UNM alumnus Steve Neel appointed CIO for NMERB

In June, Steve Neel was named Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (NMERB). A graduate of the Anderson School of Management, now The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership, Neel oversees the investment strategy for the retirement benefits of active and retired employees of New Mexico's public schools, universities, and educational institutions.

Originally from Hawaii, Neel grew up attending public schools within New Mexico, making his new role all that much more meaningful.

“For all the people that have devoted their lives to helping our children, we are working to create a secure future and great retirement for our educators. And that is a noble mission in my opinion,” said Neel.
Neel holds a BA in economics with a minor in business and a master’s in business administration.
While the classroom experience at Ellis provided a strong academic foundation, he credits much of his personal and professional growth to the relationships he built with classmates.

"Being in class, comparing notes, going to the Frontier, studying together — those experiences are really meaningful, and they helped shape us culturally and intellectually. I still stay in touch with a number of those who were in my cohort,” said Neel.

Before being appointed CIO, Neel served as NMERB's Deputy Chief Investment Officer and has dedicated nearly 20 years to the organization. During this time, Neel has found fulfillment not only in investment management but also in helping others succeed. He believes leadership begins with listening and empowering the people around him.

"It is important to lead by example and meet people where they're at. Also being able to say, 'Let's discuss what your career goals are and how I can help you get there’. I think it's important for employees to know that their supervisor really cares for them and has their best interests in mind,” said Neel.

That mindset has inspired his continued involvement with UNM and the Lobo Investment Club. Neel has acted as a mentor and as a guest speaker at several events.

Most recently, he served as a panelist at a public-sector finance career event hosted by the Ellis School of Business Leadership in partnership with the New Mexico State Treasurer's Office and New Mexico State University. The event connected students with finance professionals and highlighted career opportunities in New Mexico.

By volunteering his time and sharing his professional experiences, Neel hopes to show students that they can build successful and meaningful careers while making an impact in their home state.

His advice for current Ellis students is to never give up and always keeping trying for your goals.

“Make people say no. Resilience is more of a hallmark of success than anything else.”