Virginia’s ACERS appoints first woman as executive director and CIO

The $3 billion Arlington County (Va.) Employees’ Retirement System (ACERS) has appointed Susie Ardeshir as executive director and CIO, making her the first woman to lead the organization.

She will succeed Daniel Zito, who is retiring after 13 years with ACERS.

Ardeshir brings more than 15 years of investment management experience to the role. Prior to joining ACERS, she served as the investments director at a public university system in California, where she was responsible for the management and oversight of more than $100 billion in assets across defined benefit and contribution, endowment, working capital and captive insurance products. Prior to joining the university system, Ardeshir was a senior associate with Mercer, consulting with asset owners.

Ardeshir will step into her new role at ACERS on July 6.

“We are pleased to welcome Susie to ACERS,” said Jon Kinney, president of ACERS’ board of trustees. “Susie’s depth of experience and pass