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.

CalSTRS Organization Chart

Cassandra Lichnock

Position: Chief Executive Officer

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

Lisa Blatnick

Position: Chief Operating Officer

Lisa Blatnick is the chief operating officer at CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world.

Scott Chan

Position: Chief Investment Officer

Scott Chan has been the chief investment officer of CalSTRS since July 2024. Joining CalSTRS in August 2018 as deputy chief investment officer, he…

Brian J. Bartow

Position: General Counsel

Brian Bartow is the general counsel of CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. CalSTRS administers a hybrid retirement system…

Ashish Jain

Position: 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…

Melissa Norcia

Position: Chief Administrative Officer

Melissa Norcia is the chief administrative officer at CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world.

Teresa Schilling

Position: Chief Public Affairs Officer

Teresa Schilling is the chief public affairs officer at CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. Schilling provides…

Julie Underwood

Position: 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…

Jeff Zimmer

Position: Chief Benefits Officer

Jeff Zimmer is the chief benefits officer of the California State Teachers' Retirement System, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world.