The Mississippi Legislature's meeting on February 25, 2025, focused on the performance and strategic direction of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Defined Contribution and Investment Committees. Key discussions included the reopening of investment strategies and leadership transitions within the firm managing these assets.

During the meeting, representatives highlighted a recent study conducted over nine months, which assessed the impact of current investment strategies on returns. The findings indicated that the strategies in place had not adversely affected the ability to generate returns. As a result, the committee decided to reopen its broadest All Country World Index (ACWI) strategies and U.S. dedicated strategies at the beginning of February.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the upcoming retirement of Tony Ryan, the Chief Executive Officer of AeroStreet, who has led the firm for the past decade. Ryan, who will retire at the end of 2025, expressed confidence in the firm's leadership and its future direction. The firm is currently in the process of identifying his successor, with plans to have a candidate selected by June. This transition will include a six-month overlap to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.

In terms of performance, AeroStreet reported a value add of 5.02% for the 2024 calendar year, exceeding investment objectives. Since its inception in mid-2013, the firm has achieved a return of 2.92%, both figures calculated net of fees.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the commitment to maintaining strong investment performance while navigating leadership changes, ensuring that PERS continues to meet its financial goals for public employees in Mississippi.