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, E