Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, named Neuberger Berman, Smith Asset Management Group and Wentworth Hauser & Violich as finalists in its shortlist search for a active domestic small-cap growth manager to run about $140 million, said Bill Puckett, CIO. The board of the $7.3 billion system is seeking a manager to replace Artemis Investment Management, which was terminated earlier this year for performance. Ivan Thornton, COO of Artemis, said the firm doesn't comment on client matters. The money has been parked in a Russell 2000 Growth fund run by State Street Global Advisors.
Finalists will make presentations at the board's Jan. 26 meeting, and the board will likely make a selection then. The system's consultant, gregory.w.group, is assisting.