Markets Group’s 12th Annual Institutional Texas Forum gathered leading CIOs, allocators, consultants, and managers from across the state for two days of conversations on market resilience, long-term strategy, and innovation in investing.
Hosted in Austin, the event explored key themes from the macroeconomic outlook and private equity’s continued strength to AI’s evolving influence on capital allocation and productivity. The forum also honored Cheryl Alston, the recently retired Executive Director and CIO of the Dallas Employees Retirement Fund, with a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing her two decades of exceptional leadership and service.
As always, Markets Group captured insights straight from the sidelines.
Watch the Exclusive Video Interviews
“Collaboration among Texas LPs is stronger than ever.”
Jewel Chen, Private Equity Portfolio Manager, Texas Permanent School Fund, reflected on the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the impressive representation of Texas LPs across panels at this year’s event.
🎥 Watch the full interview with Jewel Chen
“The U.S. growth story isn’t over yet.”
J. Paul Knight, Senior Market Strategist, Employees Retirement System of Texas, shared why he remains confident in the U.S. equity outlook and how AI-driven productivity continues to power economic expansion.
🎥 Watch the full interview with J. Paul Knight
“When you’ve seen 20 years of results like hers, you celebrate it.”
Randy Bowman, Former Board Chair, City of Dallas Employees Retirement Fund, spoke about honoring Cheryl Alston’s remarkable tenure and the many lives her leadership improved.
🎥Watch the full interview with Randy Bowman
“Leadership means lifting others as you climb.”
Natalie Jenkins Sorrell, CIO, City of Dallas, reflected on her 19-year journey working alongside Cheryl Alston and the impact of mentorship in shaping the next generation of investment leaders.
🎥Watch the full interview with Natalie Jenkins Sorrell
“Texas investors are energized by innovation.”
Eugene Han, Portfolio Manager, Texas Municipal Retirement System, shared takeaways from the Equity Equationpanel, including the roles of AI CapEx, thematic investing, and macro hedges like gold and Bitcoin in today’s portfolios.
🎥 Watch the full interview with Eugene Han
Looking Ahead
Join us at the Institutional Fall Retreat in Amelia Island, November 17 – 19, 2025.
🔥Click here to request the agenda to see what allocators and managers will be discussing next.
