MissionSquare History
Our History
MissionSquare Retirement was founded in 1972 as ICMA Retirement Corporation, a non-stock, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping public sector employees build financial security. Our mission is to serve those who serve our communities. Today, we’re proud to serve 9,200 public service employers and 1.9 million participant accounts.*
Serving the Public Sector for Over 50 Years
1972
Founded as ICMA Retirement Corporation by a Ford Foundation grant to create equity in access to retirement savings.
Began serving Deferred Compensation Plans.
1983
Surpassed 10,000 participant accounts.
1985
Began serving 401(a) Defined Contribution Plans.
1989
Surpassed 100,000 participant accounts.
1991
Introduced the VantageTrust PLUS Fund, an industry-leading stable value fund.
1995-1998
Launched our public website, participant website, and employer website.
1999
Launched the Retirement Health Savings Program, designed to help participants fund retiree health care through a tax-advantaged plan.
2000
Surpassed 500,000 participant accounts.
2001
Established the ICMA-RC Public Employee Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor public service employees and their families.
2004
Started the Employer Investment Program, created to help fund the cost of Other Post-Employment Benefits.
2005
Introduced the Vantagepoint Milestone target-date funds.
2007
Launched the Center for State and Local Government Excellence in partnership with ICMA.
Introduced Guided Pathways® Advisory Services
2011
Surpassed one million participant accounts.
2017
ICMA-RC Funds are made available to public and private sector plans on investment-only basis.
2019
Expanded service into education, health care, and not-for-profit communities.
ICMA-RC named Washington Post Top Workplace and won CIO 100 Award.
2020
Surpassed 1.5 million participant accounts.
2021
ICMA-RC begins doing business as MissionSquare Retirement.
Center for State and Local Government Excellence becomes MissionSquare Research Institute.
2022
Launched expanded Financial Wellness Center.
MissionSquare Retirement celebrates 50th anniversary.
Established MissionSquare Retirement Foundation.
*As of December 31, 2023. Includes 457(b), 401(a), 403(b), Retirement Health Savings (RHS) plans, Employer Investment Program (EIP) plans, affiliated IRAs, and investment-only assets. Includes assets under administration and management by MissionSquare with its subsidiaries.