Chief Investment Officer Scott Chan informed the board's Investment Committee that Nick Abel has been appointed Sustainable Investment and Stewardship Strategies investment director.

Abel's duties include: 

• Leading and managing the SISS team.

• Directing the SISS Portfolio across global private-asset investments that deliver financial performance and provide climate solutions.

• Leading sustainability-related collaboration with CalSTRS private-market asset classes.

• Overseeing proxy voting activities in alignment with CalSTRS’ Corporate Governance Principles and engagement with corporations and public policy makers on CalSTRS Stewardship Priorities.

• Guiding the board’s net zero portfolio emissions strategy.

Abel has more than a decade of global experience in investing as an allocator, asset manager and consultant, leading investment teams for both CalSTRS and private firms.

Abel, formerly a SISS portfolio manager, began his new role on December 2.

Chan also informed the board that, for the 11th year, CalSTRS was named one of the best places to work in money management by Pensions & Investments magazine.

This award is based on workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics as well as an employee survey.