A Brookhaven man has been named chief investment officer for Mississippi’s Public Employees’ Retirement System.

Charles Nielsen stepped into the job June 1, after the departure of Robert Clark, who resigned to pursue an opportunity in the private sector closer to family. Nielsen has worked since 1998 as an investment manager with PERS, and served as interim CIO August 2019 to February 2020, and as deputy CIO since April 2020.

“I wish Mr. Clark the very best in his new endeavor. We greatly appreciate his service to our membership,” said PERS Executive Director Ray Higgins. “Looking ahead, I am pleased to share the recent promotion of Charles Nielsen to PERS chief investment officer. Mr. Nielsen has more than two decades of experience with PERS investments and will provide continuity and a great deal of expertise as we continue to move PERS forward.”

Nielsen earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Southern Mississippi and worked as a licensed investment representative prior to joining PERS.

As CIO, Nielsen will be responsible for planning and directing the activities of the PERS Investment Department to ensure the prudent management of the investment assets. Under the general direction of and accountability to the executive director, the CIO initiates investment-related programs and procedures in accordance with state and federal laws governing PERS.