Session
Implementing AI Tools: The TRS AI Journey—From Use Cases to Risk
A practical look at how TRS of Texas is actually implementing AI—what’s working, how it’s structured, and where the real risks are emerging.
This session explores how the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is implementing AI in a practical, governed, and scalable way. Panelists will walk through real-world use cases, the structure behind AI adoption—including governance and implementation guidelines—and lessons learned along the way. The discussion will also examine how AI introduces new considerations for fraud and cybersecurity, and how teams can proactively manage those risks.
Learn More About the Speakers
Frank Williams
Frank Williams is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with a strong academic background, extensive industry experience, and a range of advanced certifications, serving as the CISO for one of Texas’s largest retirement systems.
Michael Ressel
Michael Ressel is an Enterprise Architecture Portfolio Manager at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), where he helps plan and guide critical technology initiatives. He has contributed to the development and maturation of TRS’s AI intake, governance, and adoption practices, with a focus on aligning to agency privacy, security, and best practices. Outside of work, his personal accomplishments include the ability to whistle loudly and solve a Rubik’s Cube (slowly).
Chad Nichols
Chad Nichols is an experienced public sector leader with more than 20 years of experience in retirement operations, member services, and process improvement. As Director of Benefit Calculations at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, he leads high-performing teams, drives strategic initiatives, and collaborates across the agency to enhance service delivery, strengthen compliance, and support fraud prevention efforts. He is known for his commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement, with a strong track record of leading teams through complex change, improving processes and technology, and advancing the member experience in support of the agency’s long-term goals.
