CalSTRS names Lisa Blatnick as COO

The $308.6 billion California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) has appointed Lisa Blatnick as COO, effective Aug. 16. She succeeds Cassandra Lichnock, who stepped into the role of CEO on July 1.

Blatnick joined CalSTRS in 2003 as a facilities coordinator and has nearly 28 years of experience working for the state of California. She also held the position of director of facilities management and procurement before becoming chief of administrative services in 2015.

Prior to joining the pension fund, Blatnick worked at the Legislative Counsel Bureau and the Office of Criminal Justice Planning in human resources and facilities-management-related positions.

As COO, Blatnick will oversee audit services, enterprise strategy management, administrative services, benefits and services, public affairs, technology services, and the Ombuds office. She will also serve as a key adviser to the Teachers’ Retirement Board and CEO and will ensure the most complex an