Pension Industry Careers: Job Listings, Hiring, and Retirement Announcements
NCPERS regularly highlights the latest industry job listings, new hires, and retirement announcements on behalf of its member pension funds, stakeholders, and service providers. Find our latest roundup of RFPs here.
If your organization has news about its staff or is looking to hire, please send announcements to membership@ncpers.org for consideration.
Public Pension Job Listings
Alameda County Employees Retirement Association (ACERA)
The Assistant CEO serves as the second-in-command to the Chief Executive Officer; acts as an intermediary for the Chief Executive Officer in highly sensitive and critical matters; is responsible for Accounting and other general operations; and performs related duties as required. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of ACERA’s various functions (i.e., Accounting, Facilities Management, Record Keeping, and Special Projects). The incumbent provides leadership for ACERA’s management team and professional staff to adhere to policies established by the Board of Retirement and acts for the Chief Executive Officer, ACERA in his or her absence. This position will be a Provisional appointment.
Salary: $209,289-$294,486
Closing Date: May 1, 2026 5:00pm PT
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
------------------------------------
California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
The CalPERS Legal Office is currently seeking an Attorney V in the Health, Contract Operations & Information Security Advice unit. The Legal Office represents CalPERS in litigation and provides formal and informal legal advice regarding all legal issues at CalPERS, including the areas of benefit and membership entitlement, health care, fiduciary matters, ethics, contracts, information technology, information security, data privacy, public records, operations, open meetings and investment-related matters.
This position will run until filled with the following cutoff dates for review: 5/10/2026, 5/24/2026, 6/7/2026, and every two weeks until filled.
Salary: $12,659.00 - $16,883.00 per month
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
------------------------------------
City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System (COAERS)
Director of Private Equity (PE)
The COAERS mission is to provide our members with their promised benefits. We are driven to be best-in-class, passionate about service excellence, and committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can excel by leveraging our skillset, experiences, and backgrounds.
Reporting to the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), the Director of Private Equity (PE) performs advanced private equity investment work and serves as a senior member of the investment team. You will be responsible for sourcing and evaluating private equity investment opportunities, conducting due diligence and financial analyses, and managing the private equity portfolio – along with other tasks as assigned. As a seasoned investment professional, you will lead projects and initiatives, requiring a high degree of critical thinking and superb communication and negotiation skills. You will work closely with COAERS’ leadership team, and will collaborate with internal teams, external consultants, and other interest holders.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
--------------------------
COAERS is seeking an Investment Analyst to join our organization. Reporting to the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), the Investment Analyst provides analytical and operational support to ensure effective management of the COAERS investment program. You will assist in managing plan assets in accordance with the Investment Policy Statement, including asset allocation support, portfolio monitoring, and manager selection and oversight. You will support performance reporting, financial reporting, operations management, and compliance monitoring. You will also coordinate investment-related policies, procedures, and initiatives, and collaborate with multiple departments to meet information and reporting needs.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
-----------------------------------------
Dallas Police & Fire Pension System (DPFP)
The Dallas Police & Fire Pension System (DPFP) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to oversee the financial operations of a $2B+ pension system serving approximately 11,000 active and retired police officers and firefighters. This is a unique opportunity to apply your financial expertise in a mission-driven environment where your work directly supports those who serve the community.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the CFO leads all accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting functions, while partnering with executive leadership and the Board of Trustees. Key responsibilities include overseeing audits, preparing the ACFR, managing actuarial and investment-related financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with GASB standards.
Salary Range: $150,000 - $250,000
Closing Date: Until Filled (review of applications begins May 8, 2026)
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
-----------------------------------------
District of Columbia Retirement Board (DCRB)
Quality, Compliance & Project Analyst
The Quality, Compliance, & Projects Analyst performs duties that require competency and experience in the areas of risk management, business and operational processes, internal control design and implementation, internal/external auditing of both process and data, reporting, and regulatory compliance. This position is responsible for both creating an effective structure to monitor Benefits Department processes, as well as the tools used by the Quality, Compliance, & Projects Unit. In addition, this position will deliver training on business-process execution and will develop and monitor measurements for other units within the Benefits Department, while managing all projects that touch Benefits processes. This position is responsible for proposing and assisting in the creation and implementation of policies that comply with DC and Federal regulatory information.
DCRB is responsible for the investment of funds and administration of retirement benefits for approximately 15,000 retirees and 10,000 members of the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Plan and the District of Columbia Police Officers and Firefighters' Retirement Plan.
Salary Range: $81,941-- $130,852 (Grade 08)
Closing Date: Until Filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
-------------------------------------------------
Controller
This District of Columbia Retirement Board is seeking a Controller to collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer in administering the financial affairs and accounting operations of DCRB. This position manages the day-to-day accounting operations, manages the activities of a small accounting staff, and reports directly to the CFO.
DCRB is responsible for the investment of funds and administration of retirement benefits for approximately 15,000 retirees and 10,000 members of the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Plan and the District of Columbia Police Officers and Firefighters' Retirement Plan.
The annualized full-time salary range for this position is $144,505 - $230,760 (DCRB Grade 11)
Posting will remain open until filled.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
---------------------------------------------
Houston Police Officers’ Pension System
Retirement Benefits Specialist
We are a small organization seeking a personable, detail-oriented individual to join our team in the downtown Houston area as a full-time Benefits Specialist. This position is responsible for the calculation, processing, and communication of retirement benefits for members of a governmental, defined benefit pension plan. Primary duties include assisting members with benefit-related questions, meeting one-on-one with retiring members, and processing benefit and disability payments. Additional duties include maintaining databases, creating/updating spreadsheets and documents, and assisting with special projects as needed. There are minimal remote-work opportunities with this position.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in retirement plan administration.
- Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team player.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.
- Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel and Word.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong ethics and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
If you are passionate about retirement plan administration and possess the necessary skills and qualifications, we invite you to join our dynamic team. Please submit your resume, along with a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.
We offer a competitive salary, paid vacation, sick leave, medical and dental insurance, 457 and SEP plans.
Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to mailbox@hpops.org.
---------------------------------------------
Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS)
Chief Financial Officer
CBIZ Talent Solutions is proud to partner with our client, Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) in finding their next Chief Financial Officer. Established in 1942, MainePERS, an independent agency of the State of Maine, administers retirement benefits for thousands of Maine’s public employees, including teachers, legislators, judges, state workers, and participating local government employees. The system administers four open defined benefit plans, a Group Life Insurance Program, and a program of defined contribution retirement plans. Employers include the State of Maine and six of its component units, 234 local school districts, and 335 other participating local districts.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and as a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for overall planning, organizing, directing and overseeing daily operations of MainePERS Financial Services and Employer Reporting programs. The CFO partners with the CEO and executive team to drive financial strategy, innovation, and operational excellence. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO plays a critical role in advising the CEO and Board of Trustees, staffing the Finance and Audit Committees, fostering and maintaining relationships with participating employers, and participating in leadership and strategic planning processes. The CFO will help foster a member-centric, success-oriented and accountable environment within the organization. The CFO oversees a staff of ~ 30 professional and administrative staff.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
------------------------------
CBIZ Talent Solutions is proud to partner with our client, Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) in finding their next General Counsel. Established in 1942, MainePERS, an independent agency of the State of Maine, administers retirement benefits for thousands of Maine’s public employees, including teachers, legislators, judges, state workers, and participating local government employees. The system administers four open defined benefit plans, a Group Life Insurance Program, and a program of defined contribution retirement plans. Employers include the State of Maine and six of its component units, 234 local school districts, and 335 other participating local districts.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and as a key member of the executive leadership team, the General Counsel (GC) provides comprehensive legal counsel, advice, and assistance to MainePERS across all areas of operations. The General Counsel oversees teams of professional and administrative staff, ensures the system operates effectively within the law, supports the Board of Trustees, and serves as strategic advisor to the CEO on governance, fiduciary, legislative, and investment-related legal matters.
Follow this link to learn more and how to apply.
-----------------------------------------
Montgomery County Employee Retirement Plans
Retirement Analyst / Senior Retirement Analyst
The Montgomery County Employee Retirement Plans (MCERP) is looking for an experienced Senior Retirement Analyst who is keenly interested in working in a high-volume and fast-paced work environment aimed to serve our local government and workforce. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently to successfully perform analytical and advisory functions concerning the County's defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans, and provide advanced-level retirement counsel and service to all customers and stakeholders.
This position is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the County's various retirement plans, as described below. You will provide accurate and timely responses to incoming requests from retirees, current employees, stakeholders, and other beneficiary recipients as MCERP receives minimally 150 requests per week via telephone, email, and walk-in clients. You will also share your enthusiasm for retirement planning by leading seminars, presentations, and events for County employees.
This position may be underfilled as a Retirement Analyst, Grade N23. Once the employee is at full performance and meets the minimum requirements of the Proficiency Advancement process, they are eligible for a non-competitive promotion to the Senior Retirement Analyst level, Grade N26.
Retirement Analyst: $76,742 - $106,772
Senior Retirement Analyst: $87,235 - 134,054
Closing Date: Open until filled.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
-------------------------------------------------
Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System (NPERS)
Director
The Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System is seeking a new Director. NPERS administers six separate employee retirement plans and one deferred compensation plan for the State of Nebraska. With an annual budget of $10M and 65 FTE, the organization serves approximately 175,840 members.
We view the transition to a new Director as a strategic opportunity. By any measure, we are a high-performing, fiduciarily responsible enterprise. Governor Pillen has appointed an experienced board of nine community leaders and the Nebraska Investment Counsel CIO, who bring diverse backgrounds, a capacity for robust strategic analysis, high-level oversight, and a collaborative spirit. The key responsibilities of our Director are to forge a strong partnership with the board, deliver data and analysis that informs strategy and innovation, provide visible and effective public leadership, motivate and lead our staff, and serve our members.
Our dedicated staff carries decades of knowledge and expertise and represents a vital resource. We value their continued service but recognize that key retirements are foreseeable. To this end, we will ask our new Director to begin with a comprehensive organizational assessment and recommend opportunities for improvement and growth. Ensuring that our Director's focus on strategy, public advocacy, and innovation is complemented by strong operational leadership will be a key outcome.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
-------------------------------------------
New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS)/NYS Common Retirement Fund (NYS CRF)
Director of Public Equities
NYSLRS/NYS CRF is looking for a Director of Public Equities. Under the direction of the Chief Investment Officer and Deputy Comptroller (CIO) and Deputy Chief Investment Officer (DCIO), the New York State Common Retirement Fund Director of Public Equities will manage and oversee the team dedicated to the diversified mix of public equity securities through internally and externally managed passive index portfolios and actively managed external investment managers. This position may be based in the Albany or New York City office, with the expectation that the selected candidate will be required to work onsite with the Public Equities team in the Albany office on a regular basis.
Closing date: 5/4/2026
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
---------------------------------------------
North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS)
Benefits and Insurance Manager
Help lead the benefit programs that support the people who serve North Dakota. The North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS) is hiring a Benefits & Insurance Manager to lead key benefits operations serving public employees, retirees, and their families statewide. This is a high-impact opportunity for professionals with experience in employee benefits, insurance administration, health plan operations, and/or retirement systems. Join a mission-driven team where your work will have visible, statewide impact.
As the Benefits & Insurance Manager, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership for NDPERS group insurance programs while leading high-performing Member Services and Benefits Enrollment teams. You’ll have the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and lead insurance programs that shape the future of public service benefits all while working in a supportive and mission-driven environment.
Closing Date: April 12, 2026 11:59 pm CST.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
------------------------------------------
Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS)
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is now accepting online applications for the Director of Internal Audit recruitment. This recruitment is open to the public and will remain open until the Director of Internal Audit vacancy is filled. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the needs of OCERS have been met. The first round of application reviews is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
The Director of Internal Audit will report directly to the Audit Committee with functional support from the Chief Executive Officer and will oversee department direct reports. This position will have the direct responsibility of coordinating internal audits to ensure that OCERS has a comprehensive system of financial and operational internal controls in place to minimize risks and substantiate overall system compliance. This position will assist the Board of Retirement and management in the effective discharge of their fiduciary responsibilities and will be expected to uphold the highest standards of accountability, plan sponsor focus and system efficiency. The Director of Internal Audit will be expected to set the scope of work and audit objectives while ensuring audit goals are met in a timely manner.
Salary Range: $156,832.00 - $243,089.60 Annually
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
------
Director of Enterprise Project Management Office
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is now accepting online applications for the Director of Enterprise Project Management Office. Applications for this position will end May 4, 2026.
The Director of EPMO is responsible for overseeing the OCERS enterprise project portfolio, driving strategic planning initiatives, and facilitating the development, alignment, selection, prioritization, and execution of the organization’s Strategic and Business Plans. This role provides OCERS management and project leads with methodologies, standards, and tools for planning, executing, and managing projects, while also championing innovation, cross-agency collaboration, and enterprise-wide process improvement. The Director is also responsible for coordinating specialized and sensitive projects that address OCERS-wide issues involving multiple departments and outside agencies.
Salary Range: $156,831.00 - $243,089.00 Annually
Closing date: 5/4/2026
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
------
Investment Analyst (Portfolio Analytics)
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS)is now accepting on-line applications to fill the position of Investment Analyst (Portfolio Analytics). Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis.
The Investment Analyst (Portfolio Analytics) is an entry-level role designed to develop foundational skills in institutional investing. This position focuses on quantitative analysis, data management, and operational support, forming the analytical backbone of the investment team. The Investment Analyst will leverage data, technology, and emerging AI and agentic AI tools to support investment processes, enhance efficiency, and improve insight generation. The role provides broad exposure to investment strategies, teams, and processes, preparing individuals for advancement into more specialized investment roles.
Salary Range: $94,531.00 - $137,069.00 Annually
Closing date: Until Filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
------
Senior Human Resources Analyst
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our team! OCERS is seeking a motivated and experienced professional to join our team as a Senior Human Resources Staff Analyst. The Human Resources department is a fast-paced, hands-on, and essential component to the agency's smooth operation, with priorities that evolve as agency needs change. This role is well-suited for someone ready to take the next step in their career—someone who can adapt quickly, manage a high-volume workload, lead with clarity while supporting the transformation of the department, all while upholding OCERS’ high standards of service.
Under the general direction of the Human Resources Director, the Senior Human Resources Staff Analyst plays a pivotal leadership role within the department. This position assists with leading the HR team and assists with the management of the daily operations of the Human Resources Department.
Responsibilities include overseeing key HR functions such as employee and labor relations, classification and compensation, benefits and leave administration, recruiting, and policy development. The Senior HR Staff Analyst is instrumental in implementing strategic initiatives, improving operational effectiveness, and supporting workforce planning and succession efforts. This position also leads cross-functional HR projects and serves as a subject matter expert in employment law, HR best practices, and agency policy.
Salary: $101,620 - $157,513
Closing Date: Until Filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
---------------------------------------------------
School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS )
Executive Director
The School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS or System), located in Columbus, Ohio, with over $21 billion in net assets, is searching for an Executive Director to join this highly regarded statewide public retirement system.
SERS is widely recognized for its effective governance and delivery of high-quality member service. The System is financially strong, with a funding ratio of 79% and a disciplined funding policy that positions SERS on a clear path to full funding and long-term financial sustainability.
The position is available as a result of Richard Stensrud’s upcoming retirement following almost nine years of service as Executive Director. In SERS’ 89-year history, there have only been seven Executive Directors.
The Executive Director, reporting to the Retirement Board and to the Board Chair administratively, is the central point of responsibility and accountability for $36.2 million administrative budget. Investment expense for FY2025 totaled $117.7 million. The relationship between the Board and management is positive and collaborative with a high level of trust and confidence built on transparency and accountability. The Leadership Team is made up of highly experienced and accomplished executives, each bringing significant institutional knowledge, with an average tenure of more than 10 years.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
----------------------------------------
State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio)
Deputy Executive Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer
The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is seeking an experienced finance executive to serve as Deputy Executive Director, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position provides strategic leadership over all financial functions of STRS Ohio, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting and tax, employer reporting, investment accounting, and investment performance measurement.
Established in 1920 and serving Ohio’s educators, STRS Ohio is one of the nation’s largest retirement systems, serving nearly 550,000 active, inactive, and retired public-school teachers, and university faculty members, managing approximately $96.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, in assets and paying more than $7 billion in benefits annually.
Salary: $241,874 - $314,436
Closing Date: Until Filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply
----------------------------------------
San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund (SAFPPF)
General Counsel
The San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund (SAFPPF) is seeking an experienced and mission-driven General Counsel to serve as the Fund’s chief legal advisor and a key partner to the Board of Trustees and Executive Director.
This role offers a unique opportunity to support one of the nation’s premier public safety pension systems and to help safeguard the retirement security of San Antonio’s firefighters and police officers. The Fund is seeking a legal professional who communicates clearly, analyzes complex issues with precision, understands investment structures and trends, and thrives in a public sector environment with a high degree of independence and responsibility.
The General Counsel oversees all legal and compliance matters affecting the Fund, providing guidance across a wide range of practice areas, including fiduciary and ethical duties, governance, pension and benefits law, securities, investments, real estate, employment, domestic relations orders, open government, and public information.
Interested parties should email: Joe@g3publicrelations.com
Follow this link for more details.
----------------------------------------
San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund (SAFPPF)
CBIZ Talent Solutions is proud to assist San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund (SAFPPF) in finding their next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). SAFPPF is a single employer defined benefit pension plan covering all firefighters and police officers employed full-time by the City of San Antonio and provides for service, disability, and death benefits for eligible members and their survivors.
The CFO reports to the Executive Director and is the Fund’s senior financial executive. As a strategic advisor to the CEO and a trusted resource to the Board, the CFO is responsible for the overall development, leadership, and maintenance of the Fund’s financial and accounting functions. The CFO ensures robust internal controls, accurate and timely financial and tax reporting, sound budgeting and forecasting, effective investment accounting and reconciliation, and strong collaboration across departments and with external partners (auditors, actuaries, custodial bank, investment advisors, and the City).
The CFO is responsible for providing clear, decision-useful financial information and analysis, leading the finance and accounting functions, processing accounts payable/receivable, managing the general ledger, financial reporting, compliance, and budget.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
----------------------------------------
San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA)
Pension Administration System Assistant Manager
We're hiring a Pension Administration System Assistant Manager to join our Information Services Department! Are you process-driven, detail-oriented, and collaborative? Do you thrive in a mission-driven environment where adaptability and strong technical communication are key? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
It’s an exciting time to be part of our team. This position offers excellent compensation, outstanding benefits, and the chance to contribute to a high-performing investment program.
We will begin reviewing applications on April 2, 2026 at which time we will begin phone interviews on April 20, 2026 for those candidates most closely meeting the needs of SBCERA.
Salary: $113,588.80 - $168,667.20 Annually
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
--------------------------------------------------------------
San Francisco Employees' Retirement System
Managing Director of Public Markets
Alliance Resource Consulting is proud to partner with our client, the San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS), in recruiting its next Managing Director of Public Markets (MD). Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer, the MD is responsible for overseeing public market asset class investing and management for the Trust Fund. The MD leads the Global Public Equities, Global Fixed Income, and Sustainability and Corporate Governance teams and guides public market investing, portfolio construction and risk management. As a senior member of the investment leadership team, the MD will be responsible for managing financial, policy, operational and administrative issues. The MD must be a strong investor who is goal-oriented, organized, and can carry out a complex role with integrity and clarity. The MD must also demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships.
SFERS is dedicated to serving the retirement needs of over 83,000 active, vested and retired employees of the City and County of San Francisco. Working for SFERS offers a rare opportunity in the institutional investment world. The organization is uniquely positioned with an asset size and team scale that is large enough to command access to premier, global investment opportunities, yet lean enough to remain agile. This allows for seamless collaboration across asset classes and giving every team member a comprehensive, high-level perspective on the total fund's strategy.
Salary: up to $289,640 and $369,668
Closing date: May 4, 2026
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
----------------------------------
Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
The Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) is hiring a new Records Manager. TMRS is a trusted partner to more than 940 cities across Texas, providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to over 270,000 public servants and their families. At TMRS, every role supports our mission: providing secure lifetime income to our members. Our work gives back to communities across Texas, and we take pride in doing it with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
The Records Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading a comprehensive records management program and responsible for managing a team that ensures the proper creation, classification, maintenance, protection, retrieval, and disposition of organizational records across all physical and electronic formats.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Closing date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
----------------------------------
Announcements
San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund Appoints Gail Jensen as Executive Director
Jensen succeeds Warren Schott, who retires after 28 years of service
The San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has appointed Gail A. Jensen as its next Executive Director.
Jensen steps into the role following the retirement of Warren J. Schott, who concludes 28 years of exceptional service to the Fund and its members. Under Schott’s leadership, the Fund grew from $1 billion in 2003 to $4.5 billion today — a testament to his steady hand for the fund’s disciplined governance, strong investment strategy, and commitment to San Antonio’s firefighters, police officers, retirees, and their families.
Jensen has been a trusted leader as SAFPPF’s general counsel for nearly a decade, bringing extensive experience in pension administration, governance, and member service.
“Gail has earned the trust of this Board, our members, and our staff,” said SAFPPF Board Chairman Shawn Griffin. “She is exceptionally well‑prepared to guide the Fund into its next chapter.”
Jensen shared her appreciation for the opportunity to serve:
“It is an honor to support the men and women who protect our city. Warren leaves behind a legacy of strength and stability, and I look forward to building on that foundation while continuing to modernize our operations and serve our members with excellence.”
Please join us in congratulating Gail on her new role and in thanking Warren for his decades of dedicated service.
------------------------
New Mexico State Investment Council Announces New Chief Investment Officer
Kristin Varela returns to New Mexico from Hawaiʻi to lead the state’s sovereign wealth fund.
The New Mexico State Investment Council (SIC) is proud to announce the appointment of its new Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Kristin Varela. Kristin is a seasoned leader and brings nearly two decades of experience in financial markets and public pension asset management.
As CIO, Kristin will oversee all aspects of the Council’s investment activities, from portfolio construction and risk management to performance measurement and compliance. She will collaborate closely with the Council’s executive team, staff, and external advisors to ensure that investment decisions are aligned with the organization’s core mission, values, and fiduciary responsibilities. Kristin will work to optimize returns, safeguard assets, and deliver sustained value to the people and communities of New Mexico.
"New Mexico shaped who I am, and I’m proud to return home and take on this role. I look forward engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and community members to advance the Council’s strategic priorities and contribute to the prosperity and financial well-being of New Mexico," Chief Investment Officer Kristin Varela said.
“We are glad to welcome Kristin back to New Mexico. Our team is confident that this appointment will further strengthen the SIC’s ability to serve as a trusted steward of public resources and foster innovation in public sector investment management,” State Investment Officer Jon Clark said.
he SIC’s CIO search was led by Dr. Ashby Monk, Executive Director of the Stanford Research Initiative on Long-Term Investing, in partnership with Madison Gesser, Founder of Fram Partners, an executive search firm focused exclusively on institutional asset owners. Ashby and Madison conducted a comprehensive, global search process, evaluating hundreds of candidates from leading asset owners, including internationally recognized sovereign wealth funds, public pensions, endowments, foundations, and other institutional investors.
Kristin Varela previously served as Chief Investment Officer of the Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaiʻi, where she led the investment program for the system’s approximately $26 billion pension portfolio. There, she worked closely with the organization's Board of Trustees on long term investment strategy, asset allocation, and risk oversight across public and private markets.
Before joining ERS, she spent eight years with the Public Employees’ Retirement Association of New Mexico, where she served in several progressive leadership roles, including Interim Chief Investment Officer. In that role she oversaw a $17 billion pension fund and an $850 million deferred compensation plan during a period of leadership transition, working closely with the Board and executive leadership to stabilize the investment program and strengthen governance and reporting practices.
Kristin is a multi-generational New Mexican with deep roots across the state. She comes from a family of ranchers, where hard work, stewardship of the land, and service to others were part of daily life. Kristin is a graduate of Pecos High School and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from New Mexico Highlands University. She has been recognized within the institutional investment industry as a member of Markets Group’s Elite 100 Institutional Investors list in 2024 and 2026 and as a three-time finalist for Chief Investment Officer’s Industry Innovation Awards. Kristin is also among the youngest and one of the few Latina chief investment officers currently serving in the U.S. public pension system