Farhadieh will succeed current CIO Dave Zellner upon his retirement in summer 2024

For Immediate Release

Contact: Julie Capozzi
Managing Director, Communications
(847) 866-4111
[email protected]

Glenview, IL—Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) today announces that Johara Farhadieh will join Wespath as deputy chief investment officer (deputy CIO) the week of October 2. Ms. Farhadieh will succeed current Chief Investment Officer, Dave Zellner when Dave retires in the summer of 2024.

As deputy CIO, Ms. Farhadieh will oversee the Investment Management team as well as join Wespath’s senior leadership team (SLT) during the transition period, working closely with CEO and General Secretary Andy Hendren.

“Johara will be an exceptional addition to Wespath and our Investment team,” said Andy Hendren. “Wespath’s long-term investment philosophy and performance as guided by Dave Zellner over more than 25 years is highly regarded by our many customers who have trusted us with their assets. Johara’s mission orientation and executive experience make her the right leader to carry this legacy forward. She will bring a deep understanding of capital markets, fresh perspectives from her life’s experiences, and relational talents with diverse stakeholders to Wespath and our mission of caring for those who serve.”

Ms. Farhadieh will join Wespath from the Illinois State Board of Investment (ISBI), where she is executive director and chief investment officer. In this role, she oversees the investment management of the $24B defined benefit (DB) fund as well as the fiduciary obligations of the nearly $5B defined contribution (DC) plan for more than 170,000 beneficiaries and 67,000 participants respectively.

“I am very excited that Johara will be joining Wespath,” said Dave Zellner. “She has clearly demonstrated success in managing multi-asset portfolios supporting the investment of pension and defined contribution plan assets. In addition, her proven track record of promoting sustainable investment practices makes her an ideal fit for continuing alignment of Wespath’s fund investments with the values of The United Methodist Church.”

”I am truly honored to assume the role of deputy CIO at such an esteemed organization,” expressed Johara Farhadieh. “As demonstrated during my time at the Illinois State Board of Investment, I am passionate about achieving top-tier investment performance while upholding a commitment to diversity and sustainable investing practices. I look forward to bringing my experience and dedication to Wespath on behalf of its hardworking beneficiaries.”

Ms. Farhadieh received a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a master’s in Business Administration from DePaul University. She was named Crain’s Chicago Notable Executive of Color in Finance in 2022, is a recipient of the 2021 Pensions & Investments Excellence & Innovation Leadership Award, and was named in Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 list in 2018. She serves on the board of La Rabida Hospital and was the former president of the Associate Board of the Face of the Future Foundation.

About Wespath Benefits and Investments
Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) is a not-for-profit agency that has been serving The United Methodist Church (UMC) for over a century. In accordance with its fiduciary duties, Wespath administers benefit plans and, together with its subsidiaries, including Wespath Institutional Investments, invests over $24 billion in assets on behalf of over 100,000 participants and over 100 United Methodist institutions (as of December 31, 2022). Wespath invests in a sustainable manner that seeks to achieve positive financial, social and environmental impact while upholding the values of the UMC. Wespath maintains one of the largest reporting faith-based pension funds in the world. For additional information about Wespath Benefits and Investments, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.