Williamson County Clerk Nancy E. Rister was recognized recently by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) for 20 years of outstanding dedication to county investment education. The honor was presented during the 2023 Conference of the County Investment Academy held June 12-14 in Georgetown in Williamson County.
Rister stood out as one of only four officials in the state to be honored for 20 years in the program. A special luncheon was held on June 13 to commemorate this pursuit of excellence in investment education, where 32 other officials were also recognized for their own milestones of five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years.
The Texas Public Funds Investment Act requires county commissioners courts to appoint a county investment officer to invest county funds. These officers and their investment staff need to possess a comprehensive understanding of sound investment policies and adhere to the Act’s stringent requirements.
“I end up investing sometimes millions of dollars for cases that come to our County Court at Law judges. We have to stay on top of minors’ money that we receive to have it invested until they turn 18 yrs. old. Then there are civil cases where it may need to be invested until the parties agree on issues and they settle the case, “ said Williamson County Clerk Nancy Rister. “It has been a good tool to be part of this organization and also see how the Texas economy is doing as compared to the rest of the United States and be updated on trends and also failed banks which we found out the reasons behind back in June when I attended the conference. Texas Association of Counties does a great job getting speakers who keep us informed.”
Since 1992, TAC has been providing formal education for county investors through its County Investment Academy, formerly called County Investment Officer training. Participants become members of the Academy by completing the Basics of County Investing Course.
The County Investment Academy provides for the needs of officials and staff involved in public funds investing at the local level by hosting the June conference and the Texas Public Funds Investment Conference in November.
TAC is a nonprofit organization that since its creation in 1969 has played a crucial role in supporting the efforts and needs of counties across the state.