Jim Kreider steps down from leading Missouri Retired Teachers Association after 18 years

Jim Kreider is stepping down after 18 years as executive director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel, known as MRTA.

The board of the association announced Friday that its longtime leader has retired.

Kreider, former speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, spent 10 years as a state lawmaker.

In 1993 he became the first Democrat elected in Christian County since 1904. He was elected five times, serving for 10 years.

His legislative district was the fastest growing in the state during the 1990s. The 2000 redistricting created three legislative districts to replace the one Kreider represented.

Kreider was known for supporting public education during his time as a lawmaker. He helped write, and later voted for, the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993.

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He was a member of the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee.

Kreider graduated from Nixa High School in 1973 and has lived in Christian County for most of his adult life. He studied agricultural business and economics at Missouri State University, graduating in 1977.

He joined MRTA in August 2003. The association was created to protect and enhance the pension benefits of former educators in Missouri. It tracks and weighs in on budget and legislative proposals in Jefferson City.

The association has grown significantly under Kreider's leadership. It currently has more than 30,000 members.

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In a news release, MRTA wished the best for Kreider in his next chapter and noted plans for "engaging a new and dynamic executive director to lead the association into the future."

Sarah Hoeller, assistant director, is expected to provide leadership during the transition. A timeline for replacing Kreider was not specified.

The News-Leader left messages Friday for Hoeller and for Kreider, but the office of the association was closed for the holiday.

Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Jim Kreider retires from Missouri Retired Teachers Association