National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS)

10/20/2026

NCPERS is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for two awards celebrating the people and ideas making a difference across public pension systems! https://bit.ly/47wDtDa

From innovative projects that improve the member experience to communications that inform, engage, and support members, this work deserves to be recognized.

🏆 (New!) Public Pension Member Impact Award — Recognizing innovative projects and solutions that measurably improve the member experience.

🏆 Public Pension Communicator of the Year Award — Honoring staff members who demonstrate outstanding leadership, creativity, and impact in communications.

Have a project making a difference or know a colleague whose work deserves recognition? Submit a nomination by December 16, 2026! Winners will receive complimentary registration to the NCPERS 2027 Communications & Member Services Summit in New Orleans, March 1–3.

🔗 Explore the awards and submit your nominations: https://bit.ly/47wDtDa

10/19/2026

Looking for a rewarding career that helps build ? These public pensions are ! https://bit.ly/4hRBUps

Highlights from NCPERS Pension Industry Careers Roundup include:
• CalPERS is hiring for several roles, including Chief of the Health Plan Administration Section and Deputy General Counsel.
• City of Austin Employees Retirement System is searching for an Accountant and Business Process Analyst.
• City of El Paso Employees Retirement Trust is searching for their next Executive Director.
• District of Columbia Retirement Board is hiring for several roles, including Benefits Business Analyst and Principal Investment Analyst.
• Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaii is searching for their next Deputy Executive Director.
• LACERA is hiring a Staff Counsel (Benefits).
• State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio is searching for an Assistant Portfolio Manager, International Equity (Quantitative).
• Orange County Employees Retirement System is hiring for several positions, including Investment Analyst (Portfolio Analytics) and Investment Officer (Real Assets).
• Teacher Retirement System of Texas is searching for their next Chief Investment Officer.
• Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) is hiring a new Staff Actuary.

👉 Explore the latest industry job listings and announcements: https://bit.ly/4hRBUps

NCPERS regularly highlights the latest industry job listings and RFPs at no cost on behalf of its member pension funds, stakeholders, and service providers.

10/15/2026

📣 Registration is now open for NCPERS 2027 Communications & Member Services Summit! https://bit.ly/4zvj3q4

📅 March 1-3, 2027
📍 New Orleans, LA

Join more than 200 communications and member services professionals to discover how your peers are successfully engaging plan participants, educating beneficiaries, and leveraging technology to better serve their members.

🔗 View the 2027 Communications & Member Services Summit agenda: https://bit.ly/4zu65sC

You'll leave with new ideas and a stronger professional network as you explore timely topics such as AI, accessibility, pension administration system modernization, and strategies for reaching members at every stage of their careers.

Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/4hWOp1D

10/09/2026

This fall, NCPERS is launching a new Technology Leaders Roundtable to bring together decision-makers to exchange ideas and crowdsource solutions. https://bit.ly/4zqmpL2

Since launching in 2020, NCPERS Pension Fund Roundtables have grown into a vibrant community where peers collaborate year-round through vendor-free, virtual meetings. Participation is free for staff at NCPERS member pension funds.

Ready to join the conversation? Sign up today to learn what's working for other systems at our CEO, CIO, Communications, Government Affairs, HR, Investments Back- & Middle-Office (IBMO), Legal, Member Services, and Technology Leaders Roundtables. https://bit.ly/4exrCqE

This fall, NCPERS will be launching a new Technology Leaders Roundtable to bring together decision-makers at public pensions to discuss information technology, information security, AI, and more.

10/07/2026

A recent AARP poll found that 91% of Americans want Congress to take steps to protect Social Security for future generations, but lawmakers disagree on what action should be taken before benefits face an automatic cut of roughly 20% in 2032.

In his latest column, Ryan Muller (Williams & Jensen PLLC) highlights the current reform proposals Congress is considering, from payroll tax changes to a sovereign wealth fund, and the trade-offs of each: https://bit.ly/4AQXhyw

As Congress continues to debate this vital issue, please be assured that NCPERS will closely monitor this area of public policy and will update the community about any significant developments. Find additional resources from NCPERS: https://bit.ly/4i7q0ro

What a recent House Budget Committee recently hearing to address the national debt means for the future of Social Security.

10/04/2026

Last week, Matthew Eckel (NCPERS) and Joe Rice (CBIZ) shared key findings from the 2026 Public Pension Compensation Survey. ICYMI, watch the webinar recording on demand here: https://youtu.be/t9s5k_AWNsc?si=wYfjyWSmi0j_3OO0

Conducted this spring by NCPERS and CBIZ, the 2026 survey achieved record participation, with 173 public pension systems contributing data. With in-depth data on 100 public pension roles, the Public Pension Compensation Survey offers one of the most comprehensive looks at compensation, benefits, and workforce practices in the industry.

🔗 Learn more and find out how to access the survey results, available in a detailed report and interactive dashboard: https://bit.ly/3y1RXfJ

During this Sept. 28 webinar, NCPERS and CBIZ highlighted key findi...

09/25/2026

Day 3 of the 2026 Public Pension HR Summit brought the event to a close with conversations focused on AI, organizational change, and preparing the next generation of public pension leaders. https://bit.ly/47jKved

The morning began with Dr. Frank Olmos of DFO HR Consulting, who explored how HR professionals can move from experimenting with AI to using it more intentionally in their everyday work. The discussion examined the gradual impact of new technologies, the importance of giving employees the training needed to use AI effectively, and the value of treating AI as a tool that requires guidance and refinement to produce meaningful results.

The conversation continued with an interactive panel featuring Elaine Gorton of the Fire & Police Pension Association (FPPA) of Colorado, Shunne Powell of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas , Meredith Wahlers of State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio , and Dr. Frank Olmos of DFO HR Consulting. Panelists shared perspectives on AI adoption, HR technology, and organizational modernization, offering attendees an opportunity to compare approaches, discuss challenges, and learn from the experiences of other public pension systems.

Following the morning’s breakout discussions, Christine DeLeon of CalSTRS moderated a conversation with Lisa Taylor of Challenge Factory on leadership continuity and succession planning. The discussion focused on developing future leaders, strengthening internal talent pipelines, and preparing organizations for leadership transitions while maintaining stability in critical roles.

As the 2026 Public Pension HR Summit comes to a close, attendees leave with new ideas, shared experiences, and practical insights to support their teams, modernize their organizations, and prepare for the future of public pension HR.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Phoenix and contributed to this year’s conversations! https://bit.ly/47jKved

09/25/2026

Day 2 of the 2026 Public Pension HR Summit wrapped up with conversations focused on navigating workplace regulations and building more supportive work environments. https://bit.ly/47jKved

Asiah Clendinen Gumbs of the Virgin Islands Government Employees Retirement System moderated a discussion with Elsie Darcy, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist for Arizona at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Nonnie L. Shivers of Ogletree Deakins on evolving workplace requirements and what public pension HR professionals need to consider. The conversation covered EEOC enforcement priorities, including considerations surrounding DEI initiatives, workplace enforcement actions, and key employment law developments. Attendees also explored the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including employee eligibility, qualifying reasons for leave, certification requirements, employer responsibilities, and considerations for properly administering protected leave.

Following the discussion, Stacey Barnier of the SBCERA moderated a conversation with Dr. Jewel Kling of The Menopause Society on menopause in the workplace. The session examined the facts and experiences surrounding menopause, its potential impact on employees and the workplace, and the ways workplace policies, benefits, manager education, and organizational culture can contribute to a more supportive environment. The session also addressed menopause hormone therapy and the importance of creating a workplace culture where employees feel informed, supported, and comfortable discussing their needs.

From understanding changing employment requirements to supporting employee health and well-being, the final sessions of Day 2 reinforced the important role HR professionals play in creating informed, responsive, and supportive public pension workplaces. https://bit.ly/47jKved

09/25/2026

Day 2 of the 2026 Public Pension HR Summit continued with thoughtful conversations on employee engagement and strengthening the employee experience. https://bit.ly/47jKved

Roshni Patel of CalPERS moderated a discussion with Vibhas Ratanjee of Gallup on the factors shaping employee engagement and retention. The conversation explored why some employees remain in their roles because of uncertainty rather than connection, and how organizations can better support employees through meaningful career opportunities, clear advancement pathways, skill development, and a workplace culture that encourages people to grow.

Following the morning’s discussions, attendees participated in Hot Topics Breakout sessions covering board dynamics, workplace challenges, and career development before coming together for networking lunch.

Following breakout discussions, attendees heard from fellow HR professionals during Programs in Practice: Peer Case Studies. Ricardo Carlos of the City of Austin Employees Retirement System shared COAERS Convo, an initiative designed to encourage team connection and help employees better understand HR’s role within the organization.

Elaine Gorton of the Fire & Police Pension Association (FPPA) of Colorado discussed approaches to employee well-being, including creating accessible opportunities for staff to focus on their health and measuring the impact of those efforts. Lori Casey of the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority highlighted intentional employee development through surveys, succession planning, and a Leadership Academy that brings together employees from across the organization for interactive learning and mentorship.

Lisa Versulues of the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System introduced a new initiative focused on improving the employee welcome experience, with attention to total rewards, organizational culture and values, and a more coordinated onboarding process.

Across the day, attendees exchanged ideas and practical approaches for supporting employees, strengthening workplace culture, and preparing their organizations for the future. Don't miss what's next: https://bit.ly/47jKved

09/24/2026

Day 2 of the 2026 Public Pension HR Summit is underway! https://bit.ly/47jKved

The morning began with Shunne Powell, of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas , who moderated a conversation with Neil Reichenberg, former executive director of IPMA-HR, and Scott Kelly of Ogletree Deakins. The discussion examined legislative, regulatory, and compliance developments affecting HR professionals, including executive orders, considerations surrounding DEI policies, the importance of working with legal counsel, and the impact of AI on the workforce.

How can public pension organizations prepare their workforce for what’s next? Ricardo C. of the City of Austin Employees Retirement System and Lisa Taylor, of Challenge Factory explored the shift toward skills-based workforce strategies, highlighting the importance of reskilling, upskilling, and helping employees adapt to evolving organizational needs.

The morning also included a wellness break led by Christine DeLeon of CalSTRS , who shared strategies for incorporating movement and mindfulness into the workday to support stress management and employee well-being.

We continued with Darren Dang of the Orange County Employees Retirement System Orange County Employees Retirement System, who explored how HR teams can use AI tools to support everyday work. From drafting job descriptions and interview questions to developing board presentations and learning materials, the session emphasized using AI as a starting point—while ensuring employees provide the necessary context, verify information, and remain accountable for the final product.

From navigating compliance considerations and strengthening workforce capabilities to supporting employee well-being and using emerging technology responsibly, today’s sessions are providing public pension HR professionals with practical insights they can bring back to their organizations. Stay tuned for more. https://bit.ly/47jKved