Lehigh County Controller Glenn Eckhart will serve as a panelist during the eighth annual U.S. Private Equity Forum in New York City.

The annual forum is the leading investor-centric meeting for limited partners looking to invest in private markets. The two-day event draws over 500 investors, funds and advisers to discuss sectors and investment opportunities throughout the United States.

Eckhart, a panelist, was invited to speak on the subject of allocation plans due to his experience as Secretary of the Lehigh County Retirement Board. The panel is to discuss emerging investment possibilities and successful growth strategies for the private equity market.

“It’s an honor to have been invited to such a highly revered forum, and be given the opportunity to bring my experience in asset management and commitment to best financial practices to this discussion. I look forward to representing Lehigh County and describing the success of our investment model,” Eckhart said.

As the secretary of the Lehigh County Retirement Board, Eckhart helps manage roughly $500 million in funds and has worked to maintain an 87 percent funding ratio. He is a proponent of building portfolios with limited-down side risk.