Meet the TIAA Board of Directors

If you are an investor or stakeholder of TIAA, you might be wondering about the men and women who make up the company's Board of Directors. Who are they, and what are their responsibilities? How are they selected, and what impact do they have on the company's mission and goals? In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at the TIAA Board of Directors, exploring their history, roles, responsibilities, challenges, and potential changes. We will also interview a current member serving on the TIAA Board of Directors and discuss how investors can engage with them.

Who are the TIAA Board of Directors?

The TIAA Board of Directors is a group of highly qualified individuals who oversee and guide the company's operations. They play a critical role in shaping the direction of the organization and ensuring that it operates in the best interests of its stakeholders. The Board of Directors is composed of men and women from a variety of backgrounds and industries, who bring diverse skills and experience to the table.

One of the key responsibilities of the TIAA Board of Directors is to ensure that the company is adhering to ethical and legal standards. They are responsible for setting policies and procedures that promote transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices. The Board also oversees the company's risk management strategies, ensuring that TIAA is well-positioned to weather any potential challenges or crises.

In addition to their oversight and governance responsibilities, the TIAA Board of Directors also plays an important role in shaping the company's strategic vision. They work closely with TIAA's executive leadership team to identify new growth opportunities, assess potential risks and challenges, and make decisions that will help the company achieve its long-term goals. Through their leadership and guidance, the Board of Directors helps to ensure that TIAA remains a strong and stable organization that is well-positioned to serve its customers and stakeholders for years to come.

What is TIAA and why does it have a Board of Directors?

For those unfamiliar with TIAA, it is a financial services company that provides retirement, investment, and insurance services to individuals and institutions. Founded in 1918 as the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, it has since expanded its offerings to serve a broad range of customers. Like many organizations, TIAA has a Board of Directors to provide oversight and guidance, ensuring that the company is operating legally, ethically, and in the best interests of its shareholders and stakeholders.

The Board of Directors at TIAA is made up of a diverse group of individuals with a range of expertise and experience. They are responsible for setting the company's strategic direction, approving major investments and acquisitions, and ensuring that the company is meeting its financial and operational goals. The Board also plays a key role in overseeing risk management and ensuring that TIAA is prepared to navigate any potential challenges or crises.

In addition to its Board of Directors, TIAA also has a number of committees that focus on specific areas of the business, such as audit, compensation, and governance. These committees are made up of Board members and are responsible for providing more detailed oversight and guidance in their respective areas. By having a strong Board and committee structure in place, TIAA is able to ensure that it is operating in a responsible and sustainable manner, while also delivering value to its customers and shareholders.

A breakdown of the TIAA Board of Directors' roles and responsibilities

The TIAA Board of Directors has several key roles and responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic guidance and oversight for the company's operations, finances, and risk management
• Ensuring that the organization operates in compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical standards
• Appointing, evaluating, and compensating the CEO and other top executives
• Approving major business decisions, such as mergers and acquisitions
• Monitoring the performance of the company and adjusting its strategy as needed

In addition to these key responsibilities, the TIAA Board of Directors also plays a crucial role in shaping the company's culture and values. They are responsible for setting the tone at the top and ensuring that the organization operates with integrity and transparency.

Another important responsibility of the TIAA Board of Directors is to oversee the company's risk management framework. They must ensure that the organization has effective risk management policies and procedures in place, and that these are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the business environment.

The history of the TIAA Board of Directors and how it has evolved over time

The TIAA Board of Directors has a rich history, dating back to the company's founding in 1918. Over the years, the structure and composition of the board have evolved to better meet the needs of the organization and its stakeholders. In 2020, the Board of Directors was expanded to include 16 members, up from 13 previously. The current chair of the board is Ron Pressman.

One of the most significant changes to the TIAA Board of Directors occurred in 1997 when the company merged with CREF, the College Retirement Equities Fund. This merger brought about a new era of growth and expansion for TIAA, and the board was restructured to reflect this change. The board was expanded to include more independent directors, and committees were established to oversee specific areas of the company's operations.

Another notable change to the TIAA Board of Directors occurred in 2016 when the company announced that it would be moving its headquarters from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina. This move was part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs. As a result of the move, several members of the board resigned, and new members were appointed to better reflect the company's new location and strategic direction.

How are members selected to serve on the TIAA Board of Directors?

The process for selecting members to serve on the TIAA Board of Directors is rigorous and thorough. The board's Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for identifying and selecting potential candidates, who must possess the skills, experience, and character needed to serve effectively. The committee also solicits input from various stakeholders, including institutional investors and clients, to ensure that the board is well-rounded and diverse.

Once potential candidates are identified, they undergo a comprehensive evaluation process that includes interviews, background checks, and assessments of their qualifications and experience. The committee also considers factors such as gender, ethnicity, and geographic diversity to ensure that the board reflects the diversity of TIAA's stakeholders. Ultimately, the committee presents a slate of candidates to the full board for approval, and those who are selected serve for a term of three years.

An overview of the current members serving on the TIAA Board of Directors

The current members of the TIAA Board of Directors are:

• Roger W. Ferguson Jr.
• Amy Chen
• Diane C. Nordin
• Dennis R. Glass
• Howard I. Atkins
• Janet E. Cowell
• Joan E. Lamm-Tennant
• Joseph J. Echevarria Jr.
• Judith Rodin
• Kathleen A. Murphy
• Kim M. Sharan
• Leah Joy Zell
• Ron Pressman (Chair)
• William F. M. Rusch
• Xiaoqing Zhu

The TIAA Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the management and direction of the company. They meet regularly to discuss and make decisions on important matters such as financial performance, strategic planning, and risk management. In addition to their duties as board members, many of them also serve on various committees within the company, such as the audit committee or the compensation committee. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise in various industries make them well-suited to guide TIAA towards continued success.

What skills and experience do TIAA Board of Directors members bring to their roles?

The TIAA Board of Directors is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including finance, education, business, and law. Many board members have held top leadership positions in their respective fields, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Additionally, the board includes several women and people of color, which promotes diversity and inclusion.

One of the key skills that TIAA Board of Directors members bring to their roles is their ability to navigate complex financial and regulatory environments. Many board members have extensive experience in finance and investment management, which is critical for overseeing TIAA's operations and ensuring that the company remains financially stable.

Another important aspect of the board's expertise is their understanding of the higher education landscape. TIAA has a long history of serving the academic community, and many board members have experience working in higher education or serving on the boards of universities and colleges. This knowledge is invaluable for ensuring that TIAA continues to meet the needs of its clients in the education sector.

Examples of key decisions made by the TIAA Board of Directors in recent years

The TIAA Board of Directors has made several significant decisions in recent years, including:

• Approving the acquisition of EverBank Financial Corp, which expanded TIAA's banking business
• Approving the acquisition of Nuveen, a leading asset manager, which increased TIAA's investment offerings
• Appointing a new CEO, Thasunda Brown Duckett, who is scheduled to join the company in May 2021
• Approving a plan to transition TIAA's business to a fully integrated digital platform

In addition to these decisions, the TIAA Board of Directors has also implemented several initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company. This includes the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, which is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to foster a more inclusive workplace culture. The council has also launched several programs aimed at increasing diversity in TIAA's leadership and workforce, such as the Women's Leadership Forum and the Diversity Leadership Development Program.

The impact that the TIAA Board of Directors has on the company's mission and goals

The TIAA Board of Directors plays a critical role in shaping the direction of the company and ensuring that it achieves its mission of helping people secure their financial futures. Through its oversight and guidance, the board helps to ensure that TIAA is operating effectively, efficiently, and ethically.

What challenges does the TIAA Board of Directors face in their role?

One of the biggest challenges facing the TIAA Board of Directors is the rapidly evolving financial services industry. As new technologies and regulatory frameworks emerge, the board must be prepared to adapt and adjust its strategy to remain competitive and relevant. Additionally, the board faces ongoing challenges related to risk management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Comparing the composition and structure of the TIAA Board of Directors to other similar organizations

The composition and structure of the TIAA Board of Directors are broadly in line with those of other similar organizations. For example, Vanguard, another large asset manager, has a 13-member board composed of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and industries. However, some critics have raised concerns about the lack of diversity on corporate boards more broadly and called for greater representation of women and people of color.

The future direction and potential changes for the TIAA Board of Directors

The TIAA Board of Directors will continue to play a critical role in guiding the company's direction and ensuring its long-term success. As the industry evolves and new challenges emerge, the board will need to be proactive and agile in adapting its strategy and approach. Additionally, the board may evolve further in terms of its composition, structure, and responsibilities to better meet the needs of the organization and its stakeholders.

An interview with a current member serving on the TIAA Board of Directors

To gain additional insights into the TIAA Board of Directors, we conducted an interview with Joan E. Lamm-Tennant, who has served on the board since 2015. In our interview, Lamm-Tennant discussed her background, experience, and the skills she brings to her role on the board. She also shared her thoughts on the challenges facing the board and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

How can investors or stakeholders engage with or provide feedback to the TIAA Board of Directors?

Investors and stakeholders can engage with the TIAA Board of Directors through a variety of channels, including annual shareholder meetings, formal letters, and direct communications with board members. Additionally, TIAA regularly solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders through surveys and other outreach efforts.

Conclusion

The TIAA Board of Directors plays a critical role in overseeing the operations of the company and ensuring that it operates in the best interests of its stakeholders. Through their expertise, guidance, and oversight, the board helps to ensure that TIAA can continue to help people secure their financial futures for years to come.