Cindy Rougeou

For more than two decades, Cindy Rougeou served LASERS with a steadfast commitment to protecting retirement security for Louisiana’s public employees and retirees. As Executive Director from 2006 to 2023, Rougeou helped guide the System through a period of modernization, pension reform, and long-term financial strengthening.

Although retirement security would eventually become the focus of her career, Rougeou admitted it was not something she initially considered when entering public service.

“When I began my career in state service as a Staff Attorney for the Attorney General, I probably had never heard of LASERS,” she said. “Retirement was not on my radar. It took a few years for me to learn enough to realize the value of our retirement system.”

Before joining LASERS, Rougeou built an accomplished career in Louisiana state government. Her professional experience included serving as:

• Staff Attorney for the Louisiana Attorney General
• Attorney for the Louisiana House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs
• Undersecretary for the Secretary of State
• Attorney and Deputy Director for Louisiana Public Broadcasting

She later joined LASERS as Assistant Executive Director before being named Executive Director in 2006.

Reflecting on her career, Rougeou described LASERS as unlike any other agency where she served.

“I can say without a doubt that although I learned a tremendous amount at each stop, working at LASERS is an incomparable experience. This agency is special. In addition to working with the best staff in state government and a tremendously supportive Board of Trustees, we are privileged to serve those who have contributed a career to public service.”

Under Rougeou’s leadership, LASERS implemented significant operational and technological advancements designed to improve service and strengthen the System for future generations.

Among the System’s major accomplishments during her tenure:

• Implemented Member Self-Service, now known as myLASERS, allowing members to access accounts and conduct business online
• Achieved the highest one-year investment return in LASERS history — 35.6 percent
• Expanded communication and transparency through redesigned websites, email communications, and member education initiatives
• Implemented pension reforms focused on the long-term sustainability of the System
• Worked collaboratively with legislators and retirement stakeholders on retirement policy and COLA reform

Rougeou remained deeply involved in legislative issues affecting retirement security throughout her career. Before retiring, she worked alongside Louisiana’s other statewide retirement systems to support Senate Bill 18, legislation aimed at reforming the mechanism for granting and funding future cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).

She also took great pride in preparing the agency for the future before announcing her retirement in 2023.

“Prior to making the decision to retire, I worked with our stellar staff to ensure our ‘LASERS house’ was in order and prepared for the next chapter in leadership,” Rougeou said.

In January 2023, Rougeou notified the Board of Trustees of her retirement plans. The Board later selected Trey Boudreaux, then LASERS Chief of Staff, to succeed her as Executive Director.

Rougeou expressed confidence in the future of the agency she helped lead for more than 20 years.

“As I prepare to join the ranks of our retirees, let me assure you that I am confident LASERS will continue to act in the best interest of our members.”

At the time of her retirement, 2023 Board Chair Shannon Templet praised Rougeou’s lasting impact on the System and its members.

“Over the years, Cindy has become a familiar and trusted voice for her work with state legislators to provide retirement security to nearly 100,000 LASERS members and beneficiaries,” Templet said. “Cindy will leave LASERS a legacy of modernization and pension reform.”

Templet also credited Rougeou’s leadership with advancing transparency, innovation, investment success, and member-focused improvements throughout the agency.

Through decades of service, Rougeou helped position LASERS as one of the nation’s top-performing public retirement systems while remaining focused on the members and retirees the System serves every day.