VRS is an independent state agency, governed by the provisions of Title 51.1 of the Code of Virginia and other applicable law. The Board of Trustees administers and is trustee of the Virginia Retirement System Trust.
Board of Trustees
Nine members serve on the Board of Trustees. Their appointments are shared between the executive and legislative branches of state government.
A. Scott Andrews
Chair Northern Contours & Harvest Equity Investments
Lawrence A. Bernert III
Vice Chair Clearstead Advisory Solutions
The Hon. J. Brandon Bell II
Board Member Bell Wealth Management, Inc
John M. Bennett
Board Member Virginia Commonwealth University (Retired)
J. Clifford Foster IV
Board Member Raymond James & Associates
Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D.
Board Member Virginia Commonwealth University
Jessica L. Hood
Board Member Wise County and City of Norton Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
The Hon. Matthew James
Board Member MJames Consulting LLC
Lindsey K. Pantele
Board Member Henrico County Public SchoolsExecutive Staff
The board appoints the VRS director, who serves as chief administrative officer, as well as the chief investment officer and the internal audit director.
Investment Advisory Committee
The Investment Advisory Committee (IAC) is responsible for monitoring investments and investment opportunities and making asset allocation recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
Email Investment Advisory Committee
Lawrence E. Kochard, Ph.D., Chair
Makena Capital ManagementBoard Member, Advisor and Retired CIO
Hance West, Vice Chair
Investure (Retired)CIO and Managing Director
Theodore Economou
Hereditas GroupChief Investment Officer
Eric Baggesen
Employees' Retirement System of Rhode IslandRetired CIO
California Public Employees' Retirement SystemManaging Investment Director
Palmer Garson
Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLCManaging Director
Thomas S. Gayner
Markel CorporationPresident and Chief Investment Officer
Nancy G. Leake
Partners Group (USA) Inc.Advisory Partner
W. Bryan Lewis
United States Steel CorporationVice President & Chief Investment Officer
Rod Smyth
Riverfront Investment GroupChief Investment Strategist
DC Plans Advisory Committee
The Defined Contribution Plans Advisory Committee is responsible for providing plan administration, plan design and investment recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D.
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityChair, Member, VRS Board of Trustees
The Hon. Matthew James
MJames Consulting LLCVice Chair, Member, VRS Board of Trustees
Monique Barnes
Henrico County Public SchoolsBudget Director
Ravindra Deo
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment BoardExecutive Director
Rebecca Fentress
Capital OneSenior Director - Benefits
C. Matt Harris
Chesterfield CountyDeputy County Administrator for Finance and Administration
Kate Jonas
Kate Jonas Group LLC – Advisory FirmPrincipal
Brenda O. Madden
Davenport & CompanySenior Vice President and Human Resources Director
September Sanderlin
Old Dominion UniversityVice President for Talent Management and Culture