TRS Welcomes New Board Chair, Trustee Following Appointments by Governor Abbott

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 21, 2026

Teacher Retirement System of Texas Welcomes New Board Chair, Trustee Following Appointments by Governor Abbott 

Outgoing Chair Walls to be Honored for Board Service 

AUSTIN – A current trustee will now serve as chairman and one new member will join the Board of Trustees for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) following recent appointments by Governor Greg Abbott. 

• Dan West, of Houston, has served as a TRS board trustee since June 2026 and is an investor at SCF Partners, a private equity firm that partners with energy services, equipment, and technology companies. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and member of the State Bar of Texas, and served as a gubernatorial appointee on the Economic Incentive Oversight Board from 2022-2026.
• Clayton Ripley, of Austin, is the vice president of Holt Aerial. He is the founder and managing director of multiple Texas-based businesses, including Town Lake Capital Management, a registered investment advisory firm regulated by the Texas State Securities Board, and BGCP Holdings.

Ripley and West will serve terms set to expire on August 31, 2031.

"We look forward to working with Trustee West in his new capacity,” said TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie. “He brings investment expertise and perspective, along with a deep commitment to the public education employees and retirees of Texas."

"Serving as chair is both a responsibility and an honor because Texas public educators have devoted their lives to opening doors for others," West said. "I know that commitment personally. Dedicated teachers in Klein ISD made a difference in my life, and I know that educators across our state count on TRS to honor their service with the care and respect they deserve."

"We also welcome Mr. Ripley's contributions as we continue managing one of the largest public pension systems in the United States, providing retirement and health care benefits to more than two million members," Guthrie said.

The board serves as TRS’ trustee of all plan assets and is responsible for the general administration and operation of the system. It is composed of nine appointed members who serve staggered terms of six years.

The appointments follow the expiration of Robert “Rob” H. Walls, Jr.’s recent term as a direct appointee of the governor and as chairman.

Guthrie added, "Rob's service to TRS members during his tenure as chair has been invaluable. He brought a wave of efficiencies to board operations that resulted in a streamlined meeting experience for all stakeholders while encouraging continued transparent governance."

Appreciation for Mr. Walls' service will be formally recognized at a future board meeting.

The recent appointments are not related to the current open nomination period for the expiring trustee position representing public school district employees. TRS is accepting nominations for eligible members to qualify as candidates for the public school district employee position on the TRS Board of Trustees. The term begins as early as September 1, 2027.