Press Releases

Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees on Dec. 8 voted to commit the lesser of $50 million or 10% of total fund commitments to Ember Infrastructure Fund II, subject to successful contract negotiations. Ember...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees on Sept. 8 voted to commit $75 million to Brookfield Strategic Real Estate (BSREP) Fund V, of Toronto, Canada, subject to successful contract negotiations. BSREP currently...

SURS has been chosen as a recipient of a 2023 Leadership Recognition Award by the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators, Inc (NAGDCA) for the design and rollout of its Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP). The NAGDCA Awards recognize the...

Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees on June 2 voted to retain Callan as the System’s real assets consultant for the next five years, subject to successful contract negotiations. Callan has served in that capacity...

Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees on April 20 voted to approve implementing changes to their investment strategic policy allocation targets over the next few months. SURS does not expect any Principal Protection...

Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) has created an online Diverse Manager Portal designed specifically to provide an opportunity for diversely-owned investment management firms with greater than 51% ownership by minorities, women, or...

Legislation would transfer proxy voting authority to state treasurer, compromising the ability of SURS board to protect assets from undue political influence and to fulfill fiduciary obligations to SURS membership Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement...

Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees on Feb. 2 voted to retain incumbent defined contribution consultant CAPTRUST for the System’s two defined contribution plans for a five-year term, subject to successful contract...

1099-R Tax Forms Are Now Available Online SURS has completed its paper mailing of the 2023 IRS Form 1099-R to each member or beneficiary who received a distribution in 2022. Members may log in to the SURS secure Member Website and print a copy if needed. The 1099-R...

Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees on Dec. 9 voted to hire Meketa Investment Group as a general investment consultant for the System’s defined benefit plan for a five-year term, subject to successful contract...