Governor Reynolds appoints Martin Noven as new IPERS CEO

DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed a new IPERS CEO who is slated to take over the position by the end of the month.

Reynolds announced Friday that Martin Noven, former Executive Director of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, would take over as CEO of the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS). He will take over the position on August 24.

“I am deeply grateful for Governor Reynolds’ trust and confidence in appointing me to lead Iowa’s largest public retirement system,” Martin Noven stated in a news release. “It is a privilege to serve the many Iowans who depend on IPERS, and I am committed to advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring the long‑term strength and stability of the system as IPERS CEO.”

Novem has served in leadership positions for statewide retirement programs for nearly a decade, and served one of the nation’s largest public retirement systems as the Executive Director of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System from 2021 to 2025. His 30-year career also includes experience in retirement policy, legislative advocacy, and market and business development.

“Martin Noven knows what it means to partner with industry leaders, trustees, policymakers and legislators to deliver long-term outcomes and strong fund performance,” said a new release from Governor Reynolds. “The depth of his experience in public retirement systems is unmatched and will add immeasurable value for IPERS and its members.”

Novem is replacing former IPERS CEO Greg Samorajski, who resigned from the post in May. A month prior, it was announced that Samorajski had been placed on paid administrative leave due to allegations of misconduct.

Shortly after Samorajski was put on leave, it was announced that IPERS Chief Benefits Officer Steven Herbert had also been placed on administrative leave amid allegations of misconduct. Herbert was later fired after the investigation found he had violated state policies and corresponding Iowa/administrative code.

The IPERS Trust Fund serves more the 424,000 members. It is valued at $47 billion and pays more than $2.76 billion in annual benefits.

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