Jeb Burns
Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
MERS of Michigan
Jeb Burns is an experienced investment professional, business strategist, and organizational leader. As CIO, Jeb directs the multi-billion investment program at MERS, leading a 10-member team of investment professionals, setting investment strategy and implementing all investment programs.
A member of the senior management team at MERS, Jeb provides strategic leadership and guidance on business strategy, public policy, organizational development, and new business initiatives. He serves as a member of the Investment Committee, chairs the Risk and Compliance Committee, and represents the fund’s global interests by serving on advisory committees for its numerous holdings.
Prior to joining MERS in 2002, Jeb held positions in public policy, communications, budget, and legislative affairs at the State of Michigan. He served as a financial advisor with Prudential Securities before entering public service.
Education
- MPA, Public Policy – Wayne State University
- BA, History – Western Michigan University
- Leadership Development Certificate – University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Professional Designation
- Master Professional Director Certification – American College of Corporate Directors
- NACD Directorship Certification – National Association of Corporate Directors
Affiliations
- National Association of State Investment Officers (NASIO) – Vice Chair, Board of Directors
- Mackinac Associates – Financial Advisory Committee Member
- Pacific Pension & Investment Institute
Michael Charette, CFA
Managing Director of Investments
As Managing Director of Investments at MERS, Mike Charette is an integral member of the investment team and is responsible for the fund’s global equity and fixed income investments. Mike directs the execution of MERS’ internally managed strategies, which account for 25% of total portfolio assets. In addition to managing an on-site team of four investment professionals, Mike supervises MERS’ relationship with external investment managers, conducting ongoing reviews of existing relationships and evaluating new opportunities. Mike is also responsible for MERS’ participant directed account investment menus and plays an integral role in determining the number and types of investment options offered, along with the ongoing due diligence, monitoring and selection.
Prior to joining MERS in 2002, Mike worked as an analyst with Kennedy Capital Advisors, an institutional investment consulting firm in Atlanta, GA.
Education
- MBA – University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
- BS, Accounting and Finance – Georgia Tech
Professional Designation
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
Edward J. Mikolay
Managing Director of Private Markets
As Managing Director of Private Markets, Ed Mikolay is responsible for new investment origination and oversight of the private investment portfolio, including for private equity, real estate, real assets (infrastructure, commodities, timber, agriculture/farmland) and diversifying strategies. Ed is a voting member of the Portfolio Review Committee, which is responsible for all portfolio management decisions of the pension fund, including asset allocation and portfolio positioning.
Ed has been active in the investment industry for more than 20 years. Prior to joining MERS in 2013, Ed was an Assistant Administrator at the State of Michigan Retirement Systems (SMRS) in its Real Estate and Infrastructure Division. At SMRS, Ed was involved in a variety of portfolio management roles, including sourcing and underwriting new investments, overseeing dispositions and representing SMRS in strategic partnerships. He has also held investment roles at CB Richard Ellis, Heitman LLC and Equity Residential Properties Trust (NYSE: EQR).
Education
- MBA, Finance/Entrepreneurship/Real Estate – Northwestern University, Kellogg Graduate School of Management
- BA, Mathematical Economics – Brown University
Affiliations
- Grand Rapids Community Foundation – Investment Review Committee
- Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic School Board – Past President
Michael Schrauben, CFA
Director of Asset Allocation
As Director of Asset Allocation, Michael Schrauben leads the Asset Allocation Team that is responsible for managing the fund’s active asset allocation model, developing portfolio allocation recommendations, implementation and risk management. Michael also serves on the Public Markets Team, which oversees and manages the fund’s internal asset management program across both equity and fixed income asset classes, including ETF portfolios. He is a voting member on the Portfolio Review Committee, which is responsible for all portfolio management decisions including external asset manager selection and monitoring. Michael manages the Office of Investment’s internship program, providing professional development feedback and mentorship to junior team members.
Michael joined MERS in 2008 and has over 15 years of investment industry experience.
Education
- BA with High Honors, Finance – Michigan State University, Eli Broad College of Business
- Michigan State University Financial Markets Institute
- Michigan State University Honors College
Professional Designation
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
Affiliations
- Michigan State University Finance Advisory Board (FAB)
- National Association of State Investment Professionals (NASIP)
Peter Wujkowski
Investment & Administrative Officer
As Investment and Administrative Officer, Peter Wujkowski oversees operations and compliance for the Office of Investments. Peter is the liaison with MERS’ custodial bank, monitoring trades, compliance issues and overseeing money flows between the custodial bank and investment managers. Peter is a member the Client Advisory Board for the custodial bank and a voting member on the Portfolio Review Committee, which is responsible for all portfolio management decisions.
Peter joined MERS in 2011 and has more than 30 years of financial experience. Peter has held positions at Michigan National (now Bank of America), KeyBank, Fifth Third Bank, Citizens (now Huntington Bank) and JPMorgan Chase, where he worked with large public sector and commercial clients.
Education
- MBA, Finance – Saginaw Valley State University
- BA, Advertising – Michigan State University College of Communications
Affiliations
- Institutional Society of Risk Professionals – Board Member
- Michigan State University Alumni Association
- Michigan State University Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan – Past President
Paul Van Gilder, CFA
Senior Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager
As Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager, Paul oversees MERS’ $3 billion global fixed income portfolio. MERS’ fixed income strategy uses a dynamic sector allocation model in asset classes such as credit, rates, emerging debt, and cash. Paul is also responsible for implementing the plan’s asset allocation strategy through the use of equity and fixed income ETF’s. As a member of the Asset Allocation team, he also contributes in-depth asset class valuation analysis and macroeconomic research. In addition, he participates in external manager selection and monitoring across the equity, fixed income, and alternative portfolios. Paul is also a voting member of the MERS’ Portfolio Review Committee.
Education
- BA with High Honors, Finance – Michigan State University
- Michigan State University Financial Markets Institute
Professional Designation/Affiliation
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
- CFA Society Detroit – Member
Lauren Dabkowski
Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager – Private Markets
Lauren Dabkowski is an Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager, focused on private markets at MERS. She assists the Director of Private Markets with management and oversight responsibilities for a $3.5 billion global private investment portfolio. She is responsible for investment sourcing and selection, monitoring existing investments and portfolio construction for private equity, real assets and diversifying strategies. Lauren is also a voting member of the Portfolio Review Committee, which is responsible for all portfolio management decisions of the pension fund, including external manager selection and monitoring.
Prior to joining MERS in 2018, Lauren was an Investment Analyst within Private Markets for the State of Michigan Retirement Systems (SMRS) in its Short-Term, Absolute & Real Return Division. At SMRS, she assisted with asset allocation, evaluating prospective investments and monitoring a $10 billion portfolio that focused on private credit, intangible assets, natural resources, energy and hedge funds.
Education
- BA, Finance – Michigan State University
Professional Designation
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Charterholder
Affiliation
- Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA)
- Pension Real Estate Association (PREA)
Furat Zomay, CFA
Investment Analyst
As an Investment Analyst, Furat Zomay provides essential support to senior members of the investment team. He conducts research and analysis on MERS’ fixed-income and equity portfolios on behalf of the Investment Officers and Portfolio Managers, assists the Investment & Administrative Officer with operations and compliance activities, and provides supplemental support to the Private Markets team. Furat also assists the MERS’ team with manager selection, portfolio monitoring, as well as analysis of potential investment opportunities.
Furat became a full-time investment team member in 2019, after completing his internship program at MERS. Prior to joining MERS, Furat gained experience working with the Corporate Bond and Private Equity teams at State Farm.
Education
- BA, Finance (minor in Economics) – Michigan State University
Professional Designation
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
Ryan Torgerson, CFA
Investment Analyst
As an Investment Analyst, Ryan Torgerson assists the Director of Private Markets and Portfolio Managers with management and monitoring responsibilities for a $3.5 billion global private investment portfolio. He assists in the selection of new private investments, monitoring of current investments, and allocation decision making for MERS’ private equity, real estate, real assets, and diversifying strategies.
Prior to joining MERS in 2022, Ryan was a Portfolio Analyst for the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust. At the UAW RMBT, he helped streamline performance reporting for private markets investments and onboard multiple investment data management systems.
Education
- BA, Economics – University of Michigan
Professional Designation
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
Cameron Holmes
Investment Analyst
As an Investment Analyst, Cameron Holmes provides vital assistance to senior members of the investment team. He conducts thorough research and analysis on MERS’ fixed-income and equity portfolios for the Investment Officers and Portfolio Managers. Cameron also supports the Investment & Administrative Officer with operations and compliance activities. Furthermore, he contributes supplementary support to various functions within the MERS team, including portfolio monitoring and analysis of potential investment opportunities.
Cameron joined in June 2023, after completing his internship program at MERS. Prior to MERS, Cameron worked as an Accounting Intern for Proofpoint, a cybersecurity company out in California.
Education
- BA, Finance – Michigan State University
Professional Designation
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I Candidate
Lori Smith
Office Administrator
As the Office Administrator, Lori Smith provides strategic support to the CIO, the Investment Committee and the Office of Investments. Lori is responsible for office management, budgeting and record-keeping, and provides counsel to the CIO concerning talent development and staffing changes. She acts as liaison between the Investment Committee and the Retirement Board, as well as between the CIO, investment office staff and other internal departments. She is a member of the Record Coordinator Committee and is a contributing member of the Operations and Compliance Team.
Lori joined MERS in 2015 with nearly 30 years of legal and office management experience. She previously worked at both Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn and at Clark Hill PLC, where she managed a nine-member team of legal support staff.
Education
- AB, Business – Lansing Community College