Thursday, May 14 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration
8:00 AM
Arizona Retirement Update: ASRS, PSPRS, SECURE 2.0, and Employer Strategy
9:00 – 9:50 AM | 1 CPE
Speakers:
Paul Matson, Executive Director, ASRS
Clark Partridge, Interim Assistant Administrator, PSPRS
Charlie Francis, Senior Consultant, PARS
Carter Kimberly, Senior Consultant, PARS
ASRS and PSPRS continue to shape some of the most important financial and administrative decisions facing Arizona public employers. In this session, Paul Matson, Executive Director of ASRS, will speak about ASRS programs, helpful statistics, customer service, fiscal status, and employer considerations, and Clarke Partridge, Interim Assistant Administrator of PSPRS, will provide an update on PSPRS issues and the implications for Arizona local governments. Their presentations will give attendees a timely overview of the two retirement systems that most directly affect public employers across the state.
The session will also address key compliance developments affecting employer-sponsored 401(a) and 457(b) plans, including important SECURE 2.0 changes such as mandatory Roth catch-up requirements for certain higher-earning employees and the new age 60–63 super catch-up contribution tier. Additional discussion will cover Arizona’s China divestment requirements and related administrative considerations for plan sponsors. Finally, Charlie Francis and Carter Kimberly of PARS will discuss how Section 115 trusts can help employers manage pension contribution volatility, support budget stability, and strengthen long-term financial resilience.
State Treasurer Presentation
10:00 – 10:50 AM | 1 CPE
OBBBA No Tax on Overtime: Key Employer Considerations and Next Steps
11:00 – 11:50 AM | 1 CPE
Speaker:
Leah Davis, CPA, Partner, HR and Payroll Services, Abdo
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) went into effect in 2025, creating mandatory, retroactive tracking and reporting requirements that have the potential to reshape your entire payroll and employment ecosystem. This session moves beyond high-level regulatory overviews of the legislation to give you insights into the real operational impacts and W-2 reporting considerations you’ll need to understand to ensure compliance, address employee tax filing needs, and prevent painful year-end adjustments.
Lunch
12:00 - 12:50 PM
Disaster Preparedness
1:00 - 1:50 PM | 1 CPE
Speakers:
Jacob Johnson, Emergency Manager, Scottsdale
Whitney Pitt, Business Services Director, Scottsdale
In an era of increasing natural disasters, public health emergencies, and economic disruptions, government finance officers play a critical role in ensuring community resilience. This session explores dimensions of disaster preparedness, equipping participants with practical strategies to plan, respond, and recover effectively. The session will also highlight best practices in interdepartmental coordination to support rapid and transparent financial decision-making under pressure. Through expert insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how proactive planning can mitigate risk, accelerate recovery, and safeguard public resources.
Public Assistance: Best Practices for the Grants & Finance Team
2:00 - 2:50 PM | 1 CPE
Speaker:
Ian M. Keogh, Public Assistance Branch Manager, AZ DEMA
This presentation will walk the audience through a high-level summary of the Public Assistance program, the requirements of the State and Local governments to manage PA documentation effectively, and end with actionable procedures to put into place for successful program management.
Concludes
2:50 PM
Information
This training is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday May 14, 2026 at The Post in Mesa, AZ (26 N. Macdonald St, Mesa, AZ 85201).
5 CPE's
$45 Members
$60 Non-Members
**includes 5 CPE credits, there will be a continental breakfast and coffee provided, as well as lunch. Parking: Included.
Online registration will close on May 8, 2026.
Advance registrants unable to attend the conference are eligible to receive a partial refund of your registration fee by sending a written request on or before May 8, 2026. If a written cancellation request is received before May 8, 2026, a $10 processing fee will be charged regardless of the reason for cancellation (including medical emergencies). Registrants who are unable to attend the training may appoint a substitute. There will be no refunds for any cancellation after May 8, 2026. Cancellations must be emailed to league@azleague.org. Cancellations will not be accepted by telephone.