Public Safety Conference Agenda
2024 FINAL AGENDA
(as of 10/23/24)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
| 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM | REGISTRATION | Crystal Ballroom Foyer |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
OPENING GENERAL SESSION I | Crystal Ballroom A-F |
| 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Welcome Address Hank Kim, NCPERS |
| 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM |
The Houston Firefighters' Relief and Retirement Fund's Experience with "Pension Reform" and the Art of Staying Politically Connected This session delves into Houston's pension reform journey, highlighting the pivotal changes brought about during the 2017 Texas Legislative Session. Participants will explore the profound impacts on fund members, the City of Houston, and the fund itself. Through real-life experiences, the session will emphasize the importance of staying politically connected and offer practical strategies for maintaining influence with key stakeholders. Attendees will also learn how to avoid common mistakes in pension management, with a Q&A to encourage further discussion and insights. Speaker: Tim Schauer, Houston Firefighters' Relief and Retirement Fund |
| 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | EXHIBITION & WELCOME RECEPTION | Crystal Ballroom G-I |
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
| 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM | FREE YOGA CLASS | Upper Olive Grove Join Meagan Johnson from ABS Global Investments for a calming Yin Yoga practice, designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your body. Unlike more active yoga styles, Yin Yoga focuses on fewer postures, each held for an extended period. By holding these poses in a relaxed state, you'll gently work the non-elastic tissues in your body—such as your joints, ligaments, connective tissues, and fascia. This practice will help stimulate energy flow and bring a sense of deep relaxation to your mind and spirit. This class is appropriate for all levels and open to registered attendees and guests. Yoga mats will be provided. |
| 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM | REGISTRATION | Crystal Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | BREAKFAST | Rose Lawn |
| 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | EXHIBITION | Crystal Ballroom G-I |
| 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | GENERAL SESSION II | Crystal Ballroom A-F |
| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM |
The Economy, Markets and an Election…Oh My! This fall’s investment landscape is more complex than ever, with contrasting signals from rates, credit, and equity markets. As 2024 draws to a close, attendees will gain insights into the current state of the economy—how it’s slowing but remaining resilient—and understand the anticipated actions of the Federal Reserve. Additionally, the session will explore how the upcoming U.S. election could shape both domestic and global economies. Attend this session to learn how these key factors may impact investment strategies and what to watch for in the evolving economic and market environment. Speaker: Christopher Dillon, Investment Specialist, T. Rowe Price |
| 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM |
Private Equity Principles - The Next Wave of Responsible Investment Many public pension plans and large asset owners have Responsible Contractor Policies (RCPs) to ensure fair treatment and compensation for workers involved in real estate and infrastructure investments. However, these standards have yet to be extended to private equity—until now. This panel will discuss how the PE Principles are now part of the Due Diligence Questionnaire (DDQ) for Segal clients. Attendees will receive model language for their Funds to adopt, learn about large asset managers that have implemented these standards, and discover why responsible investment in private equity matters. Speakers: Jennifer O'Dell, Laborers' Internaltional Union of North America Benjamin Patzik, Segal Marco |
| 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM |
Exploring the Role of Duration in Pension Portfolios Going Forward This session is designed for board members and staff seeking to understand the various roles of duration through several case studies. Specific topics to be discussed: (1) strategic asset allocation studies and opportunities for improving implementation, with a particular focus on duration targets, (2) introduce a holistic framework for measuring asset performance and funded status, and (3) opportunities to maintain expected asset returns while improving downside risk measures. Speaker: Michael Buchenholz, JP Morgan Asset Management |
| 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | EXHIBIT BREAK | Crystal Ballroom G-I |
| 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM | GENERAL SESSION II (cont'd) | Crystal Ballroom A-F |
| 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM |
Insights from Investment Consultants: Navigating Today's Market In an ever-evolving economic landscape, understanding market trends and making informed investment decisions is more critical than ever. This session brings together insights from top investment consultants who will provide an overview of the current market environment and key factors influencing investment strategies today. Speakers: Phineas Troy, Asset Consulting Group Dan Johnson, Mariner Doug Moseley, NEPC |
| 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM |
Cybersecurity in the Age of AI As public safety pension funds assess the potential of AI to increase productivity and improve member services, this session will provide decision-makers with a deep dive into the benefits and risks posed by emerging AI technologies. Attendees will learn how to establish effective governance frameworks that integrate AI responsibly across their organizations. Speakers: Peter Dewar, President, Linea Secure Nate Haws, Linea Solutions |
| 12:15 AM – 1:00 PM |
A New Paradigm for Tomorrow’s Public Pensions Pension systems face the dual challenge of delivering stable returns while navigating increasingly complex financial markets. This session will explore how funds can modernize their investment strategies, benchmark against peers, and enhance transparency and accountability. Participants will learn how to shift from traditional government-controlled models to more dynamic, competitive asset management approaches that maximize investment returns and ensure long-term sustainability. The session will also cover current challenges in the public investment community and provide best practices for optimizing operations and investment strategies. Speakers: Peter Landers, Global Governance Advisors Brad Kelly, Global Governance Advisors |
| 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | FREE SHUTTLE TO DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS See shuttle schedule at the registration desk. |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | NETWORKING RECEPTION | Rose Lawn |
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
| 6:00 AM – 6:45 AM | FREE YOGA CLASS | Upper Olive Grove Join Meagan Johnson from ABS Global Investments for a calming Yin Yoga practice, designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your body. Unlike more active yoga styles, Yin Yoga focuses on fewer postures, each held for an extended period. By holding these poses in a relaxed state, you'll gently work the non-elastic tissues in your body—such as your joints, ligaments, connective tissues, and fascia. This practice will help stimulate energy flow and bring a sense of deep relaxation to your mind and spirit. This class is appropriate for all levels and open to registered attendees and guests. Yoga mats will be provided. |
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | REGISTRATION | Crystal Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM | BREAKFAST | Rose Lawn |
| 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | EXHIBITION | Crystal Ballroom G-I |
| 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM | GENERAL SESSION III | Crystal Ballroom A-F |
| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM |
Financial Wellness with Police and Firemen's Retirement System of New Jersey (PFRSNJ) This session will explore the comprehensive process behind the New Jersey Police and Fire Pension System’s complete separation from the state Treasurer and the creation of a new independent agency. Participants will gain insights into how the pension system addressed decades of financial and administrative mismanagement and successfully transferred all funds in a single, pivotal moment. Speakers: Gregory Petzold, Police and Firemen’s Retirement System of New Jersey Tim Colacci, Police and Firemen’s Retirement System of New Jersey Ed Donnelly, NJ State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Pat Colligan, New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association |
| 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM |
Regulatory and Legislative Updates for Public Safety Retirement Plans This panel will provide important updates on the latest regulatory developments surrounding the implementation of SECURE Act 2.0, with a focus on provisions impacting public safety retirement plans and retired first responders. Attendees will also learn about pending federal legislation that could further modify the tax treatment of public safety plans and their participants. Speakers: Anthony Roda, Williams & Jensen, PLLC Rob Gauss, Ice Miller Michelle McCarthy, Nossaman LLP |
| 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM |
How the LEOFF Plan 2 Board Got Unanimous Support for a Major Benefit Increase In 2022, the LEOFF 2 Board successfully passed a $1 billion benefit enhancement aimed at retaining mid-career law enforcement officers and firefighters, despite increased plan liabilities. This session will provide a case study on how the Board positioned itself to pass this significant defined benefit enhancement unanimously through the legislature, while maintaining its status as one of the best-funded pension plans in the country. Attendees will learn about the strategic, long-term planning and stakeholder collaboration that contributed to this success, offering valuable insights for public service pension plans facing similar challenges. Speaker: Jacob White, Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board |
| 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | EXHIBIT BREAK | Crystal Ballroom G-I |
| 10:45 AM – 1:15 PM | GENERAL SESSION III (cont'd) | Crystal Ballroom A-F |
| 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM |
The Role of Defined Benefit Pensions in Recruiting and Retaining Public Safety Professionals This session will explore recent findings from the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) on the critical role defined benefit (DB) pension plans play in recruiting and retaining police officers, firefighters, and other public safety professionals. Attendees will learn how pensions serve as an effective workforce management tool, reducing employee turnover when cities or states move away from these plans. The session will also examine the impact of other factors, such as retiree healthcare benefits, Deferred Retirement Option Plans (DROP), and Social Security coverage, on retirement outcomes. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how DB pensions help public safety professionals transition to retirement at appropriate ages, reflecting the unique demands and risks of their roles. Speakers: Tyler Bond, National Institute on Retirement Security Alisa Bennett, CavMac Paul Baugher, Foster & Foster |
| 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM |
DROP Zone: The Ins and Outs of Deferred Retirement Option Programs Deferred Retirement Option Plans (DROPs) have gained popularity among public safety professionals as a tool to address staffing shortages and support workforce retention. This session will explore the various design options available for DROPs, highlighting how each can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs and objectives. Attendees will gain insights into the flexibility of DROP programs and learn how to implement or adjust them to enhance their effectiveness in managing public safety personnel. Whether you're looking to retain experienced staff or streamline retirements, this presentation will provide valuable guidance on optimizing DROP designs. Speakers: Aaron Chochon, CavMac Ryan Gundersen, CavMac |
| 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM |
The New Model: Public Pension Funding Policies and Practices Unlike the private sector, state and local entities have broad latitude in funding their defined benefit pension systems. Funding policies are typically developed by boards and the plans’ actuaries. But what are the best practices that pension plans should adopt? And, more importantly, what should they avoid? A panel of industry professionals recently updated a policy document outlining recommended practices for pension funding. This session will review the core principles established by the paper and highlight key changes made in response to recent industry experiences. Speaker: Brad Ramirez, Segal |
| 12:45 PM – 1:15 PM |
Political Interference in Trustee Fiduciary Duty and Pension Plan Investment Selection Pension trustees and professionals are facing increasing challenges as political agendas begin to shape investment decisions. This session will explore how limiting investment options to align with the preferences of elected officials and bureaucrats can threaten the long-term health of public safety pension plans, undermine the role of volunteer trustees, and compromise sound decision-making by pension professionals. Participants will gain insights into the current legislative landscape, key players influencing policy, and potential future legislative developments. The session will also discuss new efforts to safeguard pension plans and trustees from undue political interference, ensuring the continued responsible management of pension investments. Speakers: Tim Hill, Alliance for Prosperity and a Secure Retirement Greg Markley, Washington State Council of FireFighters O'Brien Atkinson, Anne Arundel County Fraternal Order of Police |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
NETWORKING RECEPTION | Rose Lawn |
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
| 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | REGISTRATION | Crystal Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | BREAKFAST | Rose Lawn |
| 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | GENERAL SESSION IV | Crystal Ballroom A-F |
| 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM |
Recruitment and Retention Findings for Public Safety Public safety positions in police, fire/EMS, corrections, and dispatch are among the most difficult to fill in the public sector, despite efforts to improve wages and offer hiring incentives. This session will explore findings from MissionSquare Research Institute's extensive studies on recruitment and retention in public safety, including surveys of employees on their motivations, expectations, and considerations for staying in their roles. Attendees will gain actionable insights into enhancing recruitment strategies, addressing financial concerns such as student debt, and developing retention initiatives tailored to the needs of public safety staff. Speaker: Zhikun Liu, MissionSquare Research Institute |
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
Retiree Medical Trust: Enhancing Retirement Benefits for Recruitment and Retention of Public Safety Employees Public safety pension plans play a vital role in recruiting and retaining employees, but rising medical costs before Medicare eligibility often delay retirements. This session will explore how a Retiree Medical Trust can help address this issue by providing reimbursement for post-retirement medical expenses, offering an incentive for longevity and rewarding continued service. Attendees will learn about the customizable features of Retiree Medical Trusts, the benefits they offer to public safety employees, and practical steps for negotiating contributions and establishing these plans. This presentation will equip participants with the knowledge to implement Retiree Medical Trusts as a powerful tool to improve recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction. Speakers: Shana Saichek, Wagner Law Group Alex Olsen, Wagner Law Group |
| 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM |
Let's Talk about COLAs (We Don't Mean Coke or Pepsi) In the wake of surging post-pandemic inflation, public safety retirees face increased financial pressure, especially as many pension plans offer little or no cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). This session will explore various options for providing post-retirement COLAs, examining the impact on pension plans and the effectiveness of these adjustments in preserving retirees' purchasing power. Attendees will gain insights into how COLAs can be structured to meet the unique needs of public safety officers, helping to secure financial stability in retirement despite rising costs. Speakers: Louise Gates, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company Paul Wood, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company |
| 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | The State of Public Pensions: A Review of the NCPERS 2024 PRS Study For 13 years, NCPERS has been conducting an annual study to benchmark public retirement systems and track trends in fiscal, operational, and business practices. This session will review the data on fund expenses, asset allocation, and funding levels, as well as explore the most recent state and local legislative activity impacting public sector pensions. Speakers: Hank Kim, NCPERS William Whitman, NCPERS |
| 9:45 AM | CLOSING REMARKS Hank Kim, NCPERS |
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) HOURS
By attending the Public Safety Conference, you can earn up to 13 continuing education hours towards your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state mandated continuing education requirements.
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) SPONSOR
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 as to the quality of our MET program.
NCPERS is also recognized as a learning provider and is an accredited sponsor of continuing education in several states.
NCPERS is also recognized as a learning provider and is an accredited sponsor of continuing education in several states.