NY Nurses’ Longtime Pension CIO Steps Down

After 16 years, Russ Niemie will exit the $3 billion fund for “a new challenge,” CIO has learned.

The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Pension Plan and Benefits Fund’s CIO is leaving after a 16-year tenure. 

Russ Niemie confirmed to CIO that he will be “moving to a new challenge.”

The multi-employer plan had $3 billion in pension assets and a $98 million pool for health care and insurance, as of December 31, 2014.

NYSNA funds’ annual reports showed the defined benefit assets allocated across stocks, bonds, real estate, joint venture partnerships, and funds-of-hedge funds. The health and insurance fund comprised of bond and equity mutual funds.

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Prior to his position as investment chief at NYSNA, Niemie served as president and CIO at Commerce Capital Management, an advisory arm of National Commerce Financial Corporation (now SunTrust Bank).

Niemie also spent seven-and-a-half years as CIO at the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

The Industry Innovation Award nominee holds an MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Related: Arizona Pension CIO Quits for Foundation

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