The $100B State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio appointed Aaron DiCenzo as deputy executive director of investments and chief investment officer, following a nationwide search led by recruitment consultant Heidrick & Struggles.
According to a press release, the search began in February and multiple leaders from major U.S. pension plans were considered for the role. DiCenzo was serving as the pension fund’s head of alternative investments when he took on the interim CIO role following the resignation of Matt Worley in September 2024.
Worley’s departure was among a string of executive departures at the time, including Lynn Hoover, the former executive director and chief financial officer at STRS.
“[DiCenzo] has demonstrated exceptional leadership during a period of significant transition,” said Steve Toole, the pension fund’s executive director, in the news release. “His vision and ability to execute complex strategies will help ensure strong results for our members.”
During DiCenzo’s tenure as the head of alternative investments, he executed the launch of STRS’ direct and co-investment portfolio. Under his leadership, the alternative investments bucket grew to more than $19B.
STRS Ohio manages more than $100B in assets for Ohio’s public educators.
