Influential Investors Forum

Influential Investors Forum

1. 11:45 am - 12:25 pm

   Registration and Lunch
   (Lunch sponsored by Backstop)

2. 12:25 pm - 12:30 pm

   Welcome Remarks

3. 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

   Portfolios Revisited

   How are allocators thinking about inflation and, specifically, how it relates to fixed income? What are their thoughts on private equity, given valuations and the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s involvement? Infrastructure spending is increasing significantly, but which industries are likely to benefit from changes in fiscal policy? Do cryptocurrencies belong in portfolios, and should they be direct investments? 
   Moderator
   Russ Ivinjack, Global Chief Investment Officer, Aon Investments

   Panelists
   John Reade, Chief Market Strategist, World Gold Council
   Katherine Molnar, Chief Investment Officer, Fairfax County Police Officers Retirement System
   Jonathan Glidden, Managing Director – Pensions · Delta Air Lines
   Yves Choueifaty, President and Chief Investment Officer, Tobam

4. 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

   Let’s Talk About China…and Maybe, Taiwan

   Given Beijing’s regulatory changes, shifting priorities in the five-year plan leading up to 2025, rumblings over Taiwan, and the significant number of allocators who have large exposures to China, is this a time of thoughtful observation, pull back, or opportunity? China’s percentage in the MSCI index has grown so huge that if you are underweight China, you’re probably going to get hurt. Is it too large of a market to vanish?
   Moderator
   Carol Boykin, Former CIO and Representative of the Secretary-General (RSG), UNJSPF (United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund)

   Panelists
   Ash Williams, Executive Director & CIO, FL State Board of Administration, Retired
   Natalie Hong, Investment Officer, Global Real Estate, UNJSPF (United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund)
   Frederic Perrin, Senior Investment Officer, Global Emerging Markets, UNJSPF (United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund)
   Andrew Palmer, Chief Investment Officer, Maryland State Retirement and Pension Plan

5. 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

   Refreshment Break

6. 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

   KEYNOTE
   The Next Phase: Investing Beyond the Pandemic Recovery
   

   The economic backdrop is normalizing. While it may not be the normal we are used to, from the highs and lows of the past 18 months, the period ahead should feel resoundingly less extreme. With waning central bank stimulus, extended valuations, surging inflation, and rate, trending higher, but still near historic lows – effectively positioning portfolios for the next phase of the market cycle remains as challenging as ever.

   Join Seema Shah as she offers her unique perspective on what the global economic environment has in store for investors during this next phase and provides insights on asset allocation beyond the pandemic recovery.

   Presenter: Seema Shah, Chief Global Strategist for Principal Global Investors
   (sponsored by Principal)

7. 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

   ESG and DE&I Without a Bull Market

   In 2021, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) were easy because of the bull market, but how do we keep attention on these factors when it’s harder, and when the bull market ends? And how do we avoid greenwashing, rainbow washing, and tapping out the solid opportunities for the years ahead? Different strategies are coming together to dampen the risk and increase opportunities.
   Moderator
   Alyssa Rieder, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, CommonSpirit Health
   
   Panelist
   Rupal J. Bhansali, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager, International & Global Equities, Co-Portfolio Manager, Ariel Global Concentrated
   Cheryl D. Alston, Executive Director, Employees’ Retirement Fund of the City of Dallas, Texas (“ERF”)
   Elizabeth E. McGeveran, Director of Investments, McKnight Foundation
   Robin Diamonte, Chief Investment Officer, Raytheon

8. 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm

   Refreshment Break

9. 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

   Beyond Fully Funded: What’s Next?

   The milestone is finally within reach: Many pension plans are approaching fully funded status after a strong year of performance. This panel will explore what could be next and why, as well as the best opportunities for the road ahead, with some case studies, anecdotes, and success stories.
   Moderator
   Valerie J. Sill, President & CEO, DuPont Capital Management

   Panelist
   Martin Jaugietis, Managing Director, Co-Head Americas Pensions OCIO, BlackRock
   Owais Rana, Senior Director, North America at Moody’s Analytics
   Harshal Chaudhari, Chief Investment Officer, General Electric (GE)
   Kathleen (Kathy) Lutito, President and Chief Investment Officer, LUMEN / CenturyLInk Investment Management

10. 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm

    NextGen of the Year Title Round

    This summer, we featured promising NextGens, who were nominated by those in the finance industry for their talent, acumen, and potential to reach the CIO seat in the future. Now, they will compete in a lightning round of questions for the title of NextGen of the Year. After the panel, audience members will cast their votes by paper ballot, and the winner will be announced during our evening celebration gala.

    Moderator
    Kristin Varela, Interim Chief Investment Officer, Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico. 

    Finalists
    Alex Ambroz, Director, Cleveland Clinic Investment Office

    Evril Clayton Jr., Deputy Director of Global Equity, New York State Common Retirement Fund
    Lauren Jacobson, Managing Director, Columbia Investment Management Company
    Jason Rector, Managing Analyst, State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB)
    Samantha Foster, Managing Director at USC Endowment