Watch event here live online tonight-- or come to the SIU Student Center Auditorium

Bill Atwood oversees the investment and management of more than $10 billion of Illinois public pension funds for state employees, judges and legislators. His voice represents thousands of people during the pension reform debate in Springfield. Atwood considers these pensions a guaranteed right and that pension fund managers are legally and morally obligated to protect, fight for and preserve these assets in the years ahead. His government service also includes working with U.S. Sen. Charles Percy and Illinois Governors Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar. He also held key managerial roles in registered investment advisory firms and served as a director of the Chicago Stock Exchange. A DuQuoin native, Atwood is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and the University of Chicago.