TEXPERS is thrilled to announce Polen Capital as the Gold Sponsor and keynote presenter for our 2023 Annual Conference taking place April 2-5, 2023, at Austin Marriott Downtown, 304 E. Cesar Chavez St. in Austin, Texas.

This year's conference provides thought-provoking presentations, engaging sessions, and inspiring panels from some of the industry's most respected professionals. Jeff Mueller, portfolio manager at Polen Capital, opens this year's conference as a keynote speaker at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023. 

During his talk, he'll tell you about his time in a U.S. Marine Corps fighter squadron. Mueller spent 10 years in the Marine Corps, flying over 200 combat missions in F/A-18s. He will discuss how the lessons he learned in his training prepared him to manage life in the face of adversity. 

"Flying combat missions in the U.S. Marine Corps taught me many lessons on managing adversity, embracing patience and remembering to slow down," Mueller says. "I'm excited to share how these lessons can be valuable to others and how to implement them."

He has extensive experience in the investment industry. Polen Capital hired Mueller in 2013. Currently, he is the co-portfolio manager for the Global Growth strategy at the firm. 

"We're excited to have Jeff share his insights with our Association's System Members," says Art Alfaro, TEXPERS' executive director. "I've had the opportunity to hear him speak and know the impact he has on the professional development of public employee retirement system leaders."

Mueller received his bachelor's degree in communications and business administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. He was the Men's Tennis Team captain, an All-American, and an NCAA Champion. 

Mueller is a Tillman Scholar and earned his MBA with honors and distinction from Columbia Business School, where he graduated from the Value Investing Program. He is an adjunct faculty member at Columbia Business School, teaching the Compounders course within the Value Investing Program. 

Mueller is a member of the Board of Trustees at Trinity University in San Antonio, serving on the investment committee. His special interests include involvement with the Pat Tillman Foundation, assisting transitioning veterans, reading, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and son.

"Polen Capital is honored to serve as a keynote speaker and Gold sponsor at TEXPERS and support their mission to strengthen retirement systems together," says Brian Smith, head of Institutional Relations at Polen Capital.

Polen Capital is a global investment management firm advising approximately $55 billion in assets (as of December 31, 2022) and providing growth and income investment strategies to various institutional and individual clients worldwide. Polen Capital has four autonomous investment teams: the Boca Raton, Florida-based Large Company Growth Team, the Boston-based Small Company Growth Team, the High Yield Team, and the London-based Emerging Markets Growth Team. 

The firm has been recognized by Pensions & Investments as one of the industry's "Best Places to Work" for each of the past seven years. For more information, visit www.polencapital.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn and Twitter at @PolenCapital.

TEXPERS Annual Conference

In this year's conference, Texas' public retirement systems will come together around the theme, "Strengthen Pensions: Together We Can!"

"The event will provide insight into how pension systems can navigate complex issues and build successful portfolios regardless of market conditions," says Sherry Mose, president of TEXPERS Board of Directors. "Attendees can also take advantage of several networking opportunities throughout the event to meet new contacts and gain valuable insights from leaders across all industries. And our System Members can earn Texas Pension Review Board-approved Continuing Education hours to satisfy state training requirements."

The conference features panel discussions so everyone can get involved in lively conversations about today's most pressing topics in pension system management. Plus, attendees are encouraged to ask questions of speakers at the end of sessions.

"You'll leave with valuable insights into sustainable investing strategies, pension fund governance, and fiduciary strategies," Mose says. "See you there!"

This year, TEXPERS offers free access to its new online platform and conference app so attendees can interact with peers and presenters before, during, and after the conference from anywhere. Learn more about the platform here. 

Online registration ended March 14; however, on-site registration is available. Visit https://bit.ly/TEXPERS2023AC for the event agenda, exhibitors, and a complete list of this year's sponsors.

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