AB1234 Ethics for Trustees
Monday, March 9th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers
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Ashley Dunning - Partner & Co-chair Pension, Benefits & Investments Group, Nossaman LLP
Summary
This two hour training meets the mandatory bi-annual requirement for public officials and covers conflict of interest rules, public meeting and record requirements, due process requirements and other significant rules for legal compliance by public officials, with a particular focus on how these rules apply to retirement board trustees and senior staff. Note - this session is designed for system trustees and senior staff.
Keynote - If You Need It, We Print It
Monday, March 9th 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Speakers
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Jeffrey Gundlach - CEO, DoubleLine
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Jim Failor - Moderator - CIO, Sonoma County Employees' Retirement Association (SCERA)
Summary
In this moderated discussion, Jeffrey Gundlach shares his perspectives on government debt, Federal Reserve policy, the macroeconomic outlook, and where investors may find opportunities—or risks—in today’s markets.
Change and Uncertainty: Betting and Hedging in a Low Conviction World
Monday, March 9th 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Speakers
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Simona Mocuta - Chief Economist, State Street Investment
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Don Pierce - Moderator - CIO, San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA)
Summary
You won’t want to miss this dynamic conversation with Simona Mocuta moderated by Donald Pierce discussing how to break down the complexities of U.S. macro policy transitions and their potential impact on markets.
Strolling Dinner at the Westin: Building Stronger Pensions One Block at a Time
Monday, March 9th 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Summary
All participants are invited to our annual strolling dinner – an evening that blends playful creativity with serious purpose, reminding us that the most durable outcomes are built intentionally—piece by piece, decision by decision, creating retirement security for generations to come. System guests welcome – please register your guest with CALAPRS staff.
Keynote - Total Portfolio Approach Implementation
Tuesday, March 10th 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Speakers
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Marcie Frost - Executive Director, CalPERS
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Stephen Gilmore - CIO, CalPERS
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Dave Nelsen - Moderator - CEO, Alameda County Employees' Retirement Association (ACERA)
Summary
Leaders of the nation’s largest public pension fund discuss how they are implementing a Total Portfolio Approach to strengthen performance, manage risk, and achieve long-term sustainability. They’ll share insights into how this strategy is transforming CalPERS’ $600 billion portfolio, fostering alignment across asset classes, and supporting the fund’s mission to deliver retirement security for 2 million members. This session offers a rare look at how one of the world’s leading institutional investors is redefining its investment governance.
Why Leading with Empathy Matters to Outperformance
Tuesday, March 10th 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Speakers
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Ann Arlinghaus - Partner and Co-Head of Capstone in the Americas, KKR
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Neil Sheth - Moderator - Partner and Head of Global Research, NEPC
Summary
Join a leader from KKR for an exploration about why empathy is more than a soft skill—it's a strategic imperative linked to higher performance. Discover how leading with empathy builds trust, resilience, and exceptional results across organizations.
Scale and Strategy: Insights from a Large and Small Pension System
Tuesday, March 10th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers
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Molly Murphy - CIO, Orange County Employees’ Retirement Association
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Katie Girardi - Executive Director, San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
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Debby Cherney - Moderator - CEO, San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA)
Summary
Two accomplished CIOs will explore how pension systems of different sizes navigate markets, allocate resources, and pursue innovation. Attendees will gain insight into shared challenges, distinct approaches, and the lessons each system can learn from the other.
Taking the Wheel: Navigating Together Through Choppy Waters at the SEC
Tuesday, March 10th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Speakers
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Anya Freedman - Partner, Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP (BLB&G)
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Omid Harraf - Rock Center for Corporate Governance, Stanford
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Heather Traeger - General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Summary
With breathtaking speed, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has gone through transformational change to its historic governance structure, enforcement priorities, and participatory policy framework. These rapid regulatory changes threaten the long-term stability and predictability of U.S. capital markets, creating systemic fiduciary risk. This panel will begin by briefing CALAPRS members on these changes and their impact on asset owners and investment managers, followed by a candid conversation about the strategies available for public pension fiduciary investors to exercise their rights and protect their trust funds—together.
“Left of Boom” – A Cyber Threat Landscape Briefing and Lessons Learned to Improve Cyber Resiliency
Tuesday, March 10th 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speakers
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Brett Lally - Supervisory Agent Brett Lally, Federal Bureau of Investigation
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Kimberly Malm - Moderator - Deputy Executive Officer, Customer Service & Support Branch, CalPERS
Summary
SSA Lally will provide a cyber threat landscape briefing from the FBI’s perspective and the non-technical, “lessons learned” from organizations who were impacted by significant cyber incidents.
Networking Reception at the Westin
Tuesday, March 10th 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Summary
Join fellow attendees for a last hoorah before the last day of the General Assembly – enjoy a cocktail, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and great company!
Shifts Happen
Wednesday, March 11th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Speakers
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Rick Funston - Funston Advisory Services CEO, Former Deloitte National Leader, Governance and Risk Oversight
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Gregg Rademacher - Moderator - CEO, San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (SDCERS)
Summary
This session addresses one of the greatest challenges for institutional investors: staying disciplined as a patient capital investor despite the constant pressures of short-termism. Drawing on global best practices and empirical evidence, Rick Funston highlights how governance discipline, strategic clarity, and aligned decision-making create lasting value over 10-, 20-, and 30-year horizons despite short-term noise.
Trustee Roundup
Wednesday, March 11th 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Speakers
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Marc Bracco - Board of Trustees, San Bernardino County Employees Retirement Association (SBCERA)
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Lisa Marie Harris - President, Board of Administration, San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (SDCERS)
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Theresa Taylor - President, Board of Administration, CalPERS
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Katie Girardi - Moderator - Executive Director, San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
Summary
This session will bring together experienced trustees to discuss best practices in board management, strategies for strengthening fiduciary oversight, the importance of transparent, forward-thinking governance structures, and current and emerging challenges facing pension systems. Attendees will gain practical perspectives on effective decision-making, collaborative board dynamics, and the critical role trustees play in safeguarding the retirement security of public employees.
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