Press Releases

The latest press releases from SURS. For press inquiries, click here.

Candidates for Trustee Election Announced

Six candidates have met the requirements to be included on the ballot for SURS board election set for May 1. Voting will take place April 1 – May 1. SURS members will elect three active-member trustees and one annuitant trustee. Two of the active-member trustee seats...

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Lyons Appointed SURS Chair

Champaign, IL. – Gov. Pritzker has appointed John Lyons to chair the SURS Board of Trustees. He replaces John Atkinson who stepped down as chair last month to head Intersect Illinois. Lyons has served as an appointed SURS trustee since 2019 and was elected board...

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SURS Hires Schlachter as CIO

Champaign, IL – The SURS Board of Trustees has hired Michael Schlachter, CFA, as the System’s new chief investment officer (CIO). Schlachter will replace current CIO Doug Wesley when he retires in March of 2024. In the interim, the two will share responsibilities with...

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SURS CIO to Retire

Doug Wesley, SURS chief investment officer (CIO) for nearly seven years, is set to retire March 1, 2024. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve SURS board and members,” said Wesley. “I strongly believe that SURS makes a difference in people’s lives and I’m...

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Kothari Joins SURS Board

Champaign, IL. - Pranav Kothari has joined the SURS Board of Trustees. Kothari was recently appointed chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) by Gov. Pritzker. State statute dictates that the IBHE chair also serves on the SURS Board of Trustees. Kothari...

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SURS Fall 2023 Newsletter Now Available

Check it out! Get details on the 2024 trustee election candidate packets, SURS board chair, SURS retiring CIO, investment updates, legislation and more. https://surs.org/news-publications/publications/newsletter/

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Atkinson Leaves SURS to Chair Intersect Illinois

Champaign, IL – John Atkinson has transitioned from his posts as chairperson of the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to become the chairman of Intersect Illinois. Atkinson is managing director and chairman...

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2024 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

The state of Illinois TRAIL Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) open enrollment period for participating annuitants and survivors is October 15 through November 15, 2023. The 2024 plan year will begin January 1, 2024, and will run through December 31, 2024....

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