What is NAGDCA?
Founded in 1980, the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) is the leading professional organization for public employer–sponsored defined contribution and deferred compensation plan administrators. NAGDCA supports government plan sponsors and industry partners in delivering strong retirement security outcomes for public employees.
Members manage plans for participants across 75 state and territorial entities and 181 local governments*, including counties, cities, public safety agencies, school districts, and utilities. Plans include Section 457(b), 401(k), 401(a), and 403(b) accounts with employee and employer contributions.
NAGDCA provides a national forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy—covering investments, administration, participant engagement, and federal regulations. The association is committed to an inclusive community that values diverse perspectives and broad participation.
*as of 11/17/25
NAGDCA Leadership
NAGDCA’s leadership represents a diverse group of veteran public sector retirement plan administrators and industry experts from across the country. Each Executive Board member brings a unique skill set and decades of retirement industry experience to their role in determining the strategic priorities of the organization.
Our Strategic Plan
NAGDCA’s vision is to develop a network of well-informed defined contribution retirement plan sponsors and industry professionals working together to provide America’s public sector workers with a secure financial future. With that goal as the focus, our Executive Board and staff meet yearly to develop a comprehensive strategic plan.
NAGDCA Committees
Volunteer committees are an integral part of NAGDCA’s success. Whether planning the NAGDCA Annual Conference, refining the Benchmarking Survey, or developing NAGDCA’s Legislative Priorities, our dedicated committee members volunteer their time to improve the association, and make their mark on the industry.
NAGDCA Annual Awards
NAGDCA’s members are constantly striving to create new and innovative solutions to address their employees’ retirement needs. The NAGDCA Annual Awards program highlights the best programs and ideas from all levels of the public sector. Each winner was selected by through a rigorous peer evaluation process, and truly represents the best and brightest in public sector defined contribution. To see our winners, past and present, please click here.
