Charles "Chuck" Valdes, chairman of the California Public Employees Retirement System's investment committee, has won MML's Lifetime Achievement Award this year for keeping CalPERS' investments ahead of the curve, using minority-owned investment managers and for his commitment to shareholder activism. MML has also selected the nominees for its 7th Annual Public Funds Awards; turn to page 14 to see who was nominated. Winners will be announced at a ceremony and dinner on March 2 in Huntington Beach, Calif.>> Lifetime Achievement Award>> Large Public Plan of the Year Nominees>> Mid-Sized Public Plan of the Year Nominees>> Small Public Plan of the Year Nominees>> Consultant of the Year Nominees>> Marketer of the Year Nominees>> Equity Manager of the Year Nominees>> Bond Manager of the Year Nominees>> Emerging Manager of the Year Nominees>> Alternatives Manager of the Year Nominees