NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary (NAF) Institute 2027 (spring class)

Module 1 - Governance

Participants explore the foundational responsibilities, accountabilities, and governance models that guide a public pension board. This module emphasizes the importance of a high-functioning board culture and addresses key questions about the proper level of board activity, the board’s role in setting strategy and direction, and best practices for attracting and retaining top board talent. By clarifying how board culture directly impacts governance outcomes, Module 1 empowers participants to navigate complex oversight challenges while steering their organizations toward long-term success.

Module 2 - Finance

Building on these governance principles, Module 2 focuses on the financial expertise required for prudent fund management. Attendees learn how to access and interpret the essential information needed to make informed financial decisions, ensuring their funds remain compliant with investment policies, performance benchmarks, and disclosure standards. Participants also delve into the board’s responsibilities for setting investment policies, allocating assets, mitigating risk, and overseeing transparent financial reporting. Through these two modules, attendees develop a holistic view of how strong governance structures and strategic financial oversight work hand in hand, enabling them to serve confidently, protect stakeholders’ interests, and foster the growth and stability of their public pension funds. 

Module 3 - Risk Management

Module 3, participants deepen their understanding of the legal and risk oversight duties expected of both their board and themselves as individual trustees. This module examines the board’s fiduciary responsibilities, including how to detect and protect against fraudulent behavior, manage relationships with external parties, and effectively communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders such as management, pensioners, and employees. Additionally, it highlights the audit committee’s essential roles and provides strategies for responding to media inquiries while preserving your organization’s corporate reputation.

Module 4 - Human Capital

In Module 4, focus shifts to building and sustaining leadership through sound compensation practices and strategic human resource management. This module guides participants through the fundamentals of total executive compensation design, including the creation of defensible compensation programs and the establishment of a pay-for-performance culture that maximizes fund performance. Participants will learn how to craft executive employment contracts and personal service agreements that avoid pitfalls and support positive growth transitions. Moreover, Module 4 offers insights into developing and maintaining a skilled executive pipeline, ensuring that your board is well-equipped to lead the organization into the future. 

Continuing Education Credits (CE)

By attending the Advanced Fiduciary Institute Modules 1 & 2, you may earn up to 12.75 Continuing Education (CE) hours applicable toward your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and, where applicable, state-mandated continuing education requirements. Earned CE credits are automatically recorded in your NCPERS membership account following the event and are available for download as a CE report.

NCPERS is an accredited Minimum Educational Training (MET) for Texas public retirement systems, as recognized by the State Pension Review Board. This accreditation does not constitute an endorsement by the Board of the MET program’s quality.