MacLean appointed director of pension fund’s emerging manager program

Temporary tag removed

ALBANY — New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced on February 7 that he has appointed Sylvester (Sly) McClean as director of the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s Emerging Manager Program.

McClean was appointed interim director of the program in February 2023.

The Pension Fund’s Emerging Manager Program invests in separately managed accounts or commingled funds, either directly with emerging managers or with the assistance of other managers and program partners. Program partners support the timely deployment of capital, conduct due diligence, and recommend managers to participate in the program.

Each year, the fund also seeks out emerging business graduates who invest directly from the fund. More than 18 up-and-coming executives have graduated from the program, according to DiNapoli’s office.

“Sylvester McClean has a long history of experience in the financial industry and as a member of our team,” DiNapoli said in a news release. “Mr. McLean has the experience and skill set necessary to continue to attract innovative investment perspectives that deliver solid returns while addressing historic inequalities in the financial sector.” I am confident he will help us expand our successful Emerging Manager Program and maintain its role as an avenue for growth for small and diverse investment managers.”

The Fund hosts an annual Emerging Manager and MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Entities) conference to provide investment professionals with the opportunity to better understand the Fund’s investment process and manager selection. This year’s conference was scheduled for Feb. 16 in Albany, according to a release from DiNapoli.

Prior to becoming interim director of the program, Mr. McClean joined DiNapoli’s office in 2020 as senior investment officer of the Emerging Manager Program. He works closely with the company’s investment staff, asset class program partners and related organizations across all areas of the Common Retirement Fund. Aspects of the Emerging Manager Program.

With more than 20 years of experience on Wall Street, Mr. McClean has also held various leadership positions at CastleOak Securities, Loop Capital Markets, Topeka Capital Markets, and Citi Institutional Client Group. Mr. DiNapoli’s office claimed that throughout his career, he has built “strategic organizational relationships that increase brand awareness and drive revenue for some of the largest and most sophisticated asset management firms.”

Mr. McLean holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, where he is a Board Fellow.