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
Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS)
The mission of Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) is to deliver unparalleled service in providing retirement benefits to Arizona’s community of police officers, firefighters, corrections’ officers, judicial and elected officials.
Reporting to the Administrator, the main function of the Deputy Administrator will be oversight of the operations of internal business units, including supervision of subordinate personnel. The selected candidate is expected to be flexible, adaptable and responsive to the needs of the entire organization, and able to manage tactical and strategic issues simultaneously. Other functions may include, but are not limited to, recommendations to the Administrator for changes to PSPRS policies, procedures and operations; liaison to the System’s external consultants and stakeholders; and the management special projects.
Salary range: $160,000 - $225,000
Closing Date: Until Filled (review of applications begins July 10, 2026)
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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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.
Salary range: $12,659 - $16,883 per month
Closing Date: 9/27/2026
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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The CalPERS Legal Office seeks to fill multiple Attorney vacancies across four units to represent CalPERS in litigation and provide 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.
1 Attorney in the Pension and Tax Unit
Advise staff on a variety of legal issues relating to CalPERS program divisions, including Customer Services and Support, Benefit Services, Financial Office, Pension Contracts and Prefunding Programs, Actuarial Office, Office of Audit Services, Public Affairs, Legislative Affairs, and Strategy, Projects & Data Divisions.
1 Attorney III, and 1 Attorney IV in the Health, Contract Operations, and Information Security Advice Unit
Advise leadership and program staff in the Health Policy and Benefits Branch regarding healthcare matters confronted under the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA), including statutory interpretation, establishment and maintenance of contracts with Health Maintenance Organization plans, a self-funded Preferred Provider Organization administrator, the pharmacy benefit manager, the self-funded long-term care program, and health care reform.
1 Attorney in the Investments Advice Unit
Advising leadership and team members in the negotiation of investment transactions and investment related contracts pertaining to requests for proposals.
2 Attorneys, 1 Attorney IV, and 1 Attorney V in the Litigation and Hearings Unit
Initiates and represents CalPERS in administrative and court proceedings by preparing cases by identifying and interviewing witnesses; securing and evaluating evidence; preparing arguments; law and motion, mediation, organizing case presentations and conducting trials. These positions may require travel to hearings.
Closing Date: 10/5/2026
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
C.E.A. - Health Plan Contracts Chief
California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is currently seeking a talented leader to become Chief of the Health Plan Administration Section.
Under the general direction of the HPRA Division Chief, the Health Plan Contracts Chief has full management responsibility for the Health Plan Administration Section within the Health Plan Research and Administration Division. The position provides strategic leadership for health plan contract administration, benefit design, pharmacy benefit management, and related policy implementation. The incumbent oversees team members, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and advises division leadership on complex health policy, program operations, and compliance matters. The role supports CalPERS’ health benefits program through planning, oversight, and recommendations that affect member access, cost, quality, and program performance.
This is an incentive-eligible position. The incumbent will be eligible for an annual incentive award of up to 15% of salary.
Salary range: $10,349 - $12,526 per month
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Do you enjoy tackling complex legal issues while helping shape the direction of an organization? Are you a strategic legal leader who enjoys partnering with executives and senior management on sensitive and high-impact matters? If so, the Deputy General Counsel for Investments and Contracts role at CalPERS may be right for you!
The Legal Office represents CalPERS in litigation and provides legal advice regarding all legal issues at CalPERS, including the areas of health care, fiduciary matters, ethics, contracts, public records, and open meetings and investment related matters.
Under the general direction of the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel is a senior operational leader in the General Counsel's office. The Deputy General Counsel also performs complex and sensitive legal work for CalPERS, provides legal advice to CalPERS executive and senior management staff, and assists in policy development and strategic planning.
Salary range: $13,472 - $20,966 per month
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System (COAERS)
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 Financial Officer, the Accountant plays a key role in supporting the organization's mission through accurate accounting practices, financial stewardship, and exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders. This position is responsible for one or more of the following areas, either as a primary function or backup support: staff payroll, accounts payable, retirement benefits administration, banking operations and cash transactions, general ledger, financial reporting support, and compliance activities that help safeguard public resources and ensure operational effectiveness. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Accountant prepares and analyzes financial information, maintains accurate financial records, supports leadership decision-making through timely reporting, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal controls.
Submit your resume and cover letter by email to recruiting@coaers.org. The subject line should be formatted as follows: Accountant – First Name Last Name.
Salary Range: $77,000 - $85,000
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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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 IT Manager, the Business Process Analyst’s primary role is to plan, design, develop, and implement efficient business, financial, and operations systems in support of the COAERS mission. You would bring experience and proficiency in both business operations and information technology, optimizing an organization’s technology through improvements to existing applications and processes or through acquiring new technology and adapting to new processes. You will develop internal workflows to maintain appropriate financial controls for the review and approval of transactions. You will utilize both traditional process management fundamentals and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities to help shape technology solutions that enhance COAERS operational efficiency. You may also assist with traditional IT functions including, but not limited to, help-desk functions, network maintenance, and cybersecurity.
Submit your resume and cover letter by email to recruiting@coaers.org. The subject line should be formatted as follows: Business Process Analyst – First Name Last Name.
Salary Range: $87,000 - $105,000
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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City of El Paso Employees Retirement Trust (CEPERT)
CBIZ Talent Solutions is proud to assist the City of El Paso Employees Retirement Trust (CEPERT) in finding their next Executive Director (ED). CEPERT is a single employer defined benefit pension plan managing ~$1 billion in assets for over 8,600 members.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director serves as the chief executive, Board Secretary, and senior fiduciary for administration of the Trust. The leader will ensure excellent benefit administration, strong governance and policy execution, and disciplined investment oversight. With direction from the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director leads a skilled team, cultivates an ethical, high-performance culture, and represents the Trust with credibility and transparency to members, the City, and the community.
Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Closing Date: Until Filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Denver Employees Retirement Plan (DERP)
The Denver Employees Retirement Plan is looking for a Finance Director who combines financial expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership skills to guide our financial operations and support informed decision-making.
In this role, you’ll provide strategic financial guidance to the executive director and leadership team while overseeing the financial functions that support DERP’s long-term success. You’ll lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audits, and accounting operations while ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
Salary Range: $145,000-$245,000
Closing Date: Until Filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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District of Columbia Retirement Board
Independent Validation & Verification (IV&V) Analyst
The Independent Validation & Verification (IV&V) Analyst reports directly to DCRB’s Director of Internal Audit to provide independent, objective validation and verification support to the Benefits Administration Pension System (BAPS) project team and/or Steering Committee regarding the completeness and accuracy of the Plans’ active and retired member data. The IV&V Analyst ensures that all project deliverables are met, and that project costs are appropriate during the BAPS implementation phases (requirements, design, development, testing, and deployment). The IV&V Analyst’s primary objective is to help ensure the new system is configured and deployed effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with DCRB’s objectives, while minimizing project risk.
Salary: $109,071 - $174,175
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Reporting to the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and working alongside Portfolio Managers and Investment Analysts, the Principal Investment Analyst will contribute meaningfully to all phases of the investment process—from strategic asset allocation and manager selection to portfolio monitoring and board reporting. The role offers exposure to a broad investment program and the opportunity to develop professionally within a small, collegial team environment committed to excellence in stewardship.
Salary: $94,122 - $150,304
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Serving as the primary bridge between DCRB's pension plan operations and the technical configuration of the Benefits Administration and Pension System (BAPS), this position translates DCRB's complex plan rules, regulatory requirements, and business processes into clear, actionable system configuration specifications—and serves as the agency's subject matter check on all vendor configuration decisions throughout the implementation lifecycle.
Salary: $71,422 - $114,054
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Benefits Documentation Specialist
This position ensures that institutional knowledge is systematically documented, structured, and accessible to Benefits Division staff throughout the implementation, and into post-go-live operations. The Documentation Specialist works closely with the Business Analyst, Project Manager, and Benefits Division Subject Matter Experts to ensure that documentation is completed concurrently with system configuration—not retroactively after deployment—and that all SOPs reflect applicable legal, regulatory, and plan-specific requirements.
Salary: $71,422 - $114,054
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaii (ERS)
The Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaii (ERS) seeks to hire a Chief Investment Officer who will manage the investment activities of the ERS, provide guidance to the ERS Executive Director and Board of Trustees and serve as a member of the ERS Executive/Administrative team. This professional will advance our investment program by providing vision, leadership and strategic planning necessary for ERS to thrive and achieve its goal of sustainability for its stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Salary: $300,000- $400,000
Closing date: 10/10/26
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Los Angeles County Employees' Retirement Association (LACERA)
This position is in the Benefits Section of the Legal. Division. The Staff Counsel will be part of a team of attorneys, legal analysts, and secretarial support that provide legal advice and representation on all aspects of administration of the pension plan and retiree health care plan other than disability to LACERA and its Boards of Retirement and Investments, the Executive Office, the Member Operations Group, and other divisions as needed in the performance of LACERA’s fiduciary duty of loyalty and prudence in providing benefits to members and their beneficiaries.
Salary: $143,964- $217,902
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Minnesota Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR)
Executive Director
The Minnesota Legislature, Legislative Coordinating Commission (LCC), is hiring an Executive Director for the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR). The Executive Director leads a small staff supporting a 14-member bipartisan commission consisting of legislators from the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Salary range: $118,002 - $213,291
Closing Date: 9/30/26
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
Executive Director
Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) seeks an Executive Director to lead one of the nation’s most respected statewide public retirement systems. PERA administers retirement benefits for Minnesota’s local public employees. Reporting to an 11‑member Board of Trustees, the Executive Director is accountable for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and fiduciary stewardship of PERA’s multi‑plan system. The role spans internal operations (benefit administration, modernization, risk and compliance) and external leadership (legislative engagement, stakeholder relations), with a focus on sustaining strong funding, service quality, and trust with members, employers, and policymakers.
Salary range: $164,555 - $234,691
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Minnesota State Board of Investment (SBI)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Director of Financial Services
The SBI is conducting a search for a highly experienced and mission-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Director of Financial Services to lead its Financial Services Division. This senior executive position represents a unique opportunity for a seasoned public sector finance leader to assume a critical role within a leading public-sector institutional investment organization. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this position is responsible and accountable for financial and accounting operations, custody banking, internal controls, financial technology systems, budgeting, and the annual financial audit. The CFO directs a team of finance, accounting, compliance, and investment operations professionals and is an important senior contributor to the SBI.
Salary range:
- Managing Director, Administration and Operations: $255,467 - $346,650
- Managing Director, Investments: $327,357 - $423,655
Closing Date: 9/11/26
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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New York City Comptroller’s Office
Compliance Officer (Bureau of Asset Management)
The Bureau of Asset Management is responsible for oversight of the investment portfolios of the five New York City pension systems. Through a culture of collaboration, individual development, and teamwork that leverages diverse talent and strives for continuous improvement, the goal of the Bureau of Asset Management is to achieve exceptional investment outcomes for all stakeholders; to deliver outstanding support to plan Trustees; and to serve as a responsible steward of the resources of plan beneficiaries and the City of New York.
The Compliance Officer will help to identify and implement policies and workflows to monitor regulatory compliance both within the Bureau and with the Systems’ external managers and consultants on issues relevant to the financial services industry. The department works to ensure investments comply with all relevant City, State and Federal law, the Systems’ investment guidelines, and asset allocation decisions made by the Systems and their Trustees
Salary range: $146,000 – $156,000
Closing Date: 9/29/26
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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State Universities Retirement System (SURS)
Director of Defined Contributions
SURS is looking for a Director of Defined Contribution. This role will lead strategy, strengthen retirement programs, and work to deliver exceptional member outcomes. This full-time role reports to the Chief Benefits Officer and is based in Champaign, IL. It provides an opportunity to share and guide SURS’ defined contribution plans.
This role combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, and vendor management while supporting a collaborative, mission-driven organization serving members throughout Illinois public higher education.
Salary Range: $109,810 - $137,260
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply. (In the link, search for Systems Analyst II Req ID: 1275).
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SURS is hiring a new Benefits Education Trainer. If you are passionate about helping others learn, enjoy simplifying complex topics, and want to play a central role in organizational transformation, this position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Salary Range: $70,171 - $77,188
Closing Date: Until filled
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS)
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 - $137,069
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Investment Officer (Real Assets)
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is now accepting on-line applications to fill the position of Investment Officer (Real Assets).
The Investment Officer (IO) is an investment professional responsible for supporting asset class strategy and execution through rigorous research, analysis, and portfolio monitoring. Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with the Senior Investment Officer, the IO contributes to manager evaluation, due diligence, and portfolio analytics. This role is designed as a key development position, building the skills and experience required to progress to more senior investment responsibilities over time. The IO will also support the organization’s transition toward a data- and technology-enabled investment platform, utilizing analytical tools and systems to enhance investment processes and insights.
Salary Range: $145,890 - $226,129
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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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.
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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.
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San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA)
Assistant Chief Legal Officer — Compliance
The San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA) is seeking an accomplished, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Assistant Chief Legal Officer — Compliance. Under direction of the Chief Legal Officer, this position represents SDCERA and provides or assists with the delivery of legal services to the Board of Retirement, Board committees, SDCERA officers, and other staff, including but not limited to the following areas: governance, compliance, administration, and other duties.
Salary: $200,000 - $252,324.80
Closing Date: 9/26/26
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Retirement Assistant Director — IT Services
The San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA) is hiring a Retirement Assistant Director — IT Services to provide strategic and operational leadership across the technology systems, platforms, and applications that support SDCERA's pension and benefits operations.
Under general direction, the incumbent leads operational and workflow analysis, program evaluation, strategic planning, and the continuous improvement of business and fiscal systems, while ensuring the integrity, security, and reliability of critical information and technology resources.
Salary: $125,652.80 - $200,990.40
Closing Date: 10/1/26
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Sonoma County Employees’ Retirement Association (SCERA)
SCERA is currently hiring a Retirement Compliance Officer. Reporting directly to the Assistant Chief Executive Officer/Chief Legal Counsel, the Retirement Compliance Officer serves as a member of SCERA’s management team and participates in manager meetings and organizational strategic planning. In this role, you will act in a lead and technical advisory capacity on compliance matters across all SCERA divisions. Working closely with division managers and staff, you will identify risks, evaluate controls, develop policies and procedures, implement mitigation measures, and provide compliance education. In addition to department staff and the Retirement Board, you may interact with participating employers, affiliated organizations, vendors, regulatory agencies, outside professionals, members, and other stakeholders on compliance matters. In addition, you may need to provide direction to and/or supervise subordinate staff if assigned.
Salary: $130,173 - $158,224
Closing Date: 9/14/2026
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
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Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS)
Texas County & District Retirement System is hiring a new Staff Actuary. Since 1967, Texas County & District Retirement System has grown into a more than $56 billion trust, partnering with more than 900 counties and governmental districts to provide reliable retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. TCDRS offers savings-based benefits that are responsibly funded in advance. Our system provides flexibility and local control that allows employers to design benefit plans tailored to their workforce needs and budgets.
The Staff Actuary will be a part of TCDRS’s Decision Support Team. This role helps ensure the plan’s funding and actuarial practices remain sound, data-driven, and aligned with professional standards and applicable guidance. The Staff Actuary works closely with internal teams (Finance, Investments, Employer Services, Communications, and IT) and TCDRS’s external consulting actuaries to produce valuations, experience analyses, GASB reporting support, and employer-facing deliverables.
Follow this link for more details and how to apply.
Closing Date: Until filled
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Announcements
Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS)
LASERS Board Announces Executive Leadership Transition
Baton Rouge, La. – At its July meeting, the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS) Board of Trustees appointed Travis McIlwain as the next Executive Director of the $17 billion retirement system. McIlwain will assume the role on November 1 following the retirement of current Executive Director Trey Boudreaux. Boudreaux will conclude an 18-year career with LASERS, including the past three as Executive Director, and more than 35 years of service in Louisiana state government at the end of October.
McIlwain brings more than 20 years of experience in Louisiana state government to the position. He has served on the LASERS executive leadership team since 2021, first as Chief Administrative Officer and currently as Chief of Staff. During his tenure at LASERS, he has worked closely with nearly every department, providing executive oversight of the Fiscal and Information Technology divisions while leading agency-wide initiatives focused on Enterprise Risk Management, Project Management, and Data Analytics.
Before joining LASERS, McIlwain served as Louisiana State Budget Director in the Division of Administration's Office of Planning and Budget. He began his state career in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Louisiana State University (LSU). He also holds the Project Management Professional certification and was named LSU MPA Alum of the Year in 2025.
"Travis has demonstrated exceptional leadership across nearly every area of the organization. His strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to our members make him the right person to lead LASERS into the future," said LASERS Board Chair Ternisa Hutchinson. "We are confident in his ability to build upon the System's strong foundation while continuing to uphold our mission of providing a sound retirement plan for Louisiana's public servants."
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.
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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.