SWIB: Michael Williamson named SWIB executive director

Contact: Vicki Hearing

Email: vicki.hearing@swib.state.wi.us
Phone: (608) 261-2415

Madison, WI (February 22, 2012) – Michael Williamson has been appointed executive director of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB). A former University of Wisconsin – Madison administrator, Williamson is currently deputy director of the District of Columbia Retirement Board in Washington, D.C. His 35 years of experience working in the public sector includes pension administration and investments, specifically serving as the director of North Carolina Retirement Systems – the 10th largest U.S. public pension system ‐‐ for nine years. Previously, he worked in Madison for 15 years before returning to North Carolina in 1994. During his time in Madison, he was assistant to the chancellor at the UW, policy advisor for the Office of the Governor and chief of staff for the mayor of Madison. Williamson currently serves as chair of the Board for the National Institute on Retirement Security and is past‐president of the National Association of State Retirement Administrators.

Using the services of executive search firm EFL Associates, the Board conducted a nationwide search, which generated a large field of skilled and experienced applicants. “We were impressed with the quality of the candidates who were interested in leading SWIB,” said Tom Boldt, SWIB Board vice chair. “We are excited about the outstanding leadership and management experience that Michael brings to the position. His familiarity with Wisconsin will allow for a smooth transition.”

“I am very excited to be working for the public employees and employers of the State of Wisconsin and to be associated with an organization that has an outstanding national, and even international, reputation in the world of pension fund investments,” said Williamson, adding that he is pleased to be returning to Madison.

Williamson replaces Keith Bozarth who became executive director in 2007. Bozarth announced his plans to retire in 2011. He expects to continue his duties and assist through the transition that will take place in June.

Williamson holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Assets under management at SWIB are about $83 billion as of December 31, 2011. This includes approximately $77 billion in trust funds of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), which provides benefits to over 572,000 current or former employees of state agencies, the university system, school districts and most local governments. The WRS is the 9th largest U.S. public pension fund and the 30th largest public or private pension fund in the world.