Corporate governance & leadership
We’re on a mission to help our customers reach their financial goals and our clients reach their full potential. We’re accountable to the people we serve and we seek to protect their interests.
Our history
TIAA and CREF have different governance boards
We got our start in 1918, helping to make a more secure retirement possible for America's educators. Today, our solutions and forward-thinking guidance help millions of people on their path toward retirement readiness.
TIAA
1918 — TIAA was chartered in 1918 as a life insurance company serving teachers across the United States.
CREF
1952 — TIAA created the College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), the first-ever variable annuity. An innovative new product, it offers a diversified fund of common stocks to help investors fight inflation.
TIAA-CREF
2016 —TIAA-CREF moved to a single brand under TIAA, with CREF remaining a big part of what we offer to our customers and clients.
How we're structured
Our governing boards work to protect you
The TIAA and CREF Boards of Governors are comprised of the same seven individuals by charter. Trustees on the TIAA and CREF boards work largely through committees and shape TIAA and CREF policies. TIAA and CREF boards help keep us accountable. TIAA Board of Trustees helps assure the proper management of our organization, while the CREF Board of Trustees oversees our SEC-registered investment company.
TIAA
TIAA Board of Governors
TIAA Board of Trustees
Committee of the TIAA Board
CREF
CREF Board of Governors
CREF Board of Trustees
Committees of the CREF Board of Trustees
Governance
Learn about our board election processes
Who elects the Board of Governors?
The TIAA Board of Governors elects its own successors. It normally consists of seven members, including the TIAA president and CEO, with each member serving a seven-year term. As required by its governing documents, the same seven members of the TIAA Board of Governors are the same seven members of the CREF Board of Governors.
Who elects the Board of Trustees?
The TIAA Board of Governors elects the TIAA trustees annually. Traditionally, TIAA participants — such as holders of TIAA individual life insurance policies and those with accumulations in the TIAA Real Estate Account — have been asked to express their preferences through an advisory vote. The TIAA Board of Governors then considers the vote and but is ultimately responsible for formally electing the Board of Trustees.
The CREF Board of Trustees is elected directly by CREF participants. Each participant has a number of votes equal to the dollar amount of his or her CREF accumulation and/or the calculated number of dollars supporting CREF’s annuity obligations to that individual if he or she is receiving annuity income. Participants vote at CREF’s meeting of participants in person or — more typically — by proxy (ballots mailed, phoned in, or cast online). Ballots and proxy statements are made available to participants shortly after they become eligible to vote.
How often are Trustees elected?
The TIAA Trustees are elected annually and the CREF Trustees are elected every four years, from a diverse pool of candidates.
Are the members of the boards independent?
The TIAA Board of Trustees is made up of 14 individuals, including TIAA’s president and CEO, who oversee the management of TIAA. The TIAA Trustees are independent except for TIAA's president and CEO.
The CREF Board of Trustees consists of 10 individuals who oversee the management of CREF. By policy, the positions of Chairman of the CREF Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer of CREF are held by different individuals.
Who can I contact with other questions?
Questions and inquiries regarding corporate governance should be sent to:
TIAA Board of Trustees
or
CREF Board of Trustees
c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017-3206
trustees@tiaa-cref.org
Governance
Our leadership team
A unique team of professionals with diverse backgrounds share a passion to lead TIAA. Our leaders guide us in fulfilling our commitments to our own people and to those we serve.
TIAA and nuveen
Our industry reach means more opportunities for our clients
In 2014, TIAA and Nuveen came together to expand our range of investment options. Today, our clients benefit from the combined history of stability, retirement leadership and innovation of both TIAA and Nuveen.
TIAA
TIAA Kaspick
TIAA Trust
Nuveen
Nuveen investment capabilities