LMS or email your request to samcera@samcera.org.

Please note: Members must have at least 5 years of service to participate, and supervisor approval is required.

Notice of June 9, 2025 Election

This June, SamCERA will hold an election for the Retired Member and Alternate Retired Member board seats. Read the election notice for important dates and how to file as a candidate.


SAN MATEO COUNTY EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
(SamCERA)

NOTICE OF ELECTION
TO ELECT A RETIRED AND AN ALTERNATE RETIRED MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF RETIREMENT

Notice is hereby given that one RETIRED MEMBER is to be elected to fill the eighth position on SamCERA’s Board of Retirement. An ALTERNATE RETIRED MEMBER will also be elected. 

Retired Member and Alternate Retired Member Eligibility: Candidates must be retired SamCERA members and may only nominate themselves to one position, either the Retired Member seat or the Alternate Retired Member seat by filing a Declaration of Candidacy with the Elections Officer.

Member Terms: The Retired member and the Alternate Retired member  shall serve from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028.

Required Declarations of Candidacy: Declarations of Candidacy will be available Monday, April 14, 2025 through Monday, April 28, 2025. Qualified Candidates may file in person at: 

Registration & Elections Division
Office of the Chief Elections Officer & Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
County of San Mateo
40 TOWER ROAD, SAN MATEO, CA 94402

Completed Declaration of Candidacy: This completed form must be filed in person with the Registration & Elections Division no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 28, 2025.

Please contact the Candidate Filing Representative by email at CandidateServices@smcacre.gov or call (650) 312-5222 if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment to file for candidacy.

The election will be held on MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025 and will be conducted in accordance with Article 4 of the Regulations of the Board of Retirement. These regulations are available at the Elections Office or SamCERA’s website at: www.samcera.org.

____________________________________________
MARK CHURCH 
Chief Elections Officer &
Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder 


SamCERA’s New CEO

Scott Hood

Scott Hood has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the San Mateo County Employees’ Retirement Association (SamCERA), effective Nov. 9, 2014. He succeeds David Bailey, who will retire in early 2015.

Since 2002, Hood served as SamCERA’s Assistant Executive Officer (AEO), managing the benefits, finance, information technology, communications and administrative staff of the association. Prior to becoming AEO, he served as SamCERA’s Information Technology Manager for two years.

Hood said, “I am both humbled and honored that the Board has chosen me to be the next leader of such an outstanding organization. I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees and all stakeholders to maintain SamCERA’s high level of performance, while building for the future.”

Bailey added, “I’m happy to see Scott recognized for his contributions to SamCERA’s past successes and glad he will have the opportunity to lead the association to many more.”

Hood holds a BS in Engineering from the US Military Academy and an MS in Computer Information Systems from Boston University. Last year, he completed his military career as a US Army Reserve Colonel after serving over 30 years of combined active and reserve service. His military career includes deployments to Bosnia, Iraq and Djibouti where he served in various leadership roles with multi-national teams working on elections, media relations and operations planning.

The nationwide recruitment for SamCERA’s new CEO concluded in September when the Retirement Board chose Hood by unanimous vote.

SamCERA is a tax-qualified retirement plan providing retirement, disability and death benefits for its eligible members and beneficiaries. The association holds more than $3 billion in trust for pension benefits, and pays more than $150 million each year in benefit payments and refunds. Based in Redwood City, California, SamCERA’s 21 employees serve more than 10,000 active, retired and inactive members and their beneficiaries.

2024 SamCERA Board of Retirement Election Results

The 2024 Board of Retirement election was held on on June 10, 2024. Katherine O’Malley was reelected to the General Member Second Seat, Robert Raw was reelected to the Safety Member Seventh Seat, and April DeCarsky was reelected to the Alternate Safety Member Seat. 

Elected Board Member Profiles

  • Katherine O’Malley is a Principal Appraiser and was hired in 2012 by the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder & Elections Department. This is her third term on the Board of Retirement after being first elected to the Board in 2018.

  • Robert Raw is a sergeant, who has been with the Sheriff’s Department since 2012.This is his third term on the Board of Retirement. 

  • April DeCarsky is a Deputy Probation Officer III with the Probation Department.This will be her first full term on the Board of Retirement. She was first elected to serve a partial term as Safety Alternate in 2023. In this role, she substitutes in the absence of the Second, Third, or Seventh Member. Additionally, if the Eighth Member and Retiree Alternate are absent, she substitutes for the Eighth Member. 

Additional Information

The elected Board Members will serve a 3-year term commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2027. The next scheduled SamCERA Board of Retirement election will be in 2025, when the General Member Third Seat, the Retired Member Eighth Seat, and the Retired Member Alternate Seat will be up for election. 

Board vacancies and election information are posted at www.samcera.org, and general information about the Board of Retirement can be found at www.samcera.org/board-retirement. 

Update – MySamCERA Available as of 2/6/24

2/6/24 – The technical issues on MySamCERA have been resolved, and members should have normal access to the member portal and mobile app. Thank you for your patience!

 

1/31/24 – MySamCERA Currently Unavailable

MySamCERA is experiencing some technical issues, and this is impacting member account access. Please know that our team is aware of the issue and is working urgently to resolve the problem. 

In the meantime, if there is anything we can do to help you, please email samcera@samcera.org or call 650-599-1234 for assistance.