TexSTAR
      

The people behind TexSTAR.

Created by Texas, for Texas.

Maintaining fiscal responsibility, liquidity and solid investment returns are critical challenges for local governments. Government entity officials — in partnership with financial services leaders — leveraged their unique understanding of investing public funds to create TexSTAR.

Governing Board

Provides oversight to the TexSTAR program. The business and affairs of TexSTAR are managed by the Governing Board.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Provides investment management, fund accounting, transfer agency and custodial services for the pool.

Hilltop Securities Inc.

Provides administrative, marketing and participant services for the pool.

Together, these organizations bring to the TexSTAR program a proven and noted track record in local government investment pool management.

Governing & Advisory Board.

Individuals from participating government entities and qualified advisors who set program direction and oversee TexSTAR.

Monte Mercer
President

Monte Mercer

North Central Texas Council of Government
Term expires April 2029
David Pate
Vice President

David Pate

Richardson ISD
Term expires April 2027
Derrick Cotten
Treasurer

Derrick Cotten

City of Frisco
Term expires April 2028
David Medanich
Secretary

David Medanich

Hilltop Securities Inc.
Term expires April 2029
Andrew Linton
Asst. Sec./Treas.

Andrew Linton

J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Term expires April 2029
Brett Starr
Advisory Member

Brett Starr

City of Irving
Term expires April 2029
Sandy Newby
Advisory Member

Sandy Newby

Qualified Non-Participant
Term expires April 2028
Ron Whitehead
Advisory Member

Ron Whitehead

Qualified Non-Participant
Term expires April 2027

Hilltop Securities Inc.

Since 1946, HilltopSecurities has supported the bold visions of public entities across the nation. Known for its national public finance business, HilltopSecurities’ tailored approach gives municipal partners the deep industry knowledge to build thriving communities.

Of Municipal Advisors
#2 Nationally*

Consistently ranked among the top financial advisory firms in the United States in public finance.

Of Investment Banking
80+ years

Eight decades of financial expertise, innovative thinking, and uncompromising integrity in public finance.

Bond Buyer Recognition
30+ awards

More than thirty Deal of the Year honors from The Bond Buyer, recognizing leadership in complex public finance transactions.

*For the 10-year period ending Dec. 31, 2024 based on total number of issues per Ipreo MuniAnalytics.

Mary Ann Dunda
SMD, Head of Governmental Services

Mary Ann Dunda

Hilltop Securities Inc.
Mica Owens
SVP, Senior Public Funds Sales Director

Mica Owens

Hilltop Securities Inc.
Brenda Roznowski
SVP, Client Services Director

Brenda Roznowski

Hilltop Securities Inc.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management is one of the world’s largest liquidity managers, relied on for over 200 years to help clients build stronger portfolios. Rigorous credit and risk management, paired with a global investment platform, enables J.P. Morgan to deliver short-term fixed income strategies for shifting markets.

Assets Under Management
$4.0T*

A leading investment manager serving institutions, financial intermediaries, and individual investors worldwide.

Heritage of
200+ years

A heritage of investment management spanning more than two centuries.

World Market Reach
#1 Largest**

Institutional Rule 2a-7 money market fund and #1 global institutional money market fund manager in AUM.

*Based on the AUM for the Asset Management (JPMAM) division of JPMorgan Chase & Co., as of September 30, 2025.
**iMoneyNet and iMoneyNet Fund Analyzer; based on AUM data as of December 31, 2025.

Elizabeth Locksley
Senior Investment Specialist

Elizabeth Locksley

J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Christopher Mercy
TexSTAR Portfolio Manager

Christopher Mercy

J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Doris Grillo
LOGIC Portfolio Manager

Doris Grillo

J.P. Morgan Asset Management