NCPERS Recognizes Public Pension Industry Leaders with New Education-Focused Awards
Inaugural Education-Focused Awards Recognize Outstanding Commitment to Learning and Best Practices in the Industry
Media Contact: Lizzy Lees (llees@ncpers.org)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS), the largest trade association for public pensions, proudly presented its inaugural education-focused awards during the 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition (ACE) in Denver, Colorado on May 20.
The 2025 NCPERS Champions Awards recognized four NCPERS pension fund members that demonstrated an exceptional commitment to trustee and staff education. Winners were chosen based on their participation in NCPERS' flagship educational program, the Annual Conference & Exhibition, and the NCPERS University spring programs. Awards were presented in three categories based on assets under management:
- Less than $1 billion – American Samoa Government Employees' Retirement Fund
- $1 billion to $50 billion (tie) – Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System and Houston Municipal Employees Pension System
- Greater than $50 billion – Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois
The 2025 NCPERS Pension Partners of the Year Awards were presented to three NCPERS Service Provider members whose work has made continuing education more engaging, valuable, and widely accessible. Honorees were selected for their meaningful contributions to enhancing the learning experience of pension trustees, staff, and industry stakeholders, and for their impact on advancing best practices across the sector.
“These awards celebrate what we believe is a cornerstone of strong pension governance—ongoing education,” said Hank Kim, Executive Director and Counsel of NCPERS. “Public pensions face a complex and constantly evolving landscape. The leaders we honored have demonstrated a commitment to continued learning to help drive performance and advance industry best practices.”
The awards were presented in front of hundreds of public pension professionals during NCPERS 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition, one of the longest-running educational conference for state and local public pensions.
For additional information about NCPERS awards programs and upcoming educational events, please contact membership@ncpers.org.
About NCPERS
Established in 1941, the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) is the largest trade association working on behalf of public sector retirement systems. Organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a diverse membership that includes 500 plans, plan sponsors, and stakeholders who collectively oversee approximately $6 trillion in retirement funds, NCPERS works to protect and expand pension access through essential education, innovative research, and unwavering advocacy. From the largest statewide systems to the smallest local funds, NCPERS members make possible the work to safeguard the retirement security of more than 20 million teachers, police, firefighters, and other public servants.