Paul Matson has been with the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) since late 1995, serving initially as chief investment officer and since 2003 as executive director, overseeing a $50 billion investment portfolio and 220 employees. Oversight includes pension, health insurance, long-term disability, and defined contribution plans.
Reporting units include investment management, member services, financial services, information technology, budget, human resources, strategic planning, legislative affairs, and public affairs. Paul reports to a nine-member Board of Trustees.
From 1994 to 1995, Paul served as a senior investment advisor at the Treasury Division, Workers Compensation Board, Alberta, Canada. His responsibilities included asset mix, asset class selection, manager analysis, and performance monitoring for the multi-billion dollar fund.
From 1989 to 1994, Paul served as a financial analyst and portfolio analyst in the Investment Management Division, Alberta Treasury, Alberta, Canada. His duties included performance measurement, derivatives analysis, fixed income analysis, asset mix analysis, liability analysis, and various portfolio support activities.
In 2012, Paul was honored as “Leader of the Year in Public Policy – Government” by the Arizona Capitol Times. Paul was recognized for his work leading the ASRS through challenging economic times and an active legislative session in which lawmakers focused on the state’s public pension plans.
Current and Past Boards & Committees
- Canada Arizona Business Council
- Arizona Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Fund Board
- Arizona Life and Disability Insurance Guaranty Fund Board
- Arizona State Governing Committee for Deferred Compensation Plans
- Alberta Investment Management Investment Operations Committee
Education
- Master of Arts, International Relations, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Research focus on international terrorism - Master of Business Administration, Simon Fraser University, Canada
Research focus on financial derivatives - Bachelor of Commerce, University of Alberta, Canada
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Charterholder
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
- Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI)
- Canadian Investment Manager (CIM)
- Certified Cash Manager (CCM)
Paul is also a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy.
Note: Approximations utilized.