By April Etheridge
Carbondale, IL – Southern Illinois University alumnus William Atwood provided insight into state financial matters after visiting the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.
David Yepsen, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, said Atwood's visit Tuesday fits into the theme of debt in our society that the institute has been discussing since the beginning of the academic year.
Atwood's presentation and insight into pension problems will appeal to people beyond just university employees.
Pension payments are extremely costly to this state which led to pension reforms last year. The Du Quoin native says while pensions are constitutionally protected there is also a moral obligation to fulfill these benefit promises.
Atwood has served as executive director of Illinois State Board of Investment since 2003 and has managed the restructuring of its investment portfolio, established an emerging manager program, initiated the use of a general consultant, expanded the portfolio's use of alternative investments, increased the board's shareholder activism and improved the State of Illinois' Deferred Compensation Plan.
Atwood's discussion will be held in the Student Center Auditorium Tuesday at 7:00 P.M.
