SUZANNE ADAMS
Highlights of Suzanne Adams’ Leadership
- Led LASERS Member Services for 11 years
- Brought nearly 20 years of retirement system experience from TRSL
- Helped modernize LASERS operations and workflow systems
- Oversaw the transition from paper files to digital imaging
- Expanded member counseling services across Louisiana
- Helped support retirees affected by Hurricane Katrina
- Strengthened LASERS’ reputation for exceptional customer service
- Dedicated more than 36 years to state government service
Beloved LASERS Member Services Director Suzanne Adams retired in 2011 after 11 years of service to the System, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape LASERS today.
Before joining LASERS, Adams spent nearly 20 years with the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), where she developed extensive knowledge and experience in retirement administration.
“Working in the retirement field, I knew I’d found my passion,” Adams said. “I’d heard what a wonderful agency LASERS was, so when a position became available, I immediately applied. It was truly one of the best decisions of my career.”
Adams credited the LASERS staff for many of the System’s accomplishments during her leadership of Member Services and often emphasized the teamwork behind the agency’s success.
During her tenure from 2000 to 2011, LASERS achieved several major operational and member service advancements, including:
- Replacing paper files with a fully integrated imaging system
- Implementing a new computer platform with automated workflow capabilities
- Reorganizing Member Services to improve processing timelines
- Implementing a new retirement plan for Department of Corrections employees
- Creating a field section that provided individual counseling for members statewide
- Developing solutions to assist retirees impacted by Hurricane Katrina
- Implementing new retirement legislation each year
When describing the value LASERS provides to state employees, Adams said:
“LASERS provides an opportunity for its members to receive a guaranteed pension upon retirement. In this day and time, that is a tremendous comfort. The staff of LASERS are well-versed in retirement concerns and are able to provide valuable information to active employees throughout their careers so they can make the best decisions to maximize their retirement pensions.”
After more than 36 years in state government, Adams embraced retirement while continuing to reflect fondly on her years at LASERS.
“I love being retired, but do miss the wonderful people I worked with,” she said. “One person who had a tremendous impact on my career at LASERS was Cindy Rougeou. She has a passion for LASERS and its membership that is contagious. She continues to fight every day to protect LASERS’ benefit structure, and we’re fortunate to have her.”
Many of the processes and operational improvements established during Adams’ leadership remain in place today. Her influence on Member Services helped strengthen LASERS’ reputation for responsive service, innovation, and member-focused support.
Reflecting on her career in public service, Adams said:
“For those of us who have been fortunate enough to work in state government and contribute to LASERS, we know what a wonderful retirement system it is. I’m thankful for the passion of those at LASERS who continue to protect the System and the benefits it provides.”
