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Watch the 2025 Member Summit

Four people standing behind a table with sign-up sheets, hand sanitizers, and a blue tablecloth.
A woman speaks at a podium in a conference room, with an audience seated, listening attentively.
Image gallery image
Two women sit at a table with "City of Austin Employees' Retirement System" banner, sign-in sheets, and small stress balls.
People are standing in line at a table covered in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas tablecloth, attending to a seated representative.
Three people standing behind a registration table with "COAERS" banner inside a building, possibly for an event.
A group of people posing in a conference room with flags, a clock, and a screen in the background.
People interacting at an information booth labeled "COA Benefits" in a bright indoor space.
Two people at a table with a "City of Austin Employees' Retirement System" banner, in a modern room with a stone wall and windows.
A meeting room with attendees seated, a person speaking at a podium, and a screen showing a presentation.
Indoor event with people talking at tables covered with blue cloths, stairway, and large windows.
A conference room filled with people seated and watching a presentation on a screen at the front.
A group of people standing in a row inside an office with a U.S. flag and clock in the background.
A man speaks at a podium in a meeting room with attendees seated at a table.
Image gallery image
Three people sit at a table with "EMPOWER" tablecloth, brochures, and a sign. Nearby is a staircase and large windows.
A group of people seated in a conference room watching a presentation on a screen.
A presentation on "City of Austin Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan" in a meeting room.
A man presents at a meeting about a "Defined-Benefit Plan" with others seated and a screen displaying plan details.
A man presents at a conference table with three people seated, a screen displaying a "General Consultant" slide, and a U.S. flag in view.
A speaker presents on "Financial Planning Across Career Stages" to an audience in a conference room.
Four people standing behind a table with sign-up sheets, hand sanitizers, and a blue tablecloth.
A woman speaks at a podium in a conference room, with an audience seated, listening attentively.
Image gallery image
Two women sit at a table with "City of Austin Employees' Retirement System" banner, sign-in sheets, and small stress balls.
People are standing in line at a table covered in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas tablecloth, attending to a seated representative.
Three people standing behind a registration table with "COAERS" banner inside a building, possibly for an event.
A group of people posing in a conference room with flags, a clock, and a screen in the background.
People interacting at an information booth labeled "COA Benefits" in a bright indoor space.
Two people at a table with a "City of Austin Employees' Retirement System" banner, in a modern room with a stone wall and windows.
A meeting room with attendees seated, a person speaking at a podium, and a screen showing a presentation.
Indoor event with people talking at tables covered with blue cloths, stairway, and large windows.
A conference room filled with people seated and watching a presentation on a screen at the front.
A group of people standing in a row inside an office with a U.S. flag and clock in the background.
A man speaks at a podium in a meeting room with attendees seated at a table.
Image gallery image
Three people sit at a table with "EMPOWER" tablecloth, brochures, and a sign. Nearby is a staircase and large windows.
A group of people seated in a conference room watching a presentation on a screen.
A presentation on "City of Austin Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan" in a meeting room.
A man presents at a meeting about a "Defined-Benefit Plan" with others seated and a screen displaying plan details.
A man presents at a conference table with three people seated, a screen displaying a "General Consultant" slide, and a U.S. flag in view.
A speaker presents on "Financial Planning Across Career Stages" to an audience in a conference room.

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System (COAERS) held its annual Member Summit at the System’s headquarters at 4700 Mueller Blvd. During an afternoon dedicated to retirement education and member engagement, COAERS welcomed members for a conference-style event.

The Member Summit is a cornerstone of COAERS’s commitment to transparency, member service, retirement readiness, and financial literacy. Designed to bring meaningful value to both active and retired members, the event featured a series of structured presentations, interactive Q&A segments, and access to planning resources tailored to various career stages. Attendees participated in sessions led by COAERS staff and partners, with light refreshments available to encourage informal networking between sessions.

 

Member Summit Educational Program Highlights

The 2025 Member Summit featured five core sessions and a closing Q&A segment:

  • Navigating Post-Retirement Employment
    Presenter: Lovie Robinson-Laurant, Member Services Specialist
    Robinson-Laurant shared key considerations for retirees returning to work, including the potential impact on pension benefits and healthcare coverage.
    DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION
     
  • Financial Planning Across Career Stages
    Presenter: Russell Nash, Deputy Executive Director
    Nash outlined six pillars of financial wellbeing—wealth accumulation, expense and debt management, risk mitigation, health planning, legacy preparation, and quality of life to offer tailored strategies for employees at early, mid, and late career stages.
    DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION
     
  • How to Recession-Proof Your Budget
    Presenter: Sarah McCleary, Ombuds and Financial Literacy Specialist
    As the System’s new Financial Literacy Specialist, McCleary provided practical guidance on budgeting, saving, and asset protection in response to evolving economic conditions.
    DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION
     
  • Maximizing Retiree Resources
    Presenter: Bryce King, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)
    King reviewed health insurance options available to retirees, highlighting plan features, coverage details, and enrollment considerations.
    DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION
     
  • State of the Fund and COAERS Operations
    Presenters: Christopher Hanson, Executive Director; Russell Nash, Deputy Executive Director; David Stafford, Deputy Chief Investment Officer; moderated by COAERS Board of Trustees Chair Diana Thomas.
    Hanson addressed the financial health and long-term sustainability of the retirement system. Nash shared operational priorities, and Stafford provided an update on investment performance and market outlook.
    DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION


The Summit concluded with an open question-and-answer session, allowing members to engage directly with COAERS leadership and subject matter experts. Throughout the afternoon, attendees demonstrated strong engagement, posed thoughtful questions, and connected with COAERS staff, which reinforces the System’s commitment to member education and community-building.

“We are proud to host the Member Summit each year as a way to keep our members informed, engaged, and confident about their retirement,” said Christopher Hanson, Executive Director of COAERS. “This year’s conference-style format allowed us to deliver even greater educational value, and we were pleased to welcome members back to our headquarters for this important event.”

 

Watch the Event

COAERS extends its appreciation to all attendees, presenters, and staff who contributed to the success of the 2025 Member Summit. For members who were unable to attend, watch the event below.