Ohio Teachers System Names New Executive Director

He will succeed Dr. Damon Asbury, who is retiring effective June 30, 2008. According to a news release, Nehf is currently the executive director of the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA), where he is responsible for the administration of 11 different benefit plans with total assets of $16 billion.

Before joining ERSGA in January 2005, Nehf was the executive director of the Public School Teachers’ Pension & Retirement Fund of Chicago for 10 years. He also served as an elected school board member for eight years in Illinois.

Other past positions include serving as comptroller for the Municipal Employees’ Annuity & Benefit Fund of Chicago, and accounting and finance positions primarily in the life and health insurance sectors. Nehf is also a CPA.

Jeffrey Chapman, board chair, commented: “[M]y board colleagues and I certainly wanted someone who would continue to maintain the trust and confidence of our members and the strengthened dialogue we have with the members of Ohio’s General Assembly. Mike is that individual. He’ll be a ‘hands on’ leader who knows how to build consensus on tough issues, whether he’s working with members, legislators, the board, or our STRS Ohio associates.”

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office assisted in developing Nehf’s contract, which provides for a starting annual salary of $225,000 and extends through June 30, 2011.