Published: 09-22-08
AUSTIN – After an exhaustive and comprehensive search with the support of an outside search firm the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) has selected a candidate for the previously unfilled position of Deputy Director.
Brian Guthrie the Deputy Director for Budget Planning and Policy for Gov. Rick Perry was chosen for the position by the Board of Trustees at its Sept. 19 meeting. In addition to his extensive knowledge of the legislative process Guthrie brings with him a thorough understanding of TRS’ operations due to his oversight of the agency in his current position. Guthrie was one of three finalists selected for the position.
“We are pleased with the selection of Mr. Guthrie as he brings excellent credentials and a breadth of knowledge to this important position” TRS Board Chairman James H. Lee said. “Indeed we were very satisfied with the quality and experience demonstrated by all the finalists. We would like to thank Vice Chairman Linus Wright for his leadership in this process and his ability to draw on his previous experience as a search consultant.”
The Deputy Director’s responsibilities include but are not limited to: directing and overseeing TRS operations and administration; providing leadership to agency executives and managers; acting on behalf of the Executive Director in his absence; assisting in communicating and coordinating with the TRS Board of Trustees; and representing TRS to members government officials the public and the media.
The selection of Guthrie came after an extensive search process that began in July 2008 when trustees authorized the hiring of the Intersource Executive Search firm to help fill the position. The president of InterSource personally called the CEOs of 52 national retirement systems to seek qualified candidates. Ads were placed in the Wall Street Journal Pension & Investments Institutional Investor and the Austin American-Statesman. In addition postings were placed on 13 organizational Web sites and sent to member email distribution lists.
In mid-August TRS Selection Committee Chairman Linus Wright Board Chairman Lee TRS Executive Director Ronnie Jung and InterSource search consultant Patti Halladay narrowed the pool to five candidates. At the Aug. 28 Selection Committee meeting five candidates were interviewed by the Committee and Board of Trustees. After deliberation the pool was narrowed to the three finalists including Guthrie Pattie Featherston TRS’ Chief Operating Officer since May 2005 and Lisa Ivie Miller Commissioner Office of the Fire Fighters’ Pension Commissioner.
About Brian Guthrie:
Education:
Masters in Public Affairs 1993 LBJ School of Public Affairs UT-Austin
BA Economics/BA History 1991 Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster PA
Experience:
Governor’s Office of Budget Planning & Policy Austin
Deputy Director 2002-present
Director of Special Projects 2000-2002
Lt. Gov’s Office Austin
Special Assistant Budget Taxation and Health & Human Services 1997-2000
Legislative Budget Board Austin
Federal Funds Policy Analyst 1993-1997
UT-Austin
Head Resident 1991-1993
Brantwood Golf Course
Asst. Mgr. 1987-1989
