Laronda Graf Appointed TRS Trustee by Governor Abbott

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2025

Teacher Retirement System of Texas Welcomes New B oard Trustee following Appointment by Governor Abbott

Outgoing Trustee and Vice Chair to be Honored for her Significant Service

AUSTIN - A new trustee will join the TRS Board for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

according to an appointment made this week by Governor Greg Abbott.

Laronda Graf of Queen City serves as director of Human Resources for the Atlanta Independent School

District. Having graduated from Texas A&M University, Ms. Graf is now in her 22nd year in public education employment. Her term as a TRS trustee will expire August 31, 2029.

"I am honored to welcome Ms. Graf to our board of trustees. I am confident that her experience - as both

a school business official and a TRS member will provide valuable perspective as we work together to meet our mission for public education employees and retirees," said TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie.

Ms. Graf comes from a family of Texas educators and replaces Trustee Nanette Sissney whose latest

term expired. Trustee Sissney was the first to serve in the board's at-large position and was unanimously elected by trustees as the board's vice chair. Ms. Sissney has served on various committees while on the TRS board over two appointments since 2006. Her service will be recognized at a future board meeting. "I would like to thank Ms. Sissney for her extraordinary devotion to our board and our members and retirees. Her service has been invaluable to TRS," added Board Chair Robert H. Walls, Jr. "We welcome the addition of Ms. Graf and look forward to working with her in service to our growing TRS membership." Ms. Graf has held other roles during her career, including director of Finance and Special Programs and Child Nutrition Comptroller. She is a registered member of the Texas Association of School Business Officials. The TRS Board of Trustees is a fiduciary of all plan assets and is responsible for the general administration and operation of the system. The board is composed of nine appointed members, who serve staggered terms of six years.

The recent appointment is not related to the current nomination period for the expiring trustee position representing public school district employees. That nomination period will close Jan. 27, 2025 followed by the election to be held March 17 to May 30, 2025. The top three candidates for the open position will be submitted for the governor's consideration and appointment for a term beginning as early as September 1, 2025. # # #

Media Contact: The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is one of the largest retirement systems in the nation. The system's core mediarequests@trs.texas.gov mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Texas rob.maxwell@trs.texas.gov educators by prudently investing and managing trust assets Cell 512.784.8035 and delivering member benefits. As of August 31, 2024, TRS pension fund had a market value of $209.5 billion.