VRS Board Appoints Bishop as New Director

Richmond, Va., June 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Board of Trustees appointed Patricia S. Bishop director of the retirement system, effective June 19, according to VRS Board Chairman Robert L. Greene. Bishop succeeds Robert P. Schultze, who left the agency Feb. 16 to take a position in the private sector.

Most recently, Bishop served as the agency's acting director. Prior to this, she was the deputy director, responsible for implementation of benefit policy and legislation, benefit processing, retirement counseling, call center services, employer and member training and insurance programs.

Previously, Bishop served as the VRS director of policy, planning and compliance where she provided legislative liaison support with the executive branch and the General Assembly, worked with the system's actuary and approved agency policy and procedures.

Before joining VRS, she was a principal legislative analyst with the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), where she participated and led research teams that evaluated a wide array of state agencies and programs. At JLARC, Bishop also was responsible for legislative oversight of VRS. Before joining JLARC, she worked for the Senate of Virginia and in the executive branch.

"The VRS Board is very excited about the selection and promotion of Trish. To have someone of high quality and capability already on our team says a lot about the strength and talent within our organization," said Greene. "Trish has all of the requisite skills, experience and knowledge to lead VRS. Through her leadership style, enthusiasm and fresh perspective, she demonstrates a commitment to customer service that will assist the agency in its efforts to meet the growing needs of its employers, members and retirees."

Korn Ferry assisted the board in its national search for a director. "We appreciate the professional expertise in the recruitment process Korn Ferry brought to this process, and are very pleased with their support of the search process for this critical position," added Greene.

As director, Bishop will oversee the administrative functions of the retirement system, including customer service delivery to its 824 participating employers, 185,000 retirees and 343,000 active members. 

With assets of about $68 billion, VRS is the 22^nd largest public or private pension system in the United States.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150619/224455 

SOURCE Virginia Retirement System