The TEXPERS Annual Conference brings together trustees, administrators, and public pension professionals from across Texas for multiple days of education, discussion, and connection focused on public employee retirement systems.
Each spring, the conference is designed around current issues in public fund management, investment trends, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities, while also serving as a forum for sharing best practices among systems across the state.
5600 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston Island, TX 77551
Galveston Island is accessible via Interstate 45 and is within driving distance of several major Texas metropolitan areas.
Please note:
For the most up-to-date road closures or traffic conditions, visit Drive Texas.
Transportation directly to the San Luis Resort from both Houston airports is available through Galveston Limousine Service:
Taxi and local transportation services are available throughout Galveston Island.
Guests may contact the hotel concierge at 800-445-0090 for assistance with transportation arrangements.
A link to special conference reservation booking rates will be emailed to those who register through the TEXPERS website. The reservation link will be provided upon completion of conference registration.
This year, TEXPERS is using the InEvent platform for its event app. Stay updated on its release, sponsors, exhibitors, presenters, and networking events. This year's event app, InEvent, is sponsored by Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, LLP, attorneys at law.
Association Board Meeting Materials
The TEXPERS Board and Caucus Meeting will take place on Sunday, April 26, with Caucus Registration for TEXPERS System Members only beginning at 2 p.m. at the Galveston Island Convention Center, located at 5600 Seawall Boulevard, and continuing with the Annual Business Meeting at 3 p.m. and Board meeting at 4:30 p.m.
Here are important documents that System Members and Board Members might need to download for their meetings:
Agenda Member's Annual Business Meeting
Agenda Board Meeting Election Of Officers
Agenda Board Meeting
Courtney Scott is a Regional Director, Manager, and Vice President in Dimensional’s Global Client Group. She leads the Virtual Strategy team, which is responsible for large-scale webcasts and virtual events for Dimensional clients globally. Courtney is a frequent moderator on webcasts hosted from Dimensional Studios, where she facilitates discussions between clients and Dimensional speakers, and she often presents at Dimensional conferences and industry events.
Courtney’s work centers on advisor engagement and investor experience, with an emphasis on effective communication and clarity around complex investment ideas. She supports Dimensional’s Life, Invested™ platform, which connects investing to the real-life experiences that shape client decisions.
Prior to joining Dimensional, Courtney oversaw summer internship programs and marketing initiatives for law firms in Los Angeles and Austin. She earned a BBA in marketing from the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University and holds Series 7 and 66 licenses.
Daleep Singh is Vice Chair and Chief Global Economist for Public and Private Fixed Income at PGIM. In this capacity, Mr. Singh oversees the Firm’s Global Macroeconomic Research team, leading the formulation of the outlook across developed and emerging economies, analyzing key structural shifts, and synthesizing the implications for financial markets. He is also a member of the senior investment team and provides thought leadership on global policy and macroeconomic trends. Mr. Singh previously served as PGIM Fixed Income’s Chief Global Economist and Head of Global Macroeconomic Research from June 2022 through February 2024, before he was called upon to serve at the White House. Singh served as Deputy National Security Advisor for international economics and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council for the Biden Administration. In this capacity, he led the Administration’s policymaking process for a range of issues at the intersection of economic policy and national security, including economic statecraft, supply chain resilience, innovation policy, infrastructure finance, digital assets, and energy security. As the U.S. Sherpa to the G7, G20, and APEC, he also represented the President in major international fora. Previously, Mr. Singh was an Executive Vice President and Head of the Markets Group at the New York Federal Reserve, where he led the implementation for most of the Fed’s emergency facilities launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in his career, Singh served as an Assistant Secretary for financial markets and debt management at the Treasury Department, as well as a Deputy Assistant Secretary for international affairs. Before and after his time in government roles, Mr. Singh held positions in the private sector and academia, including when he taught a popular graduate course on geoeconomic strategy. Mr. Singh earned a BA from Duke University and graduate degrees from MIT and Harvard University, with a focus on international economics. In 2022, he was named as one of the Bloomberg 50, an annual list of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have changed the global business landscape.
Jeff is a managing director for Aristotle Pacific Capital and also a portfolio manager for the Credit Opportunities, Core, and Core Plus strategies. Prior to joining Aristotle Pacific, Jeff was co-head of investments at Thornburg Investment Management and a portfolio manager on all fixed-income strategies.
Additionally, he was responsible for driving firm-wide investment processes, leading securitized investment efforts and representing the investment team across external business channels. Prior to Thornburg, Jeff was with PIMCO at its Newport Beach, Tokyo and London offices. Jeff has over 21 years of investment experience and holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is a CFA charterholder.
Ray is the Director of Senior Cybersecurity Consulting in Cybersecurity Awareness at TIAA where he is responsible with working with TIAA clients on cybersecurity development and education. Ray has 25+ years in Software Product Management in the telecommunications and cybersecurity industries with multiple industry-leading providers, including Bridgewater, F5, and McAfee.
Throughout his career, Ray has earned numerous industry certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Ray began his career as a Signal Intelligence Analyst for the U.S. Army.
Dr. Rodrigue's research interests primarily focus on transportation and economics as they relate to logistics, intermodal transportation, and global freight distribution. He has published extensively on topics, including maritime transport systems and logistics, global supply chains, gateways, and transport corridors. He has authored 9 books, 40 book chapters, more than 60 peer-reviewed papers, numerous reports, and delivered more than 200 conferences and seminar presentations, mostly at the international level. He ranks among the top 2% of the most-cited scholars worldwide and among the top 100 in the field of transport and logistics (ranked 62 as of 2024).
Dr. Campion received her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Rice University and the University of Houston.MK Campion, Ph.D., CFA®, AIFA®, BCF, is the Director of Institutional Portfolio Management and Chief Investment Officer for Avior Wealth Management, whose assets managed exceed six billion. The firm’s clientele includes public defined benefit plans and corporate defined contribution plans, as well as foundations and high net worth individuals.
Campion has conducted fiduciary assessments and examinations for public and corporate plans whose combined assets exceed thirty billion (30B). Campion’s experience includes providing fundamental and statistical analyses of public, private and real estate assets and has authored governance, ethics, and investment policies for public and private pension plans.
Dr. Campion has held the position of adjunct faculty for the Center for Fiduciary Studies at the University of Pittsburgh since 2007. She also lectures and teaches at local universities. At Rice University’s Glasscock School, Campion taught economics, finance, equity and fixed income theory and strategy, portfolio management, risk management, and investments. At the University of Houston, Campion taught undergraduate micro and macroeconomic classes. For public fund trustees, Dr. Campion authored and continues to instruct the Certified Trustee Training curriculum. She continues to be a member of the TEXPERS Education Committee.
Campion continues to be engaged as a legal expert in securities disputes and lawsuits. Campion was a retained speaker for the CFA® Society and spoke in countries including England, Ireland, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Canada, and in major cities in the United States.
Dr. Campion’s board and council positions include the Houston Symphony Orchestra’s (HSO) Chairperson for the Pension Committee, HSO Leadership and Governance Committee, and Rice University’s Initiative for the Study of Economics. She is a member of the National Association for Business Economists, American Economic Association, Association for Investment Management and Research, and of the Houston Society of Financial Analysts. Campion is published in academic and professional journals including Bank Asset/Liability Management, The North America Journal of Economics and Finance, The Texas Pension Observer, and The World Economy: The Americas. Dr. Campion received her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D., from Rice University and University of Houston. She is a certified Charted Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® (AIFA®) and a Board Certified Fiduciary (BCF®).
Carol C. Villegas is a Partner in the New York office of Labaton Keller Sucharow LLP, where she serves on the Firm's Executive Committee, as Chair of the Firm's Women's Initiative, and as Chief of Compliance. Leading one of the Firm's Securities Litigation teams, she is actively overseeing litigation against Boeing, Nike, Merck, and Charter Communications, among others.
Ms. Villegas's development of innovative case theories in complex cases, skillful handling of discovery work, and adept ability during oral arguments have earned her accolades from Chambers, The Legal 500, Benchmark Litigation, Business Today, The National Law Journal, New York Law Journal, Crain's New York Business, and the Women in Business Law Awards.
Ms. Villegas has achieved numerous successes prosecuting complex securities fraud cases on behalf of institutional investors, including notable settlements against Catalent ($78M), Nielsen ($73M), Oak Street Health ($60M), and WWE ($39M), among others.
Before joining Labaton Keller Sucharow, Ms. Villegas served as the Assistant District Attorney in the Supreme Court Bureau for the Richmond County District Attorney's office, where she took several cases to trial.
Champ Raju is managing partner and head of private equity at PPM America Capital Partners, the private equity arm of PPM America, Inc. (PPM). In this role, he oversees all aspects of the private equity investment process and manages the team’s private equity investments. Prior to joining PPM in 2001, Champ worked in the audit group focusing on manufacturing clients at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
He later joined the PricewaterhouseCoopers transaction services group, where he focused on acquisition and sell-side due diligence. Champ earned a master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Indiana University.
Clark Gillam is a Co-Founder and a member of the Executive and Investment Committees. He has 17 years of experience, and before co-founding Nebari, Clark worked in the Iron Ore Trading Division at Glencore and in Portfolio Management at McKinley Capital. He holds an M.Sc in Finance from Trinity College Dublin and a B.Sc in Economics from Wharton Business School.
Daniel Freuman is a Co-Founder as well as a member of the Executive and Investment Committees. He has 21 years of experience, and before co-founding Nebari, Daniel was a Senior Trader at Glencore International AG and helped lead M&A and Business Development for Glencore’s Iron Ore Division. Before Glencore, he was an Analyst at Perry Capital and at JPMorgan’s Investment Bank. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.A. in Economics & Finance, Magna Cum Laude, from Princeton University.
Daniel Hayes is Head of Midwest Debt Originations at New York Life Real Estate Investors. Based in Chicago, he leads the firm’s debt origination efforts across the Midwestern United States. Dan brings 30 years of experience in commercial real estate finance, with a focus on structured debt and equity investments across multiple commercial real estate asset classes.
Prior to joining New York Life in 2020, Mr. Hayes served as a Senior Vice President at Heitman, where he originated structured debt and equity investments. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Hunt Investment Management, Capmark Finance, and GE Healthcare Financial Services, and gained additional experience in LIHTC acquisitions at The National Equity Fund.
Dan currently serves on the board of the Illinois Housing Development Authority. He holds a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University and a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
David focuses on representing institutional investors in their alternative investments, working alongside Nicole Brennig, co-leader of the firm’s institutional investor practice, which represents more than 300 investors, both US and non-US-based.
David primarily focuses on private markets, representing capital in primary commitments, co-investments (whether direct, syndicated, or co- underwritten), LP secondary transactions, continuation vehicles, other sponsor-led transactions, separately managed accounts, and other portfolio-related matters (such as GP removals and LPAC issues).
David’s experience spans all types of alternative investment strategies, including both private and public markets. His private markets experience spans buyouts, credit, real estate, venture capital, growth, energy, timber, infrastructure, commodities, mining, and agriculture; his public markets experience spans all liquid alternatives, including LDI, long-only, and absolute/relative return strategies. David also has substantial experience in seeding new platforms and acquiring sponsor stakes.
Professional memberships
Recognitions
Dillon Lorda is a Director and Portfolio Manager within AEW’s Private Equity Group, responsible for managing AEW's essential housing strategy, which focuses on housing for moderate- and lower-income households. Prior to joining AEW, Dillon was a Managing Member of Conrad Investment Management, where he utilized research-based metrics to target specific segments of the multifamily sector that were expected to have resilient income potential and led a team focused on underwriting and structuring those transactions. Prior to Conrad, Dillon worked as a Managing Director at Pension Consulting Alliance (now part of Meketa Investment Group), where he worked on the real asset portfolios of US institutional investors. Dillon’s prior roles included development, sourcing and underwriting of real estate assets focused on residential properties at both Del Mar Development and Time Equities. Before starting his real estate career in 2006, Dillon spent six years in international agricultural trading with Bunge and ED&F Man. He is a graduate of Hamilton College (B.A.) and New York University (M.S. Real Estate Finance).
Dillon Lorda is a Director and Portfolio Manager within AEW’s Private Equity Group, responsible for managing AEW's essential housing strategy, which focuses on housing for moderate- and lower-income households. Prior to joining AEW, Dillon was a Managing Member of Conrad Investment Management, where he utilized research-based metrics to target specific segments of the multifamily sector that were expected to have resilient income potential and led a team focused on underwriting and structuring those transactions. Prior to Conrad, Dillon worked as a Managing Director at Pension Consulting Alliance (now part of Meketa Investment Group), where he worked on the real asset portfolios of US institutional investors. Dillon’s prior roles included development, sourcing and underwriting of real estate assets focused on residential properties at both Del Mar Development and Time Equities. Before starting his real estate career in 2006, Dillon spent six years in international agricultural trading with Bunge and ED&F Man. He is a graduate of Hamilton College (B.A.) and New York University (M.S. Real Estate Finance).
Eric is the practice leader for Aon’s Public Sector Retirement practice and is based out of Aon’s Atlanta, Georgia office. In this role, he is responsible for thought leadership, innovation and adherence to actuarial standards of practice and quality assurance procedures for public sector pension and OPEB plans. He also serves as lead consulting actuary and relationship manager to cities, counties, towns, states, and other public entities.
Eric is generally recognized as an expert in public sector retirement plan design and income adequacy. He sat on the State of Rhode Island’s Pension Review Board in 2024 and co-authored a white paper with the National Institute on Retirement Income Security on retirement income adequacy for public sector employees.
He’s also been a pioneer in evaluating the “health” or sustainability of public pension plans. Eric is a regular speaker at public pension industry conferences and has been quoted in pension-related articles in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and several local newspapers.
Ms. Sanchez is the Chief Executive Officer of Chantico Global, a global investment consultancy and the Chief Executive Officer of Chantico Technology, a VC backed investment technology spin-out.
In addition, Ms. Sanchez serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Cedars-Sinai Hospital and as an Advisory Board Member of the UCLA Master of Financial Engineering Program. Finally, she serves on the Investor Advisory Group of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies to protect investors. She is the immediate past Chair of the Board of Investments for the Los Angeles County Employee Retirement Association (LACERA).
Previously, Ms. Sanchez was the Director of Equity and Asset Allocation for Roubini Global Economics. Before that, Ms. Sanchez served as managing director of public investments at the California Endowment, a US$3 billion Los Angeles-based foundation and as director of public investments at the Ford Foundation, a US$10 billion New York-based foundation.
Prior to that, Ms. Sanchez served as a portfolio manager and strategist for eight years at American Century Investment Management in Mountain View, Calif., where she ran over $6.5 billion in AUM.
She is a contributor for CNBC and regular on The Exchange, Worldwide Exchange and Business Arabia. She holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University and a master's in international policy studies from Stanford University.
As part of her continuing education, she also holds a certificate in impact measurement and scenario planning from the University of Oxford Said Business School, in corporate governance from UCLA Anderson, and in corporate board audit governance from Harvard Business School.
Henry Wilson, MPA, serves as Director of Wayne County Employee Retirement System, bringing nearly three decades of public service experience to his role. He previously spent 28 years with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, including 8 years as a Sergeant, where he developed a strong foundation in leadership, operations, and public safety.
Wilson has also served for ten years as a trustee for the Wayne County Employees’ Retirement System, which oversees approximately $2 billion in assets under management. For the past 6 years, he has served as Chairman, providing strategic oversight and governance to support the system's long-term sustainability.
His combined experience in public service and pension leadership reflects a deep commitment to fiscal responsibility, institutional integrity, and the well-being of public employees and retirees.
James Perry, head of Institutional Investor Solutions at the Maples Group, is responsible for shaping the Maples Group’s offerings and enhancing its service delivery to institutional investors including pensions, endowments, foundations, OCIOs and family offices. He brings more than 20 years of investment management experience, with 10 years serving in senior investment roles overseeing portfolios of public assets in California and Texas. He was a co-creator of the Strategic Relationship Agreement (SRA) structure, which has been embraced by both top-tier managers and sophisticated investors and is now taught at Harvard Law School. James holds a bachelor's degree of applied science in biochemical and biophysical science from the University of Houston and a master of business administration with distinction from National University.
John Yovanovic joined the firm in 2000 and is Co-Head of Leveraged Finance at PineBridge Investments. He is responsible for co-managing the Leveraged Finance Group and overseeing high-yield portfolio management. Mr. Yovanovic became Portfolio Manager of High Yield for the firm in 2005. Prior to that, he held positions as a senior research analyst and as head of AIG’s high-yield trading desk; while in investment research, he served as the energy/utilities group head. Previously, Mr. Yovanovic was a senior research analyst and trader at Mentor Investment Advisors, a division of Wachovia Corporation. Mr. Yovanovic began his career in equity research at Van Kampen Funds, where he later moved into high-yield research and trading. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston and is a CFA charterholder.
Jon Cheigh, President & Chief Investment Officer, leads the investment department. Mr. Cheigh joined the company in 2005 as a REIT analyst and has served as a portfolio manager since 2008. He was appointed Chief Investment Officer in 2019 and served as Head of Global Real Estate from 2012 to 2023. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Cheigh was a vice president and senior REIT analyst at Security Capital Research & Management. Prior to that, he was a vice president of real estate acquisitions at InterPark and an acquisitions associate at Urban Growth Property Trust, two privately held real estate companies incubated by Security Capital Group. Mr. Cheigh holds a BA degree cum laude from Williams College and an MBA degree from the University of Chicago. He is based in New York.
Josh Ruthizer is a Partner in Wolf Popper. His practice focuses on securities and commercial litigation, and he has represented clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the country. Josh was named as a Super Lawyer (New York Metro Edition) in the practice area of securities litigation from 2019-2023, and was listed as a Rising Star from 2014-2018. is a frequent lecturer on securities litigation matters and the fiduciary duties of pension system trustees throughout the U.S. and Canada. Josh is a graduate of Lafayette College and Columbia Law School and is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida.
Mr. Holdsworth (age 60) was a Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Operating Partner of Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC (“TCP”), a Los Angeles-based private investment firm that had approximately $9.0 billion of capital under management when it was acquired by BlackRock, Inc. in 2018. Mr. Holdsworth has extensive experience investing in the equity or debt of companies in transition in a variety of industries. He is the former Chairman of TCP’s Investment Committee and the former CEO of several of TCP’s funds.
Mr. Holdsworth is currently the Founder and Managing Partner of The Holdsworth Group, LLC (“THG”). THG is a principal investor across a variety of investment categories, including real estate, public and private equities, credit, and other alternative investments sourced by the Firm. THG also advises other family offices and companies on investment strategy and general business issues. Mr. Holdsworth is the Chairman and co-CIO of THG Securities Fund, L.P., a vehicle open to outside investors that invests in publicly-traded securities such as stocks, bonds, convertible debt, options, and preferred shares.
Mr. Holdsworth is a graduate of Pomona College with a B.A. in Physics, the California Institute of Technology with a B.S. (Honors) in Engineering and Applied Science, and the Harvard Business School. Mr. Holdsworth resides in San Marino, California, with his wife and three daughters.
He currently serves as a Director of Parsons Corporation, (NYSE: PSN) a publicly-traded worldwide engineering and digitally-enabled solutions provider focused on the defense, national security and critical infrastructure markets. He is also the Chairman of RF Industries, Ltd. (NASDAQ: RFIL), a public company that manufactures cabling and connectors for the telecom industry, and a member of the Board of Directors of PlantsExpress.com, an online plant and tree provider.
Mr. Holdsworth is a former National Trustee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and he is the former Chairman of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Chair’s Council at Caltech. He is also the Chairman of The First Tee of Greater Pasadena and a Trustee of Polytechnic School in Pasadena.
Mr. Fenlaw started working as a consulting actuary in 1973 when he joined Rudd and Wisdom. He became a Principal of the firm in 1980.
Professional Designations:
Mr. Fenlaw is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries and an Enrolled Actuary.
Expertise:
Mr. Fenlaw’s primary area of expertise is in design, funding and administration of defined benefit pension plans for public employees in Texas. This expertise includes performing actuarial valuations, reviewing and developing actuarial assumptions and experience studies, determining the impact of benefit changes, and drafting plan amendments. He also has expertise in disclosure statements for public pension plans in the financial statements of the plans and the employers.
Education:
Mr. Fenlaw is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration degree in Actuarial Science.
Michael P. Canty is a Partner in the New York office of Labaton Keller Sucharow LLP, where he serves on the Firm’s Executive Committee and as its General Counsel. Leading one of the Firm’s Securities Litigation teams, he is actively overseeing litigation against Estée Lauder, ZoomInfo, Roblox, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Lockheed Martin, among others.
Highly regarded as one of the country’s elite litigators, Mr. Canty has been recognized by The Legal 500, Benchmark Litigation, The National Law Journal, New York Law Journal, and Lawdragon.
Mr. Canty has successfully prosecuted several high-profile securities matters on behalf of institutional investors, including significant settlements against Fidelity National Information Services ($210M), Alexion Pharmaceuticals ($125M), PG&E ($100M), The Allstate Corporation ($90M), Okta ($60M), and Novavax ($47M), among others.
Before joining Labaton Keller Sucharow, Mr. Canty served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, where he was Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section. He also worked in the Office’s National Security and Cybercrimes Section, handling complex prosecutions involving cyber threats and national security matters.
Paul is an Investment Specialist in the International Equities Group at Baillie Gifford. He supports portfolio managers in articulating the team’s research insights, portfolio construction approach, and long-term growth philosophy to clients and consultants. Paul joined Baillie Gifford in 2022 and holds a PhD in Molecular Biology. He is a CFA charterholder.
Robert M. Franklin III is the Managing Partner of RFS Consulting LLC, an institutional advisory firm specializing in digital assets, DeFi risk management, and emerging financial infrastructure. He advises pension funds, regulators, and financial institutions on integrating blockchain-based systems, with a focus on risk architecture, governance frameworks, and the stablecoin market structure.
Robert’s work has been referenced in global policy and institutional discussions, including contributions to the Global Blockchain Business Council and commentary on stablecoin liquidity and market resilience. He is currently developing the RFS DeFi Risk Management Platform, an embedded supervision framework designed to support institutional adoption of digital assets.
In addition to his advisory work, Robert is a lecturer and thought leader in digital asset markets, with a focus on bridging traditional finance and decentralized systems.
Todd Evans is a Managing Director within the Investor Relations team, focused on developing relationships with institutional investors in North America.
Before joining SVP, Mr. Evans was a Principal, Capital Markets at Generate Capital, a specialist investor in sustainable infrastructure. Before Generate, Mr. Evans held IR and capital formation roles at BGI/BlackRock, J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs.
Mr. Evans holds a BA and MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and is currently an adjunct faculty member in the finance department at the U.C. Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Tyler Williams is Managing Director, Portfolio Management for Sagard Real Estate. Tyler serves as Co-Portfolio Manager for the Sagard Enhanced Property Fund, a core-plus open-end fund, and is responsible for managing two large separate accounts. He previously oversaw the firm’s acquisitions in the Southeast region.
Prior to his role at Sagard Real Estate, Tyler was a Director of Portfolio Management and Acquisitions at Guggenheim Partners. He previously worked in the real estate investment banking group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and in special asset management at a Lehman Brother’s affiliate. Tyler received his M.B.A. in investment banking and his M.P.S. in real estate from Cornell University. Tyler also received his B.B.A. in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Georgia.
Advanced Trustee Training is designed for experienced trustees and administrators seeking to deepen their understanding of fiduciary responsibilities, governance practices, and investment oversight. Building on foundational concepts, this program explores more complex topics, including risk management, actuarial considerations, evolving regulatory requirements, and strategic decision-making. Participants will gain practical insights to strengthen board effectiveness and support the long-term sustainability of their retirement systems.
Advanced Trustee Training is designed for experienced trustees and administrators seeking to deepen their understanding of fiduciary responsibilities, governance practices, and investment oversight. Building on foundational concepts, this program explores more complex topics, including risk management, actuarial considerations, evolving regulatory requirements, and strategic decision-making. Participants will gain practical insights to strengthen board effectiveness and support the long-term sustainability of their retirement systems.
Attendees are invited to check in for Advanced Trustee Training and enjoy a continental breakfast. This time provides an opportunity to settle in, connect with fellow participants, and prepare for the day’s sessions.
Attendees are invited to check in for Advanced Trustee Training and enjoy a continental breakfast. This time provides an opportunity to settle in, connect with fellow participants, and prepare for the day’s sessions.
This session will provide Trustees with an overview of actuarial matters that are relevant to Defined Benefit Plans. The session will cover actuarial terminology, assumptions, and methodologies for determining actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations are integral to the design and implementation of funding policies. Other actuarial issues that will be covered include determining how to arrive at actuarial assumptions and their impact on funding ratios. Importantly, the session will address how to satisfy state law requirements and any divergence between actuarial and portfolio return assumptions.
This session will provide Trustees with an overview of actuarial matters that are relevant to Defined Benefit Plans. The session will cover actuarial terminology, assumptions, and methodologies for determining actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations are integral to the design and implementation of funding policies. Other actuarial issues that will be covered include determining how to arrive at actuarial assumptions and their impact on funding ratios. Importantly, the session will address how to satisfy state law requirements and any divergence between actuarial and portfolio return assumptions.
TEXPERS Investments and Portfolio Construction class aims to provide participants with a more advanced understanding of investments and portfolio construction. Participants will learn about due diligence and investment performance evaluation processes. The seminar will cover best practices for evaluating public and private investment managers, and participants will demonstrate their understanding of due diligence. By the end of the seminar, attendees will have a more advanced knowledge of portfolio management principles.
TEXPERS Investments and Portfolio Construction class aims to provide participants with a more advanced understanding of investments and portfolio construction. Participants will learn about due diligence and investment performance evaluation processes. The seminar will cover best practices for evaluating public and private investment managers, and participants will demonstrate their understanding of due diligence. By the end of the seminar, attendees will have a more advanced knowledge of portfolio management principles.
TEXPERS' Fiduciary Matters and Governance class provides a thorough understanding of the principles of fiduciary responsibilities and prudent governance in various organizational contexts. This course covers the essential skills, knowledge, and values needed to manage Boards of Trustees effectively. Participants in this program will learn about the principles of good governance, fiduciary excellence, strategic planning and decision-making as well as how to navigate the fiduciary responsibilities of leadership in their organizations. The objective of this course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders who uphold ethical and fiduciary standards in their organizations.
TEXPERS' Fiduciary Matters and Governance class provides a thorough understanding of the principles of fiduciary responsibilities and prudent governance in various organizational contexts. This course covers the essential skills, knowledge, and values needed to manage Boards of Trustees effectively. Participants in this program will learn about the principles of good governance, fiduciary excellence, strategic planning and decision-making as well as how to navigate the fiduciary responsibilities of leadership in their organizations. The objective of this course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders who uphold ethical and fiduciary standards in their organizations.
TEXPERS Leadership in the Boardroom class is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of effective board leadership. The course covers the essential skills, knowledge, and values needed to be an effective board member or leader, including communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, and team building. The course also covers emerging issues in board governance such as environmental, and governance (ESG) considerations, and how boards can effectively address these issues. Overall, this course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective leaders and board members, and to ensure that their organizations are governed in a way that supports their missions and values while fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities.
TEXPERS Leadership in the Boardroom class is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of effective board leadership. The course covers the essential skills, knowledge, and values needed to be an effective board member or leader, including communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, and team building. The course also covers emerging issues in board governance such as environmental, and governance (ESG) considerations, and how boards can effectively address these issues. Overall, this course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective leaders and board members, and to ensure that their organizations are governed in a way that supports their missions and values while fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities.
This session will cover a variety of topics, including preparing for upcoming Investment Practices and Performance Evaluation, risk management in the face of new technologies, the future of public pension plans, and any other topics of interest to participants.
This session will cover a variety of topics, including preparing for upcoming Investment Practices and Performance Evaluation, risk management in the face of new technologies, the future of public pension plans, and any other topics of interest to participants.
This session will provide an overview of ethics and administration. We will examine the methods Trustees use to accomplish their work. The consequences of poor governance and the hallmarks of good governance will be discussed, along with practical tips on how to avoid common fiduciary pitfalls. The basics of benefits administration. Understanding your plan document. The various types of retirement options available. Best practices for the retirement calculation process with your board.
This session will provide an overview of ethics and administration. We will examine the methods Trustees use to accomplish their work. The consequences of poor governance and the hallmarks of good governance will be discussed, along with practical tips on how to avoid common fiduciary pitfalls. The basics of benefits administration. Understanding your plan document. The various types of retirement options available. Best practices for the retirement calculation process with your board.
This seminar aims to provide participants with a basic understanding of investment management and the importance of diversification. Participants will learn about due diligence and investment performance evaluation processes and gain familiarity with the role of investment consultants, investment managers, custodians, and other vendors. The seminar will cover best practices for selecting and evaluating investment managers, and participants will be able to demonstrate their understanding of due diligence. By the end of the seminar, attendees will have an elemental foundation in investment management principles and best fiduciary practices.
This seminar aims to provide participants with a basic understanding of investment management and the importance of diversification. Participants will learn about due diligence and investment performance evaluation processes and gain familiarity with the role of investment consultants, investment managers, custodians, and other vendors. The seminar will cover best practices for selecting and evaluating investment managers, and participants will be able to demonstrate their understanding of due diligence. By the end of the seminar, attendees will have an elemental foundation in investment management principles and best fiduciary practices.
TEXPERS Fiduciary Matters and Governance class is a program that offers a thorough understanding of the principles of fiduciary responsibilities and prudent governance in various organizational contexts. This course covers the essential skills, knowledge, and values that are crucial to managing Boards of Trustees effectively. Participants in this program will learn about the principles of good governance, fiduciary excellence, strategic planning and decision-making as well as how to navigate the fiduciary responsibilities of leadership in their organizations. The objective of this course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders who uphold ethical and fiduciary standards in their organizations.
TEXPERS Fiduciary Matters and Governance class is a program that offers a thorough understanding of the principles of fiduciary responsibilities and prudent governance in various organizational contexts. This course covers the essential skills, knowledge, and values that are crucial to managing Boards of Trustees effectively. Participants in this program will learn about the principles of good governance, fiduciary excellence, strategic planning and decision-making as well as how to navigate the fiduciary responsibilities of leadership in their organizations. The objective of this course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders who uphold ethical and fiduciary standards in their organizations.
TEXPERS Risk Management course aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of managing investment risks in institutional investment portfolios. The course covers essential skills, knowledge, and tools required to assess and manage various types of investment risks such as market, credit, liquidity, and operational risks effectively. The objective of this course is to ensure that participants possess the necessary knowledge and skills to manage investment risks effectively in institutional investment portfolios while aligning them with the organization's goals and objectives. A discussion regarding changes in retirement plans regulation and the potential outcomes for public pension plans will be had.
TEXPERS Risk Management course aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of managing investment risks in institutional investment portfolios. The course covers essential skills, knowledge, and tools required to assess and manage various types of investment risks such as market, credit, liquidity, and operational risks effectively. The objective of this course is to ensure that participants possess the necessary knowledge and skills to manage investment risks effectively in institutional investment portfolios while aligning them with the organization's goals and objectives. A discussion regarding changes in retirement plans regulation and the potential outcomes for public pension plans will be had.
8:00 am Shotgun Start, Scramble Format. Please arrive early to check in at the registration table. Breakfast tacos will be provided.
“Bogey is the Max Score” and “Two-Putt Maximum”.
Location: Moody Garden Golf Course, 1700 Sydnor Lane, Galveston, TX 77554
Transportation will not be provided. The course is approximately 5 miles from the conference hotel and can be reached in 15 minutes or less.
The team pairings will be displayed at the Golf Course on Sunday morning.
The Awards will be held at the Golf Course as soon as the last team submits their scorecard. Lastly, a beverage cart will be on the course, and a BBQ lunch will be provided after the round.
BIRDIE SPONSOR:
Breakfast – Frost Bank
HOLE SPONSORS:
Berman Tabacco, Robert Harrell, Inc.
Blockstream Capital Partners (6 holes)
GOLF TEES SPONSOR:
Aristotle Capital Management
8:00 am Shotgun Start, Scramble Format. Please arrive early to check in at the registration table. Breakfast tacos will be provided.
“Bogey is the Max Score” and “Two-Putt Maximum”.
Location: Moody Garden Golf Course, 1700 Sydnor Lane, Galveston, TX 77554
Transportation will not be provided. The course is approximately 5 miles from the conference hotel and can be reached in 15 minutes or less.
The team pairings will be displayed at the Golf Course on Sunday morning.
The Awards will be held at the Golf Course as soon as the last team submits their scorecard. Lastly, a beverage cart will be on the course, and a BBQ lunch will be provided after the round.
BIRDIE SPONSOR:
Breakfast – Frost Bank
HOLE SPONSORS:
Berman Tabacco, Robert Harrell, Inc.
Blockstream Capital Partners (6 holes)
GOLF TEES SPONSOR:
Aristotle Capital Management
This registration category is reserved for official delegates representing their pension system during TEXPERS Caucus Meetings. Delegates participate in caucus discussions, help shape collective positions, and vote on matters brought forward within their designated caucus group.
Each member system should designate its authorized delegate(s) in advance. Registration under this category is limited to credentialed representatives of TEXPERS member pension systems.
This registration category is reserved for official delegates representing their pension system during TEXPERS Caucus Meetings. Delegates participate in caucus discussions, help shape collective positions, and vote on matters brought forward within their designated caucus group.
Each member system should designate its authorized delegate(s) in advance. Registration under this category is limited to credentialed representatives of TEXPERS member pension systems.
The Annual Business Meeting is the official governance session of TEXPERS, where member pension systems convene to conduct Association business and shape its future direction. During this meeting, designated delegates vote on officers, consider bylaws amendments and resolutions, receive key reports, and address matters affecting the membership.
This session reflects the collective voice of Texas public employee retirement systems and reinforces TEXPERS’ commitment to strong governance, transparency, and member-led leadership. Participation is limited to representatives of member pension systems.
The Annual Business Meeting is the official governance session of TEXPERS, where member pension systems convene to conduct Association business and shape its future direction. During this meeting, designated delegates vote on officers, consider bylaws amendments and resolutions, receive key reports, and address matters affecting the membership.
This session reflects the collective voice of Texas public employee retirement systems and reinforces TEXPERS’ commitment to strong governance, transparency, and member-led leadership. Participation is limited to representatives of member pension systems.
The Authority/District Caucus Voting Session convenes designated representatives of authority and district pension systems to deliberate and vote on caucus-specific matters prior to the Annual Business Meeting. This session provides an opportunity to align on shared priorities, consider recommendations, and select caucus leadership or nominees as appropriate.
Participation is limited to authorized representatives of TEXPERS member authority and district pension systems.
The Authority/District Caucus Voting Session convenes designated representatives of authority and district pension systems to deliberate and vote on caucus-specific matters prior to the Annual Business Meeting. This session provides an opportunity to align on shared priorities, consider recommendations, and select caucus leadership or nominees as appropriate.
Participation is limited to authorized representatives of TEXPERS member authority and district pension systems.
The Municipal Caucus Voting Session brings together designated representatives of municipal pension systems to deliberate and vote on caucus-specific matters ahead of the Annual Business Meeting. This session provides an opportunity to align on shared priorities, consider recommendations, and select caucus leadership or nominees as applicable.
Participation is limited to authorized representatives of TEXPERS member municipal pension systems.
The Municipal Caucus Voting Session brings together designated representatives of municipal pension systems to deliberate and vote on caucus-specific matters ahead of the Annual Business Meeting. This session provides an opportunity to align on shared priorities, consider recommendations, and select caucus leadership or nominees as applicable.
Participation is limited to authorized representatives of TEXPERS member municipal pension systems.
The Police Caucus Voting Session convenes designated representatives of police pension systems to consider and vote on caucus-specific matters in advance of the Annual Business Meeting. This session allows police systems to align on shared priorities, review recommendations, and select caucus leadership or nominees as appropriate.
Participation is limited to authorized representatives of TEXPERS member police pension systems.
The Police Caucus Voting Session convenes designated representatives of police pension systems to consider and vote on caucus-specific matters in advance of the Annual Business Meeting. This session allows police systems to align on shared priorities, review recommendations, and select caucus leadership or nominees as appropriate.
Participation is limited to authorized representatives of TEXPERS member police pension systems.
The Fire Caucus Voting Session provides designated representatives of firefighter pension systems the opportunity to deliberate and vote on caucus-specific matters prior to the Annual Business Meeting. This session allows fire systems to align on shared priorities, consider recommendations, and select caucus leadership or nominees as applicable.
Participation is limited to authorized representatives of TEXPERS member firefighter pension systems.
The Fire Caucus Voting Session provides designated representatives of firefighter pension systems the opportunity to deliberate and vote on caucus-specific matters prior to the Annual Business Meeting. This session allows fire systems to align on shared priorities, consider recommendations, and select caucus leadership or nominees as applicable.
Participation is limited to authorized representatives of TEXPERS member firefighter pension systems.
Conference Registration is open to all TEXPERS member pension systems and professional members attending the Annual Conference. This registration provides full access to educational sessions, networking events, the exhibit hall, and conference materials.
Join trustees, administrators, and industry partners from across Texas for timely insights, practical training, and meaningful connection in support of strong, sustainable public employee retirement systems.
Conference Registration is open to all TEXPERS member pension systems and professional members attending the Annual Conference. This registration provides full access to educational sessions, networking events, the exhibit hall, and conference materials.
Join trustees, administrators, and industry partners from across Texas for timely insights, practical training, and meaningful connection in support of strong, sustainable public employee retirement systems.
The TEXPERS Board Meeting includes the formal election of Association officers for the upcoming term. During this governance session, Board members review nominations, conduct officer elections, and address strategic matters guiding the Association’s direction.
This meeting ensures leadership continuity and reinforces TEXPERS’ commitment to strong governance, accountability, and service to Texas public employee retirement systems. Participation is limited to members of the TEXPERS Board of Directors.
The TEXPERS Board Meeting includes the formal election of Association officers for the upcoming term. During this governance session, Board members review nominations, conduct officer elections, and address strategic matters guiding the Association’s direction.
This meeting ensures leadership continuity and reinforces TEXPERS’ commitment to strong governance, accountability, and service to Texas public employee retirement systems. Participation is limited to members of the TEXPERS Board of Directors.
Kick off the Annual Conference by reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new peers from across Texas public employee retirement systems. The Welcome Networking Reception offers a relaxed setting to exchange ideas, build relationships, and set the tone for the days ahead.
Enjoy light refreshments and meaningful conversation as trustees, administrators, and professional partners gather in the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. Attendees are also encouraged to explore the exhibit area located throughout the conference pre-function space, where sponsors and service providers will be available to share resources and solutions supporting your system’s success.
Kick off the Annual Conference by reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new peers from across Texas public employee retirement systems. The Welcome Networking Reception offers a relaxed setting to exchange ideas, build relationships, and set the tone for the days ahead.
Enjoy light refreshments and meaningful conversation as trustees, administrators, and professional partners gather in the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. Attendees are also encouraged to explore the exhibit area located throughout the conference pre-function space, where sponsors and service providers will be available to share resources and solutions supporting your system’s success.
Begin your Annual Conference experience by checking in for Day 1 Registration. Attendees will receive their conference materials, name badge, and event access details, ensuring a smooth start to the program.
Registration staff will be available to answer questions about the schedule, sessions, networking events, and exhibit area. We encourage participants to arrive early to connect with colleagues and explore the conference space before sessions begin.
Begin your Annual Conference experience by checking in for Day 1 Registration. Attendees will receive their conference materials, name badge, and event access details, ensuring a smooth start to the program.
Registration staff will be available to answer questions about the schedule, sessions, networking events, and exhibit area. We encourage participants to arrive early to connect with colleagues and explore the conference space before sessions begin.
Start the day with purposeful connection at the TEXPERS Networking Breakfast. This informal gathering offers trustees, administrators, and professional partners time to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and discuss the issues shaping public employee retirement systems across Texas.
Enjoy breakfast while building the conversations that often matter most, before the day’s educational sessions begin.
Start the day with purposeful connection at the TEXPERS Networking Breakfast. This informal gathering offers trustees, administrators, and professional partners time to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and discuss the issues shaping public employee retirement systems across Texas.
Enjoy breakfast while building the conversations that often matter most, before the day’s educational sessions begin.
The Annual Conference officially begins with a ceremonial presentation of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem, honoring the public servants and communities our member systems support.
Following the Color Guard and anthem, TEXPERS’ Board President will deliver opening remarks, welcoming attendees and setting the tone for the conference program and the important discussions ahead.
The Annual Conference officially begins with a ceremonial presentation of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem, honoring the public servants and communities our member systems support.
Following the Color Guard and anthem, TEXPERS’ Board President will deliver opening remarks, welcoming attendees and setting the tone for the conference program and the important discussions ahead.
TEXPERS General Sessions bring all attendees together for timely, high-level discussions on the issues shaping public employee retirement systems. These sessions feature subject-matter experts and thought leaders addressing governance, investment trends, legislative developments, and emerging risks impacting pension administration.
Designed to provide strategic insight and practical takeaways, General Sessions set the foundation for informed decision-making and meaningful dialogue throughout the conference.
TEXPERS General Sessions bring all attendees together for timely, high-level discussions on the issues shaping public employee retirement systems. These sessions feature subject-matter experts and thought leaders addressing governance, investment trends, legislative developments, and emerging risks impacting pension administration.
Designed to provide strategic insight and practical takeaways, General Sessions set the foundation for informed decision-making and meaningful dialogue throughout the conference.
In a world of recurring shocks, including geopolitical conflict, supply chain chokepoints, energy insecurity, tech competition, and abrupt shifts in trade policy, investors must navigate a more volatile and uncertain market regime. Daleep will connect the dots between the evolving geopolitical landscape and the implications for growth, inflation, interest rates, and market risk.”
In a world of recurring shocks, including geopolitical conflict, supply chain chokepoints, energy insecurity, tech competition, and abrupt shifts in trade policy, investors must navigate a more volatile and uncertain market regime. Daleep will connect the dots between the evolving geopolitical landscape and the implications for growth, inflation, interest rates, and market risk.”
Step out of the general session and into a relaxed networking break designed to keep conversations flowing. Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with fellow trustees, administrators, and industry partners in a casual setting.
This is a great opportunity to exchange ideas, follow up on earlier discussions, and make new connections before the next session begins.
Step out of the general session and into a relaxed networking break designed to keep conversations flowing. Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with fellow trustees, administrators, and industry partners in a casual setting.
This is a great opportunity to exchange ideas, follow up on earlier discussions, and make new connections before the next session begins.
Private equity programs have evolved beyond a single-fund commitment model to a multi-stage lifecycle that includes primary fund investments, co-investments, and secondaries. While each strategy serves a distinct role, they are often evaluated in isolation, even though they are deeply interconnected. This session reframes private equity through a lifecycle lens and explores how experience across all three stages can enhance decision-making, governance, and portfolio outcomes for public plans. Designed for trustees and fiduciaries, the discussion offers a practical framework for evaluating private equity programs in today’s increasingly complex market.
Private equity programs have evolved beyond a single-fund commitment model to a multi-stage lifecycle that includes primary fund investments, co-investments, and secondaries. While each strategy serves a distinct role, they are often evaluated in isolation, even though they are deeply interconnected. This session reframes private equity through a lifecycle lens and explores how experience across all three stages can enhance decision-making, governance, and portfolio outcomes for public plans. Designed for trustees and fiduciaries, the discussion offers a practical framework for evaluating private equity programs in today’s increasingly complex market.
As cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated and pervasive, protecting ourselves and those we serve requires more than awareness—it demands action, partnership, and education that resonates with diverse audiences.
TIAA and the National Cybersecurity Alliance will host a discussion on today's evolving threats, the critical importance of cross-industry collaboration, and how strategic partnerships enable the creation of tailored awareness content that meets diverse audiences where they are. The NCA will showcase two powerful initiatives—the Then & Now Workbook, empowering older adults with practical technology guidance, and the Oh Behave Report, a five-year study of global cybersecurity behaviors—demonstrating how understanding audience needs drives meaningful education that inspires real change.
By attending this session, public pension professionals will gain practical insights into the threat landscape, understand the value of collaboration in addressing cybersecurity challenges, and discover actionable approaches to better protect their organizations and the members they serve.
As cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated and pervasive, protecting ourselves and those we serve requires more than awareness—it demands action, partnership, and education that resonates with diverse audiences.
TIAA and the National Cybersecurity Alliance will host a discussion on today's evolving threats, the critical importance of cross-industry collaboration, and how strategic partnerships enable the creation of tailored awareness content that meets diverse audiences where they are. The NCA will showcase two powerful initiatives—the Then & Now Workbook, empowering older adults with practical technology guidance, and the Oh Behave Report, a five-year study of global cybersecurity behaviors—demonstrating how understanding audience needs drives meaningful education that inspires real change.
By attending this session, public pension professionals will gain practical insights into the threat landscape, understand the value of collaboration in addressing cybersecurity challenges, and discover actionable approaches to better protect their organizations and the members they serve.
Where Gulf Coast charm meets French Quarter flair. This signature evening event blends Texas hospitality with the rhythm and color of New Orleans. Guests will enjoy Cajun-inspired cuisine, live jazz or zydeco music, and immersive street-festival touches that create an unforgettable networking experience for trustees, administrators, and professional partners.
Throughout the evening, attendees can connect over bold flavors, vibrant music, and a relaxed atmosphere designed to spark conversation and strengthen relationships across Texas public employee retirement systems.
Where Gulf Coast charm meets French Quarter flair. This signature evening event blends Texas hospitality with the rhythm and color of New Orleans. Guests will enjoy Cajun-inspired cuisine, live jazz or zydeco music, and immersive street-festival touches that create an unforgettable networking experience for trustees, administrators, and professional partners.
Throughout the evening, attendees can connect over bold flavors, vibrant music, and a relaxed atmosphere designed to spark conversation and strengthen relationships across Texas public employee retirement systems.
Begin Day 2 with meaningful conversation at the TEXPERS Networking Breakfast. This informal gathering offers trustees, administrators, and professional partners time to connect, exchange ideas, and continue discussions from the prior day’s sessions.
Enjoy breakfast while strengthening relationships and building new connections before the morning program begins.
Begin Day 2 with meaningful conversation at the TEXPERS Networking Breakfast. This informal gathering offers trustees, administrators, and professional partners time to connect, exchange ideas, and continue discussions from the prior day’s sessions.
Enjoy breakfast while strengthening relationships and building new connections before the morning program begins.
Welcome back for Day 2 of the TEXPERS Annual Conference. Conference Registration will be available for new arrivals to check in, receive their name badge, and access conference materials.
Registration staff will be on hand to assist with schedule questions, session locations, and exhibit area details. We encourage attendees to arrive early to enjoy networking opportunities and connect with sponsors before the day’s sessions begin.
Welcome back for Day 2 of the TEXPERS Annual Conference. Conference Registration will be available for new arrivals to check in, receive their name badge, and access conference materials.
Registration staff will be on hand to assist with schedule questions, session locations, and exhibit area details. We encourage attendees to arrive early to enjoy networking opportunities and connect with sponsors before the day’s sessions begin.
Traditional equity/bond portfolios are delivering less diversification than they once did, as correlations rise and volatility increases. This session examines why many institutional portfolios now feel under‑diversified and explores whether certain hedge fund strategies can help address that challenge.
Dr. Jones will discuss how liquid alternative strategies—particularly macro and trend‑following approaches—have historically behaved during market stress, and what governance, risk, and implementation considerations trustees and staff should weigh when evaluating their role in a diversified portfolio. The presentation is educational and portfolio‑focused, emphasizing framework and decision‑making rather than products.
Traditional equity/bond portfolios are delivering less diversification than they once did, as correlations rise and volatility increases. This session examines why many institutional portfolios now feel under‑diversified and explores whether certain hedge fund strategies can help address that challenge.
Dr. Jones will discuss how liquid alternative strategies—particularly macro and trend‑following approaches—have historically behaved during market stress, and what governance, risk, and implementation considerations trustees and staff should weigh when evaluating their role in a diversified portfolio. The presentation is educational and portfolio‑focused, emphasizing framework and decision‑making rather than products.
Day 2 features a combination of General Sessions and focused Breakout Sessions designed to address the diverse needs of Texas public employee retirement systems. General Sessions bring all attendees together for high-level insights on governance, investments, legislative updates, and emerging risks.
Breakout Sessions offer targeted discussions and practical strategies, allowing participants to dive deeper into specialized topics and engage directly with subject-matter experts. Together, these sessions provide both a broad perspective and actionable guidance to support informed decision-making.
Day 2 features a combination of General Sessions and focused Breakout Sessions designed to address the diverse needs of Texas public employee retirement systems. General Sessions bring all attendees together for high-level insights on governance, investments, legislative updates, and emerging risks.
Breakout Sessions offer targeted discussions and practical strategies, allowing participants to dive deeper into specialized topics and engage directly with subject-matter experts. Together, these sessions provide both a broad perspective and actionable guidance to support informed decision-making.
There are a number of factors that go into an outside securities litigation firm’s recommendation for, or against, active participation in a potential securities litigation, including the merits of the claim, the fund’s losses in the relevant security, and potentially recoverable damages. In this session, the panelists will discuss the various factors that go into an analysis of active participation in a potential securities litigation, how they inform the analysis, and how they relate to one another. Panelists will also discuss how these factors impact the Fund’s decision on whether to be an active or passive participant in securities litigation, and what considerations can be drawn from the analyses to inform the Fund's best recovery strategy.
There are a number of factors that go into an outside securities litigation firm’s recommendation for, or against, active participation in a potential securities litigation, including the merits of the claim, the fund’s losses in the relevant security, and potentially recoverable damages. In this session, the panelists will discuss the various factors that go into an analysis of active participation in a potential securities litigation, how they inform the analysis, and how they relate to one another. Panelists will also discuss how these factors impact the Fund’s decision on whether to be an active or passive participant in securities litigation, and what considerations can be drawn from the analyses to inform the Fund's best recovery strategy.
Take a break, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees during this networking refreshment break. Enjoy light refreshments while continuing conversations, meeting new colleagues, and engaging with sponsors and exhibitors. It’s the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, expand your network, and stay energized for the sessions ahead.
Take a break, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees during this networking refreshment break. Enjoy light refreshments while continuing conversations, meeting new colleagues, and engaging with sponsors and exhibitors. It’s the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, expand your network, and stay energized for the sessions ahead.
The global metals and mining sector is entering a transformative super-cycle. Existing mining supply is struggling to keep up with traditional demand drivers and is woefully insufficient to meet emerging needs in the energy transition, electric vehicles, AI, humanoids, and military defense, among others. Certain commodities are especially stretched: copper demand over the next 15-20 years will likely equate to what was consumed over the past 10,000 years. The past 12 months have presented an incredible scramble for physical gold. Lithium demand is expected to 3x over the next 10 years. Is global supply ready for this explosive growth? How is the U.S. government preparing? This historic supply-demand imbalance, coupled with the urgent need for secure, diversified supply chains, presents a generational entry point for institutional capital. We invite you to explore why investing in the mining space is no longer just a cyclical play, but a fundamental requirement for the modern global economy, and what may be the best risk-adjusted investment approach to this sector.
The global metals and mining sector is entering a transformative super-cycle. Existing mining supply is struggling to keep up with traditional demand drivers and is woefully insufficient to meet emerging needs in the energy transition, electric vehicles, AI, humanoids, and military defense, among others. Certain commodities are especially stretched: copper demand over the next 15-20 years will likely equate to what was consumed over the past 10,000 years. The past 12 months have presented an incredible scramble for physical gold. Lithium demand is expected to 3x over the next 10 years. Is global supply ready for this explosive growth? How is the U.S. government preparing? This historic supply-demand imbalance, coupled with the urgent need for secure, diversified supply chains, presents a generational entry point for institutional capital. We invite you to explore why investing in the mining space is no longer just a cyclical play, but a fundamental requirement for the modern global economy, and what may be the best risk-adjusted investment approach to this sector.
Not every investment goes up and to the right. When intervention is required to turn a company or asset around, investors can make outsized returns by getting involved in these ‘special situations’. And in today’s market environment, driven by so much uncertainty and volatility, working through these special situations is the only way to ensure that ‘real economy’ companies in the US continue to lead. This session will look at three Texas-based special situations and walk through the ways institutional investors can generate outsized returns by investing in challenging situations where others fear to tread.
Not every investment goes up and to the right. When intervention is required to turn a company or asset around, investors can make outsized returns by getting involved in these ‘special situations’. And in today’s market environment, driven by so much uncertainty and volatility, working through these special situations is the only way to ensure that ‘real economy’ companies in the US continue to lead. This session will look at three Texas-based special situations and walk through the ways institutional investors can generate outsized returns by investing in challenging situations where others fear to tread.
Enjoy a midday break designed for both connection and conversation. This networking lunch offers attendees the opportunity to engage with peers, share insights, and build meaningful professional relationships in a relaxed setting. Take advantage of this time to connect with fellow trustees, administrators, and industry partners while enjoying a curated lunch before the afternoon sessions begin.
Enjoy a midday break designed for both connection and conversation. This networking lunch offers attendees the opportunity to engage with peers, share insights, and build meaningful professional relationships in a relaxed setting. Take advantage of this time to connect with fellow trustees, administrators, and industry partners while enjoying a curated lunch before the afternoon sessions begin.
With interest rates, volatility, and dispersion creating both challenges and opportunities, this panel explores how the current fixed income landscape can support public plans’ long-term goals and funding needs.
With interest rates, volatility, and dispersion creating both challenges and opportunities, this panel explores how the current fixed income landscape can support public plans’ long-term goals and funding needs.
This session provides a portfolio-level framework for essential housing within multifamily and real assets. We will review the demand and supply dynamics that shape performance, explain how the industry uses different definitions and program types under the affordable housing umbrella, and discuss how essential housing can complement existing real estate allocations through diversification and downside resilience.
This session provides a portfolio-level framework for essential housing within multifamily and real assets. We will review the demand and supply dynamics that shape performance, explain how the industry uses different definitions and program types under the affordable housing umbrella, and discuss how essential housing can complement existing real estate allocations through diversification and downside resilience.
Step away from the sessions and recharge during this networking refreshment break. Enjoy light bites and beverages while connecting with fellow attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. Whether you’re continuing a conversation or starting a new one, this is a perfect moment to exchange ideas, expand your network, and stay energized for what’s next.
Step away from the sessions and recharge during this networking refreshment break. Enjoy light bites and beverages while connecting with fellow attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. Whether you’re continuing a conversation or starting a new one, this is a perfect moment to exchange ideas, expand your network, and stay energized for what’s next.
This panel brings veteran credit investors together to assess today’s private credit and high-yield markets amid growing concerns about underwriting quality, shifting structures, and late-cycle behavior. The discussion will explore the macroeconomic backdrop, evolving deal terms, and AI-related investments. Panelists will examine what looks most compelling across the credit markets today.
This panel brings veteran credit investors together to assess today’s private credit and high-yield markets amid growing concerns about underwriting quality, shifting structures, and late-cycle behavior. The discussion will explore the macroeconomic backdrop, evolving deal terms, and AI-related investments. Panelists will examine what looks most compelling across the credit markets today.
This session will provide insights and considerations for pensions regarding the utilization of real estate equity and debt opportunities to provide inflation-protected income in their portfolios.
The panel will address:
This session will provide insights and considerations for pensions regarding the utilization of real estate equity and debt opportunities to provide inflation-protected income in their portfolios.
The panel will address:
Unwind and reconnect at the TEXPERS Networking Reception. This evening gathering offers a relaxed environment to continue conversations, exchange insights, and strengthen professional relationships built throughout the conference.
Join fellow trustees, administrators, and industry partners for light refreshments and meaningful dialogue as the day’s discussions transition into valuable peer connection.
Unwind and reconnect at the TEXPERS Networking Reception. This evening gathering offers a relaxed environment to continue conversations, exchange insights, and strengthen professional relationships built throughout the conference.
Join fellow trustees, administrators, and industry partners for light refreshments and meaningful dialogue as the day’s discussions transition into valuable peer connection.
Start the final day of the conference with connection and conversation at the TEXPERS Networking Breakfast. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to reflect on key takeaways, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships with peers and professional partners.
Enjoy breakfast while continuing the conversations that support strong governance and the long-term stability of Texas public employee retirement systems.
Start the final day of the conference with connection and conversation at the TEXPERS Networking Breakfast. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to reflect on key takeaways, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships with peers and professional partners.
Enjoy breakfast while continuing the conversations that support strong governance and the long-term stability of Texas public employee retirement systems.
Conference Registration will be available on the final day for new arrivals and attendees who need assistance with materials or access. Registration staff will be on hand to answer questions, provide schedule guidance, and help ensure a smooth close to the conference experience.
We encourage participants to arrive early to reconnect with colleagues and make the most of the final day’s sessions and networking opportunities.
Conference Registration will be available on the final day for new arrivals and attendees who need assistance with materials or access. Registration staff will be on hand to answer questions, provide schedule guidance, and help ensure a smooth close to the conference experience.
We encourage participants to arrive early to reconnect with colleagues and make the most of the final day’s sessions and networking opportunities.
Start the final day of the TEXPERS 2026 Annual Conference with a fast-paced recap designed to refocus and reenergize attendees. This brief session highlights key insights, standout moments, and emerging themes from the conference, helping connect the dots between sessions and discussions.
In just 10 minutes, we’ll set the tone for the day ahead, reinforce takeaways that matter most to trustees and administrators, and spotlight what’s next as we close out the conference with purpose and momentum.
Before we wrap, we’ll also look ahead to what’s next. Join us at the undefinedTEXPERS 2026 Summer Educational Forum, taking place August 2–4 at The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio. Set along the iconic San Antonio River Walk, this mid-year forum offers a more focused, interactive setting to dive deeper into pension system management, investment trends, and governance best practices—while continuing the conversations that started here.
Start the final day of the TEXPERS 2026 Annual Conference with a fast-paced recap designed to refocus and reenergize attendees. This brief session highlights key insights, standout moments, and emerging themes from the conference, helping connect the dots between sessions and discussions.
In just 10 minutes, we’ll set the tone for the day ahead, reinforce takeaways that matter most to trustees and administrators, and spotlight what’s next as we close out the conference with purpose and momentum.
Before we wrap, we’ll also look ahead to what’s next. Join us at the undefinedTEXPERS 2026 Summer Educational Forum, taking place August 2–4 at The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio. Set along the iconic San Antonio River Walk, this mid-year forum offers a more focused, interactive setting to dive deeper into pension system management, investment trends, and governance best practices—while continuing the conversations that started here.
The conference concludes with engaging General Sessions designed to bring all attendees together for timely, big-picture discussions impacting Texas public employee retirement systems. These sessions feature expert perspectives on governance, investments, legislative developments, and emerging trends shaping the future of public pensions.
Attendees will leave with strategic insights and practical takeaways to support informed decision-making and long-term system stability.
The conference concludes with engaging General Sessions designed to bring all attendees together for timely, big-picture discussions impacting Texas public employee retirement systems. These sessions feature expert perspectives on governance, investments, legislative developments, and emerging trends shaping the future of public pensions.
Attendees will leave with strategic insights and practical takeaways to support informed decision-making and long-term system stability.
This session will examine the rapidly shifting backdrop of monetary policy in the United States, its arm’s-length relationship with the President, and explore misperceptions about what rates mean from an investor and consumer standpoint. Throughout the conversation, we will discuss how investors should shift their mindset about what it takes to preserve value, income, and total return in a rapidly evolving landscape.
This session will examine the rapidly shifting backdrop of monetary policy in the United States, its arm’s-length relationship with the President, and explore misperceptions about what rates mean from an investor and consumer standpoint. Throughout the conversation, we will discuss how investors should shift their mindset about what it takes to preserve value, income, and total return in a rapidly evolving landscape.
David Parrish brings an LP‑focused perspective to fiduciary considerations in investments, exploring how fiduciary duties translate into day‑to‑day investment review, documentation, and oversight. The discussion will emphasize practical decision‑making considerations facing institutional investors across investments.
David Parrish brings an LP‑focused perspective to fiduciary considerations in investments, exploring how fiduciary duties translate into day‑to‑day investment review, documentation, and oversight. The discussion will emphasize practical decision‑making considerations facing institutional investors across investments.
Take a moment to recharge and reconnect during this Networking Refreshment Break. Enjoy light refreshments while engaging with fellow trustees, administrators, and industry partners in a relaxed, informal setting.
Whether you’re continuing a conversation from a session or making a new connection, this break offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and build relationships that extend beyond the conference.
Take a moment to recharge and reconnect during this Networking Refreshment Break. Enjoy light refreshments while engaging with fellow trustees, administrators, and industry partners in a relaxed, informal setting.
Whether you’re continuing a conversation from a session or making a new connection, this break offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and build relationships that extend beyond the conference.
The global maritime and logistics landscape has been transformed by the emergence of large financial investors, particularly among terminal operators. Portfolios of terminals and logistics services assets have been established and are being integrated vertically and horizontally. The presentation provides an overview of the main segments of the maritime industry and their related supply chains. The role and function of institutional investors in the industry are discussed, particularly through examples of strategies used to align with their financial, risk, and time-horizon objectives.
The global maritime and logistics landscape has been transformed by the emergence of large financial investors, particularly among terminal operators. Portfolios of terminals and logistics services assets have been established and are being integrated vertically and horizontally. The presentation provides an overview of the main segments of the maritime industry and their related supply chains. The role and function of institutional investors in the industry are discussed, particularly through examples of strategies used to align with their financial, risk, and time-horizon objectives.
The TEXPERS Asset Allocation Report provides a comprehensive view of how Texas public employee retirement systems are positioning their portfolios in today’s evolving investment landscape. Based on an annual survey of TEXPERS system members, this session presents aggregated insights into asset allocation trends, strategy shifts, and emerging areas of focus across public funds.
Collected and analyzed by MK Campion, Ph.D., CFA, AIFA, BCF—Director of Institutional and Portfolio Management and Chief Investment Officer for Avior Wealth Management—this report provides a data-driven snapshot of how peers are responding to market conditions, funding objectives, and risk considerations.
Attendees will gain valuable benchmarking insights, helping trustees and administrators evaluate their own allocation strategies, identify trends among similar systems, and inform future investment decisions.
The TEXPERS Asset Allocation Report provides a comprehensive view of how Texas public employee retirement systems are positioning their portfolios in today’s evolving investment landscape. Based on an annual survey of TEXPERS system members, this session presents aggregated insights into asset allocation trends, strategy shifts, and emerging areas of focus across public funds.
Collected and analyzed by MK Campion, Ph.D., CFA, AIFA, BCF—Director of Institutional and Portfolio Management and Chief Investment Officer for Avior Wealth Management—this report provides a data-driven snapshot of how peers are responding to market conditions, funding objectives, and risk considerations.
Attendees will gain valuable benchmarking insights, helping trustees and administrators evaluate their own allocation strategies, identify trends among similar systems, and inform future investment decisions.
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