TRS has a very active engagement program that advances reforms to strengthen corporate governance, align executive pay with long-term performance, and promote sustainable business practices at select companies in which it is a shareowner. In fact, TRS is among the most active institutional investors in terms of filing shareowner proposals and also engaging with portfolio companies through letters and dialogue, often in collaboration with other institutional investors.
The Corporate Governance and Responsible Investment program, within the Bureau of Asset Management of the New York City Comptroller's Office, develops and implements TRS' shareowner initiatives programs, including engagement with management and directors at portfolio companies. Corporate Governance staff present the proposed programs to the TRS' Proxy Committee for review and approval. Most initiatives are done jointly with the other four public pension systems.