Executive Staff
Executive staff
The CalSTRS Executive staff are committed to administering the direction set by the Teachers’ Retirement Board and are responsible for day-to-day operations of the system.
Jack Ehnes
Chief Executive Officer
Jack Ehnes is the chief executive officer of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System. Since 2002, Ehnes has provided leadership for the largest educator-only pension fund in the world.
Cassandra Lichnock
Chief Operating Officer
Cassandra Lichnock is the chief operating officer (COO) of CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. CalSTRS administers a hybrid retirement system, consisting of a traditional defined benefit, cash balance and defined contribution plans, as well as disability and survivor benefits. CalSTRS serves more than 949,000 members and benefit recipients. CalSTRS administers retirement benefits for California’s public school educators in grades kindergarten through community college.
Brian J. Bartow
General Counsel
Brian Bartow is the general counsel of CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. He is the primary legal adviser to the Teachers’ Retirement Board and heads the fund’s Legal Services team, as well as its Office of Ethics and Compliance, Office of Information Security and Community Property Division.
Debra Smith
Chief Operating Investment Officer
Debra Smith is Chief Operating Investment Officer (COIO) at CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. She reports directly to the Chief Investment Officer and to the Teachers’ Retirement Board on any investment policy non-compliance. Smith oversees four critical functions within the Investment Branch including Investment Operations, Investment Performance and Compliance, and Administration. She manages the branch’s operational services, including internal system controls, and risk mitigation efforts.
Julie Underwood
Chief Financial Officer
Julie Underwood is the chief financial officer at CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. Underwood was the former CFO at the San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA), responsible for the accounting and financial reporting operations of a $9.9 billion multiple-employer defined benefit pension plan.
Ashish Jain
Chief Technology Officer
Ashish Jain is the Chief Technology Officer of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. CalSTRS administers a hybrid retirement system, consisting of a traditional defined benefit, cash balance and defined contribution plans, as well as disability and survivor benefits. CalSTRS serves more than 949,000 members and benefit recipients. CalSTRS administers retirement benefits for California’s public-school educators in grades kindergarten through community college.
Lisa Blatnick
Chief of Administrative Services
Lisa Blatnick is the chief of administrative services at CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. Blatnick is responsible for the activities in the Facilities Management and Procurement, and Human Resources divisions.
William “Bill” Perez
Chief Benefits Officer
William “Bill” Perez is the chief benefits officer at CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. Perez provides high-level oversight and management of all retirement, disability and survivor benefits, member account services, benefits planning and customer contact program operations in leading CalSTRS’ largest branch. His position reports directly to CalSTRS’ Chief Operating Officer Cassandra Lichnock.