Press Releases
The latest press releases from SURS. For press inquiries, click here.
SURS Spring 2024 Newsletter Now Available
Check it out! Important news on the 2024 trustee election candidates, legislation, year-end investment performance and more. https://surs.org/news-publications/publications/newsletter/
SURS Board Approves Auto-escalation for Deferred Compensation Plan, Commits Millions to Real Assets
Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees on March 1 voted to implement automatic contribution escalation for the System’s Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) participants effective July 1, 2024. DCP participants who are...
Candidates for Trustee Election Announced
Six candidates have met the requirements to be included on the ballot for SURS board election set for May 1. Voting will take place April 1 – May 1. SURS members will elect three active-member trustees and one annuitant trustee. Two of the active-member trustee seats...
SURS Commits Millions to Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure Solutions, Certifies FY 2025 State Contribution
Champaign, IL – The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) Board of Trustees on Dec. 8 voted to commit the lesser of $50 million or 10% of total fund commitments to Ember Infrastructure Fund II, subject to successful contract negotiations. Ember...
Lyons Appointed SURS Chair
Champaign, IL. – Gov. Pritzker has appointed John Lyons to chair the SURS Board of Trustees. He replaces John Atkinson who stepped down as chair last month to head Intersect Illinois. Lyons has served as an appointed SURS trustee since 2019 and was elected board...
SURS Hires Schlachter as CIO
Champaign, IL – The SURS Board of Trustees has hired Michael Schlachter, CFA, as the System’s new chief investment officer (CIO). Schlachter will replace current CIO Doug Wesley when he retires in March of 2024. In the interim, the two will share responsibilities with...
SURS CIO to Retire
Doug Wesley, SURS chief investment officer (CIO) for nearly seven years, is set to retire March 1, 2024. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve SURS board and members,” said Wesley. “I strongly believe that SURS makes a difference in people’s lives and I’m...
Kothari Joins SURS Board
Champaign, IL. - Pranav Kothari has joined the SURS Board of Trustees. Kothari was recently appointed chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) by Gov. Pritzker. State statute dictates that the IBHE chair also serves on the SURS Board of Trustees. Kothari...
SURS Fall 2023 Newsletter Now Available
Check it out! Get details on the 2024 trustee election candidate packets, SURS board chair, SURS retiring CIO, investment updates, legislation and more. https://surs.org/news-publications/publications/newsletter/
Atkinson Leaves SURS to Chair Intersect Illinois
Champaign, IL – John Atkinson has transitioned from his posts as chairperson of the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to become the chairman of Intersect Illinois. Atkinson is managing director and chairman...