Emily Ekland joins NYSTRS as senior adviser to the executive director and CIO

The New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) has appointed Emily Ekland as senior adviser to the executive director and CIO. She will be responsible for strategic planning efforts and special projects for the pension fund.

Ekland succeeds Beth Bonacquist, who retired from the role in October 2021 after 26 years with the system.

Prior to joining NYSTRS, Ekland worked at Empire State Development, where she helped early-stage companies and small businesses leverage a comprehensive portfolio of entrepreneur resources. She began her career at the Government Law Center, where she researched innovation ecosystems across the state and nationally. Ekland has also worked in technology transfer and commercialization, supporting researchers and entrepreneurs bringing new technology to the market.

“Strategic planning is critical to the system’s long-term success,” said Thomas Lee, executive director and CIO of NYSTRS. “Emily’s public sector experience