Executive Director Transition Begins

OAK BROOK, Ill. – Following the retirement announcement from IMRF Executive Director, Brian Collins, the Board of Trustees retained CBIZ, a nationwide executive search firm, to aid in the selection of the next executive director at its Board Meeting on Friday.

During the search, Vladimir Shuliga will serve as the Interim Executive Director.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead IMRF during this transition,” said Shuliga. “My goal is to ensure that IMRF continues to be one of the best-funded public pension systems in the country while supporting the improvements being made to better support our retirees, members, and employers.”

Shuliga began his career at IMRF as Associate General Counsel in 2017 and was promoted to General Counsel in 2023. In his role, he is responsible for numerous IMRF functions, including legal, employer compliance, legislative outreach, cybersecurity, and procurement. In addition, Shuliga has successfully argued dozens of cases on IMRF’s behalf, including before the Illinois Supreme Court. He is the executive sponsor for many organization-wide initiatives, including the Business Continuity Plan and Disaster Recovery Plan and IMRF’s relocation of its corporate headquarters.

Prior to joining IMRF, Shuliga was an attorney at Ottosen Britz Kelly Gilbert & DiNolfo, Ltd. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and earned his Juris Doctor from the Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Shuliga will assume the role of Interim Executive Director after Collins’ retirement in April.

“Vlad is a valued and trusted member of IMRF’s leadership team,” said Collins. “His relationships both internally with our staff and externally with our members and stakeholders will ensure IMRF continues on its path toward a brighter future.”

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