Wheeler Provides 20 Years of Long-Standing Service to PSRS/PEERS Board of Trustees

Wayne Wheeler has made an impressive and long-standing impact on Missouri's education community.

Wheeler was first elected by educators across the state to serve on the PSRS/PEERS Board of Trustees in 1996. He served in this capacity on the Board for eight years, including service as Board chair from 2002 to 2004, bringing common sense and a first-hand understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Missouri schools and educators.

Upon retirement, and after 35 years in the public school system, he was asked to serve as the appointed retiree to the PSRS/PEERS Board by Governor Matt Blunt in 2008, and continued to serve in this role on the Board for eight more years. Despite the expiration of his appointed term in 2012 and regular submissions to the governor to find a qualified replacement, Wheeler continued to serve the Systems with the strong understanding and focus on the fiduciary responsibilities that are required of Board members until today. As of August 10, 2016, Governor Jay Nixon has appointed Martha O. Harris as his replacement.

"I've had the opportunity to work with dozens of trustees at multiple funds over my 38 years in this business. Wayne Wheeler is one of, if not the best, trustee I've had the honor to work with at any fund," stated Steve Yoakum, PSRS/PEERS executive director. "Missouri's educators have been extremely fortunate to have Wayne as a trustee for the many years he has served. Wayne has consistently done what is right; not necessarily what was easy. He will be missed."

Mr. Wheeler has been a part of many instrumental decisions regarding the operation and investment strategies of the Systems, including the Systems' move from a small Midwest retirement fund to the 45th largest institutional investor in the United States. In the time he has served on the Board, the total assets of the Systems have grown $13.1 billion in 1996 to $37.9 billion today. He was an integral part of the development of a pro-active, long-term funding policy for the Systems, and the creation and implementation of the successful investment strategy that has kept the Systems well-funded.

When asked to reflect on his time on the board with Wheeler, Dr. Aaron Zalis, Board chair stated, "In my tenure as a school administrator, I have had the good fortune to work with many good people on many committees and with many boards. Wayne has left a lasting impression on me as one of the best. I have appreciated his willingness to mentor me as a new trustee and have appreciated his "will to do the job." He has exhibited what it means to be a fiduciary and has been tremendously loyal to the Systems. He has great integrity, brings people together and has an above average sense of humor. I will miss working with him."

The PSRS/PEERS Board, management and staff thank Wayne Wheeler for looking out for the best interest of the members of PSRS/PEERS with passion, commitment and integrity for the past 20 years.