Cassandra Lichnock is the first female chief executive officer of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System. Her first day as CEO was July 1, 2021.

As CEO, Lichnock builds and executes strategy, delivers on operational excellence, and maintains a strong relationship with the Teachers’ Retirement Board. She continues to lead organizational efforts to modernize CalSTRS systems and processes, build on the pension fund’s commitments to sustainability and diversity, and focus on evolving CalSTRS’ culture as the organization plans for a post-pandemic future.

Lichnock served as chief operating officer from March 2013 until her 2021 appointment as CEO. As COO she oversaw the Audit Services, Enterprise Strategy Management, Administrative Services, Benefits & Services, Public Affairs and Technology Services divisions, and the Office of the Ombuds. She also served as an advisor and counselor to the board and the chief executive officer, ensuring the most complex and critical operational issues and policy matters impacting CalSTRS were developed and implemented in a manner consistent with CalSTRS’ mission, vision and values.

Lichnock joined CalSTRS in 2008 as the human resources executive officer, responsible for strategic planning and performance management programs, as well as leading and directing all aspects of the human resources program. Lichnock has held a variety of key positions throughout her career with the State of California.

A native of California, Lichnock holds a bachelor of arts in management from Golden Gate University, San Francisco; an executive certificate in technology operations and value chain management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and certificates in human resource management from Golden Gate University and labor management relations from the University of California, Davis.