Illinois SURS’ executive director steps down after nearly five years

Martin Noven, executive director of the Illinois State Universities Retirement System (SURS), has resigned his post after nearly five years, in pursuit of a new career opportunity.

Noven joined Illinois SURS as executive director in 2016, succeeding W. Bryan Lewis. Prior to that, he served as senior director for government markets at TIAA.

SURS is planning to start the process of selecting a new executive director in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, chief benefits officer Suzanne Mayer will serve as interim executive director until a replacement is found. Mayer joined Illinois SURS in 2002, and served as a retirement counselor, counseling manager and director of outreach before becoming the chief benefits officer in 2018.