MONTPELIER, Vt.—The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators has named Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce as its 2013 President. NAUPA has representatives from all states, the District of Columbia, and other international governmental entities, and is charged with promoting and strengthening unclaimed property administration in order to enhance the return of unclaimed property to rightful owners.
“I am pleased to support a national organization that plays such a key role in assisting millions of Americans each year in recovering their unclaimed financial property,” said Pearce. “There is more than $41.7 billion listed in governmental unclaimed property records nationwide. Unclaimed property laws represent one of this country’s original consumer protection programs and NAUPA education and outreach programs continue to build important public awareness of this program.”
NAUPA administers a national database of unclaimed property that is accessed through the free web site MissingMoney.com. The site contains the official collective records from most state unclaimed property programs.
This year’s work plan will have a considerable impact on Vermont and other states as NAUPA will be working with the Uniform Law Commission, also known as the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. The intent of the effort is to study and consider the drafting and enacting of a revision or amendments to the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act.
“It has been 17 years since the Act was revised. There have been many technological changes in recent years not addressed by the Act and new types of potential unclaimed property that should be considered in this model legislation,” explained Pearce. “NAUPA has played a major role during negotiations of past revisions. It is vital that we continue to serve as the states’ advocate and leader to ensure that any model legislation will be drafted in the best interest of our citizens, further enhancing and preserving consumer protection.”
The National Association of State Treasurers also recently appointed Pearce to the Executive Committee as its Vice President for the Eastern Region. NAST seeks to provide advocacy and support that enables member states to pursue and administer sound financial policies and programs benefiting the citizens of the nation. Treasurer Pearce also continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers. NASACT's mission is to assist state leaders in enhancing and promoting effective and efficient management of government resources
“These organizations are committed to promoting excellence in public service by finance professionals and provide advocacy on issues affecting states. I believe our participation provides an opportunity to advocate on national issues important to Vermonters,” said Pearce
