CalSTRS Names Head of Voluntary DC Plan

In her position as director of Defined Contribution Solutions, Blair will administer the CalSTRS Pension2 personal wealth plan, which consists of 403(b), 457 and Roth 403(b) plans. Pension2 serves as a supplemental savings plan for all California school and community college employees, and currently manages $517 million on behalf of more than 11,000 participants.

“Sandy will help us continue to improve our defined contribution offerings to supplement our members’ modest defined benefit retirement, made all the more important because they do not participate in or receive Social Security benefits,” says Cassandra Lichnock, chief operating officer for CalSTRS, based in West Sacramento, California.

Blair began at CalSTRS in 2009, with a management position in its office of Client Outreach and Guidance. She also established the model of CalSTRS first Member Service Center in West Sacramento. Most recently, Blair was promoted to field manager, overseeing all of CalSTRS Member Service Centers in West Sacramento, Glendale and Santa Clara.

Blair has private sector experience in consumer banking, finance and tax preparation. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and finance from California State University, Sacramento.

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System has a portfolio valued at $176 billion as of October 31. It administers a hybrid retirement system of traditional defined benefit, cash balance and voluntary defined contribution plans.