NAF Modules 3&4: Risk Management & Human Capital
AGENDA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
| 6:30 am – 3:00 pm | REGISTRATION |
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am | BREAKFAST |
| 8:00 am – 3:15 pm | MODULE 3 – RISK MANAGEMENT In this Module, you will deepen your understanding of the legal and risk oversight duties of both your board and your role as an individual trustee. 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. |
| 8:00 am – 8:45 am |
Introduction Peter Landers, Global Governance Advisors |
| 8:45 am – 9:45 am | Legal Framework This session is intended to provide further clarity on the legal framework that pension fund trustees work under. This includes information on the fiduciary duties trustees mist follow, trustee liabilities and ways in which to limit trustee liability. SPEAKER Michelle Mellon-Werch, Nossaman LLP |
| 9:45 am – 10:30 am |
Audit Priorities This session outlines the core responsibilities of the Audit Committee in supporting financial integrity and transparency within public pension plans. Key topics include the structure and purpose of the committee, its role in reviewing financial reports, overseeing internal controls, and managing risk and compliance functions. The session also emphasizes effective collaboration between management and auditors, whistle-blower protections, fraud prevention policies, and engagement with external auditors. SPEAKERS Brad Kelley, Global Governance Advisors Peter Landers, Global Governance Advisors |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am |
REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:45 am – 11:30 am |
Risk Management and Corporate Reputation This session provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, managing, and mitigating key risks that can impact a public pension fund’s operations, investments, and reputation. Participants will explore both operational and investment risk categories—including IT failures, fraud, market volatility, and liquidity challenges—and learn how to develop a Risk Appetite Framework and Risk Management Strategy. The session also highlights the importance of crisis preparedness, cyber-security, and social media governance. Emphasis is placed on the board's leadership role in protecting organizational integrity and fostering a strong, transparent reputation that builds stakeholder trust and institutional resilience. SPEAKER Peter Landers, Global Governance Advisors |
| 11:30 pm – 12:15 pm |
Case Study Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors |
| 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm |
NETWORKING LUNCH |
| 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm |
Effective Communication This session highlights the vital role of clear, consistent communication in supporting strong governance and stakeholder trust within public pension systems. Participants will learn how to develop formal communication strategies, manage board interactions with pensioners, and understand the implications of various disclosure responsibilities. Topics include proxy vote communication, navigating open meeting laws, and best practices for disclosing investment fees, performance, and governance data. SPEAKER Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors |
| 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm |
Case Study & Guest Speaker Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors |
| 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS NETWORKING RECEPTION |
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
| 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | REGISTRATION |
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am | BREAKFAST |
| 8:00 am – 3:30 pm | MODULE 4 – HUMAN CAPITAL
Module 4 the focus shifts to building and sustaining leadership through sound compensation practices and strategic human resource management. This module guides you 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. Together, Modules 3 & 4 provide the tools and knowledge necessary to manage risk effectively and cultivate human capital, reinforcing your board’s ability to oversee and drive the strategic direction of your organization. |
| 8:00 am – 8:15 am |
Introduction Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors |
| 8:15 am – 9:00 am |
Succession Planning This session provides a strategic roadmap for developing effective succession plans that support long-term leadership continuity within public pension systems. Participants will explore different types of succession—planned, deteriorating, and emergency—and understand the unique roles of the board, incumbent executives, and HR in shaping the process. The session covers stages of succession planning, from identifying future leadership needs to evaluating internal and external candidates, defining job competencies, and implementing development plans. SPEAKER Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors |
| 9:00 am – 9:30 am |
Executive Employment Contracts This session provides a detailed overview of executive employment and service contracts within public pension systems, focusing on how to create clear, enforceable, and strategically aligned agreements. Participants will learn about key contract components, including compensation, duties, termination terms, and just cause definitions. The session also explores emerging trends such as remote work clauses, arbitration provisions, and confidentiality requirements. SPEAKER Peter Landers, Global Governance Advisors |
| 9:30 am – 10:30 am |
Executive Evaluations This session examines best practices for evaluating public pension executives through structured performance management and incentive-based compensation plans. Participants will explore how to align executive goals with organizational strategy, use balanced scorecards, and design fair and motivating pay-for-performance systems. Topics include annual evaluation calendars, performance metrics (SMARTER criteria), merit-based salary increases, and communication strategies to ensure transparency and engagement. SPEAKER Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am |
REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:45 am – 11:30 pm |
Executive & Trustee Compensation This session explores the design, implementation, and governance of compensation plans for executives and trustees within public pension systems. Key topics include establishing a compensation philosophy, determining fair and competitive pay levels, and balancing fixed and variable pay through incentives aligned with fund performance. SPEAKER Peter Landers, Global Governance Advisors |
| 11:30 pm – 12:15 pm |
Case Study Peter Landers, Global Governance Advisors |
| 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm |
NETWORKING LUNCH |
| 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm | Alternative Pension Management Models This session explores innovative pension fund management models that promote cost savings, enhanced governance, and improved long-term performance. Drawing on case studies from the U.S. and Canada, participants will examine strategies such as internalizing asset management, sharing services, pooling assets, and consolidating governance structures. SPEAKER Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors |
| 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm | Case Study & Guest Speaker Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors Adele Tagaloa, Organge County Employees' Retirement System |
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS
By attending NAF Modules 3&4, you can earn up to 12.75 Continuing Education (CE) hours toward your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state-mandated continuing education requirements. CE credits are automatically recorded in your NCPERS membership account after the conference, where you can log in to download your CE certificate.
NCPERS is an accredited Minimum Educational Training (MET) sponsor for Texas public retirement systems, as recognized by the State Pension Review Board. This accreditation does not imply an endorsement by the Board regarding the quality of the MET program.
Additionally, NCPERS is a recognized learning provider and continuing education sponsor in multiple states. Attendees are encouraged to check with their state’s requirements to confirm CE eligibility.