The Pension Boards’ Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Walter A. Reyes today announced that Lan Cai, who has served as the Pension Boards Deputy Chief Investment Officer since 2015, will assume the role of Chief Investment Officer effective March 1, 2025.
Current Chief Investment Officer David A. Klassen, who joined the Pension Boards as CIO in 2011, will transition to a new role as Strategic Advisor in helping develop organizational strategies and providing support to the Investment Department while facilitating a smooth realignment.
It has been a remarkable experience to lead a magnificent and diverse group of superb investment professionals for the past 13 years,” said Klassen. “Over the course of 2024, we have engaged in strategic planning intended to move the investment function forward in a time of expanded responsibilities to ensure future success.”
“Lan Cai has worked tirelessly in helping Pension Boards’ members and institutional clients navigate complicated markets over the last decade,” added Reyes. “As Deputy CIO, she played a lead role in the transformation of our Lifetime Retirement Income Plan. She is highly respected and recognized as a top-flight and sought after professional both within and outside the church.”
“I look forward to continuing to deliver strong, long-term performance for our members and clients,” said CIO Lan Cai. “Our focus remains on identifying investment opportunities that drive sustainable growth for the financial wellbeing of those we serve, and align with United Church of Christ values.”
Reyes expressed his gratitude for Klassen’s leadership. “Dave Klassen has served the Pension Boards and our related organizations with expertise and compassion,” he said. “His deep understanding of the church and its people—along with his experience as an investment professional with major financial institutions—has been instrumental in positioning the Pension Boards as a leader in the management of members’ pensions and investments.”
George Ochs, chair of the Pension Boards’ Investment Committee, added, “We look forward to Dave’s continued and meaningful contributions for the benefit of those we serve, and we’re thrilled about Lan’s appointment.”
Lan joined the Pension Boards in 2015 from Millennium, where she was Managing Director and Portfolio Manager. Prior to Millennium, Lan was Partner and Head Portfolio Manager at PineBridge Investments, where she managed $20 billion in equity strategies including enhanced index, tax efficient income, portable alpha and merger arbitrage. Lan received her MBA from the University of Chicago. She serves on the boards of non-for-profit organizations and hedge funds.