Public pension leadership requires knowledge that reaches well beyond investments. Trustees and administrators must understand fiduciary responsibility, board governance, economics, actuarial principles, retirement research, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the day-to-day work of managing an organization. They must also continue developing the communication and leadership skills needed to work effectively with fellow board members, staff, consultants, policymakers, and plan participants. With those responsibilities in mind, TEXPERS has assembled a reading list of 15 books published or scheduled for publication in 2026. The selections cover four broad areas:

• Governance, leadership and board stewardship
• Investments and economics
• Actuarial science and retirement research
• Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and administration

Not every selection was written specifically for public pension systems. However, each book addresses a subject that can help trustees and administrators ask better questions, evaluate risk more thoughtfully, or better understand the environment in which public retirement systems operate.

The list currently includes eleven published books and four titles scheduled for release later in 2026. Because publishers occasionally revise release dates, TEXPERS will update the online list when new information becomes available.

Explore the Complete Reading List

The interactive reading list includes publication information, links to publishers, and a brief “Use it for” explanation that connects each selection to public pension leadership.

View the 15 Books Public Pension Leaders Should Read in 2026

The list is provided for educational purposes. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by TEXPERS or legal, actuarial, cybersecurity or investment advice.

About the Author: Allen Jones is the director of communications and event marketing for TEXPERS, where he leads editorial strategy, member communications, conference marketing, and digital engagement initiatives for Texas public employee retirement systems. He began his journalism career in 1998 and has worked in journalism and communications for more than 25 years.