Event Organizers Recruiting Roster of Industry Thought Leaders for Professional Development
Among the distinguished speakers for the TEXPERS 2024 Annual Conference, April 7-10 in Dallas, Texas, one name shines brightly in economic analysis: Mariam Yousuf, Business Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Scheduled to take center stage on April 10, 2024, from 10 to 10:35 a.m. in the Reunion Ballroom on the Lobby Level, Yousuf will deliver an economic update, drawing from her expertise in dissecting regional economic dynamics.
As anticipation mounts for the TEXPERS’ 35th Annual Conference, organizers are gearing up for a thought-provoking experience packed with insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
Yousuf's journey to becoming a prominent figure in economic analysis began with her academic pursuits. Armed with a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, Yousuf further honed her skills by obtaining a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Davis. With a solid foundation in economic theory and rigorous analytical capabilities, she embarked on a career dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of regional economies.
At the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Yousuf plays a pivotal role in shaping economic discourse. As a Business Economist, she researches regional economic issues and coordinates the production of vital reports such as the Dallas Fed's Banking Conditions Survey and Ag Survey.
Additionally, Yousuf is instrumental in producing the 11th District Beige Book, a revered survey offering nuanced insights into regional economic conditions. Her dedication to producing actionable intelligence underscores her commitment to empowering decision-makers with the information they need to navigate economic challenges effectively.
“The TEXPERS 2024 Annual Conference is the perfect platform for Yousuf to share her expertise with attendees eager to gain a deeper understanding of economic trends impacting public employee retirement systems,” says Art Alfaro, Executive Director of TEXPERS. “With her scheduled presentation on April 10, she will provide attendees with a comprehensive regional economic update, offering valuable perspectives that can inform strategic decision-making.”
As the countdown to the conference continues, attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars for Yousuf's presentation.
“Take advantage of this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from one of the foremost experts in regional economic analysis,” Alfaro says.
A Growing Roster of Thought Leaders
In preparation for the event, organizers have gathered a list of thought leaders who will play an essential part in attendees' professional development, thus providing trustees of public employee pension systems with the opportunity to earn continuing education credits required by the state.
Among the distinguished speakers lined up for the conference, Tyler Bond, the research director at the National Institute on Retirement Security, stands out for his groundbreaking work in examining retirement in the United States. Bond's session promises to delve into new research shedding light on why the U.S. may be on the brink of a retirement reckoning and why returning to pension systems might be the key to addressing this challenge.
For more information about the National Institute on Retirement Security and its research initiatives, visit the Center's website here.
Furthermore, attendees can look forward to insights from Amy Cardona, Executive Director, and Ashley Rendon, Deputy Director, of the Texas Pension Review Board, the state agency tasked with overseeing state and local government retirement systems regarding their actuarial soundness and compliance. Cardona and Rendon will provide a comprehensive update on the state agency's 2024 initiatives, offering valuable perspectives on the latest public pension governance and oversight developments.
For more information about the Texas Pension Review Board and its initiatives, click here.
Keynote Speakers to Note
In addition to these esteemed speakers, the conference will feature three keynote addresses from prominent industry leaders.
Wes Crill, Senior Investment Director and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors. With a wealth of experience in investment management, Crill is poised to offer invaluable insights into navigating the ever-changing financial landscape.
Joining Crill on the roster of keynote speakers is James E. Keenan, Chief Investment Officer and Global Head of Private Debt at BlackRock. Keenan's expertise in private debt markets and investment strategies is unparalleled, making his session a must-attend for conference attendees seeking deeper insights into alternative investments.
Attendees also will hear from Ari Rastegar, CEO and Founder of Rastegar Property Company. With a passion for real estate investment and innovation, Rastegar's session promises to offer valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of the real estate market and unlocking opportunities for growth and diversification.
“As the conference draws near, anticipation builds for the invaluable insights and networking opportunities that await attendees,” Alfaro says. “With a lineup of esteemed speakers spanning various sectors of the retirement industry, the TEXPERS 2024 Annual Conference is poised to be a transformative event for all those in attendance.”
About the Author:Allen Jones is the director of communications and event marketing for TEXPERS. He joined the Association in 2017. Before TEXPERS, he worked in the news media industry, producing content for newspapers, magazines, and online publications and leading newsrooms as an editor and publications manager. [email protected]