TRS News

TRS Announces the Retirement of Executive Director Dr. L. C. (Buster) Evans

Teachers Retirement System of Georgia Announces Leadership Transition

September 26, 2025

ATLANTA, GA – The Teachers Retirement System (TRS) of Georgia has announced the retirement of Executive Director Dr. L. C. (Buster) Evans, effective November 1, 2025. Dr. Evans, who has served in the role since September 2016, will be succeeded by Deputy Executive Director Dr. Jason Branch, who will assume the role of Executive Director on the same date. Dr. Evans’s leadership has been invaluable to TRS and its members over the past nine years. A lifelong educator with a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Georgia (UGA), Dr. Evans retired from public education in 2014 after over 30 years of service. Prior to his time at TRS, he served as a superintendent at Forsyth and Bleckley County School Systems, and as an assistant commissioner for the Georgia Department of Corrections. He also previously served for eight years as a TRS Trustee. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to enhancing the system’s transparency and strategic planning, and his effective work with state leadership and legislators has promoted awareness of the system’s value to the educational profession. He has proven to be a remarkable orator and highly-visible leader who led the system through several macroeconomic downturns, challenging legislative changes, and technological paradigm shifts.

“It has been an honor to serve the educators of Georgia,” said Dr. Evans. “I have full confidence in Dr. Branch and his ability to lead TRS into the future. His deep roots in the Georgia education community and his proven leadership will ensure a seamless transition and continued success for the system.”

Dr. Branch, who joined the TRS team on July 1, 2025, as Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Executive Director, brings a wealth of experience and a similar background to the role. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from The University of Southern Mississippi and has been a successful educational leader for many years. For 13 years, he served as the superintendent of the Oconee County School System. Prior to that, he was a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal in four Georgia school systems. Dr. Branch is also no stranger to the TRS mission, having served as Vice-Chairman on the TRS Board of Trustees since 2018. He has also held a number of leadership capacities at both the state and national level, including President of the Georgia School Superintendents Association and as a member of the Investment and Joint Management Committees for TRS. He was a three-time finalist for Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year award and is the 2019 recipient of the GSSA Bill Barr Leadership Award and the 2023 UGA School of Education Lifetime Achievement Award.

The transition to Dr. Branch’s leadership is expected to bring both continuity and innovation to the system. With their shared backgrounds in education and leadership, both Dr. Evans and Dr. Branch have a deep understanding of the needs of Georgia’s teachers and public education personnel. Dr. Branch is known for his work in leadership development, strategic planning, and technology, which will be instrumental in building upon the strong foundation Dr. Evans has fostered. His reputation within the education community is one of high regard, and his successful leadership experience will serve the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia well for years to come.

“I am honored and excited to step into this role,” said Dr. Branch. “Dr. Evans has built a legacy of trust and stability, and I am committed to continuing that work. I look forward to working with the TRS team and our members to provide innovative solutions while maintaining the consistency and confidence they have come to expect from their retirement system.”

This planned succession ensures that the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia will continue its mission to provide secure and sustainable retirement benefits to its members, managed with prudence and care.

About TRS:
The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible public-school teachers and other educational personnel in Georgia. TRS is committed to providing secure and sustainable retirement benefits to its members and managing the System's assets with prudence and care.