HR Summit Agenda

2025 PRELIMINARY AGENDA
As of 6/2/25

The 2025 agenda will be updated periodically. View our 2024 agenda for a glimpse of what’s to come.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

2:00 PM–6:00 PM	REGISTRATION
3:00 PM–5:00 PM	GENERAL SESSION
3:00 PM–3:15 PM	Welcome Remarks Hank Kim, NCPERS
3:15 PM–4:00 PM	Swag & Brag: Introductions & Insights Kick off the event in style! This interactive session is your chance to introduce yourself, show off your organization’s swag, and share your expectations for the Summit. Connect with fellow attendees, spark conversations, and set the stage for meaningful discussions ahead.
4:00 PM–5:30 PM	Back to the Office: Navigating the Impact As organizations continue to adapt to evolving workplace dynamics, the return to office has brought both challenges and opportunities. This interactive group discussion, led by a facilitator, will explore how the shift has affected employees, productivity, workplace culture, and overall operations. Share your experiences, hear diverse perspectives, and gain insights into strategies that have helped organizations navigate this transition effectively. FACILITATOR Steve Edwards, Steven Edwards Consulting
6:00 PM–7:30 PM	WELCOME RECEPTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

6:30 AM–5:00 PM	REGISTRATION
7:00 AM–8:00 AM	BREAKFAST
8:00 AM–5:00 PM	GENERAL SESSION
8:00 AM–9 :30 AM	Fireside Chat with Pension Plan CEOs: Leadership, Challenges & the Future Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with top pension plan CEOs as they share insights on leadership, the evolving pension landscape, and the challenges shaping the industry. This candid conversation will explore how CEOs are navigating economic uncertainties, regulatory shifts, workforce expectations, and investment strategies. Gain firsthand perspectives on what’s ahead for pension plans and how leadership decisions are driving innovation and long-term sustainability. SPEAKERS Brian Guthrie, Executive Director, Teachers Retirement System of Texas Andrew Roth, Executive Director, Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (COPERA) Kevin Lindahl, Executive Director, Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA)
9:30 AM–10:15 AM	The Role HR Plays in Advancing Operational Efficiency This session will explore how HR can drive efficiency by streamlining internal processes through thoughtful policy design, organizational culture shifts, and the strategic use of technology. The presenters will highlight real-world examples of HR-led initiatives that have successfully enhanced performance and service delivery and discuss practical solutions for overcoming common barriers. SPEAKERS Shunne Powell, Teachers Retirement System of Texas Additional Speakers TBD
10:15 AM–10:30 AM	REFRESHMENT BREAK
10:30 AM–11:15 AM	Psychological Safety at Work: Building a Culture Where People Can Speak Up and Thrive In today’s workplace, psychological safety is more than a buzzword—it’s a critical factor in team performance, innovation, and employee well-being. This session explores how HR leaders can foster environments where employees feel safe to voice ideas, ask questions, and raise concerns without fear of embarrassment or retaliation. We’ll look at the role of leadership, communication, and inclusive practices in shaping a culture of trust and respect. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for assessing psychological safety in their organizations and practical tools to support open dialogue, reduce fear-based behaviors, and promote engagement across all levels of staff. SPEAKER Dr. Cris Tietsort, Professor of Communication, University of Denver (Invited)
11:15 AM–12:00 PM	Hot Topics Breakout I Participate in small group discussions to share ideas, discuss key topics impacting your organization, and learn from peers during the Hot Topics Breakouts.
12:00 PM–12:45 PM	Hot Topics Report Back Group reports back on the key discussions and insights from our recent roundtable discussions.
12:45 PM–1:45 PM	NETWORKING LUNCH
2:00 PM–2:45 PM	Keeping a Positive Mindset Discover how to shift your perspective, stay motivated, and embrace positivity in the face of challenges. In this uplifting session, Cornell Thomas shares practical tips and inspiring stories to help you build a resilient and empowered mindset. SPEAKER Cornell Thomas, Author
2:45 PM–3:30 PM	Hot Topics Breakout II Participate in small group discussions to share ideas, discuss key topics impacting your organization, and learn from peers during the Hot Topics Breakouts.
3:30 PM–3:45 PM	REFRESHMENT BREAK
3:45 PM–4:30 PM	Hot Topic Report Back Group reports back on the key discussions and insights from our recent roundtable discussions.
4:30 PM–5:30 PM	Eunmi's Sound Healing (Traditional Sound Bath Experience) Rooted in traditional Korean Buddhist yoga practices, Eunmi's teaching style blends instinctive wisdom with modern techniques, guiding you on a path of self-discovery and well-being.
6:00 PM–8:30 PM	NETWORKING RECEPTION & DINNER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

7:00 AM–12:00 PM	REGISTRATION
7:00 AM–8:00 AM	BREAKFAST
8:00 AM–12:00 PM	GENERAL SESSION III
8:00 AM–8:45 AM	Latest Developments in Workforce Laws, Regulations, and Litigation This session will cover recent legal and regulatory updates affecting public sector HR professionals. SPEAKER Neil Reichenberg, former executive director of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (Invited)
8:45 AM– 9:30 AM	Tapping into the Federal Workforce Talent This session will explore strategies for leveraging the Pennsylvania Federal Workers Program to recruit and retain qualified talent within the public pension and benefits sector. Presenters will provide an overview of the program, outline key benefits for employers, and share practical insights on how public agencies can effectively engage federal workers transitioning to new career opportunities. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how this program can help address workforce gaps and support long-term organizational goals. SPEAKERS TBD
9:30 AM–10:15 AM	Hot Topics Breakout III Participate in small group discussions to share ideas, discuss key topics impacting your organization, and learn from peers during the Hot Topics Breakouts.
10:15 AM–10:30 AM	REFRESHMENT BREAK
10:30 AM–11:15 AM	Hot Topic Report Back Group reports back on the key discussions and insights from our recent roundtable discussions.
11:15 AM–12:00 PM	NCPERS 2025 Compensation Survey Report Get a sneak peek at the results of the 2025 Public Pension Compensation Survey. The survey, conducted annually by NCPERS and CBIZ, captures compensation data on 90 common positions found at public pension funds, as well as details on benefits, fund oversight, salary increase planning, and bonuses. SPEAKERS NCPERS & CBIZ
11:45 AM–12:00 PM	CLOSING REMARKS

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) HOURS

By attending the Public Pension HR Summit, you can earn up to 9 Continuing Education (CE) hours toward your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state-mandated continuing education requirements.

Additionally, attendees of the 2024 Public Pension HR Summit can earn up to 9 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward their SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.

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

NCPERS is also recognized as a learning provider and continuing education sponsor in multiple states.

The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) is officially recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® and SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

QUESTIONS? Please contact events@ncpers.org.