Please join us in welcoming Anthony Sophinos, CPA, to the New Mexico State Investment Council!
A recently licensed CPA originally from New England, Anthony brings a unique blend of experience across a variety of disciplines. After earning his Master of Accountancy from the University of Massachusetts, he began his career as an auditor with PwC before expanding his skill set with roles in operations and marketing.
Now, he’s excited to return to his professional roots and support the SIC's mission of ensuring the long‑term financial support of New Mexicans.
Outside of work, Anthony enjoys spending time outdoors and getting lost in a good book.
We’re thrilled to have him on our accounting team!
Global electricity demand is expected to double by 2050, driven by electrification across industries, as part of the energy transition.
Fusion has the potential to be a source of abundant, reliable baseload power—precisely what the grid under increasing demands needs.
Following that signal, at the 2026 Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Energy Innovation Summit on April 8, agency Director Conner Prochaska announced a historic $135 million commitment to accelerate the development and commercialization of fusion technologies—the largest concentrated fusion investment in ARPA-E's history.
After the announcement, Bruce Brown, SIC Head of Strategic Climate Initiatives, joined a panel titled “Why Investors Are Funding Fusion," to discuss how institutional capital is helping drive this rapidly expanding sector.
Bruce highlighted the SIC’s recent commitments to venture funds investing in fusion, like those which invested in Pacific Fusion, expected to bring $1B in economic impact to New Mexico through its planned research and development facility.
This panel made one thing clear: fusion is emerging as a defining energy opportunity of the 21st century, and investors like the SIC are helping shape its trajectory.
#ARPAE26 #CleanTech #FusionEnergy
On May 28, Chris Cassidy, Principal Asset Class Director, will speak at a 60 minute virtual workshop and live Q&A, about why companies in certain sectors should consider New Mexico for their next expansion.
"Why Hard Tech is Choosing New Mexico" will discuss, in part, how the SIC's Strategic Venture Capital Program is fueling economic impact in the state.
Sign up for the virtual event at luma.com/vf0ik369 or on the Scout Cities LinkedIn page!
Last Wednesday at SF Climate Week, Bruce Brown, SIC Head of Strategic Climate Initiatives, and Rob Black, Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, teamed up for a live recording of MCJ’s Inevitable Podcast.
The discussion, led by Cody Simms, Managing Partner at MCJ, offered a compelling look at what’s taking shape in New Mexico — driven by strategic investment and a focus on sectors where the state is positioned to lead.
That includes advanced energy, a theme that resonated strongly with many in the room.
Stay tuned: a full video and podcast episode from the event will be available in the coming weeks!
New Mexico students aren’t just preparing for the future - they’re building it!
Yesterday’s “Cultivating the Next Wave of New Mexico’s Financial Leaders” event brought together students, educators, and public finance experts to create real pathways from the classroom to impactful careers in government finance. From investing and budgeting to managing public funds, students are stepping into opportunities that shape their communities and their state.
By connecting higher education with meaningful public service careers, we’re helping the next generation stay in New Mexico, lead with purpose, and manage the future of our state’s resources.
The future of finance in New Mexico is already in the room, and it’s student-driven.
Special thank you to @uofnm , @nmsu , New Mexico Educational Retirement Board, @peranewmexico , @nm_sic , @newmexicofinanceauthority , and @nm_spo for your support.
#FutureLeaders #NMStudents #PublicService #WorkforceDevelopment #NMFinance
Thank you to New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya for inviting members of our team to her inaugural event, "Cultivating the Next Wave of New Mexico's Financial Leaders." Jon Clark, SIC State Investment Officer, took part in a panel where he discussed his career trajectory, and the SIC's projected fund growth over the next few years. This was a great opportunity to connect with students, faculty, and other community members!
The State Investment Council is in search of an advisory member to serve on our Council Investment Committee.
You can find the full RFI for the role on our website.
To submit your interest or for further information, contact Helen Calles, Director of Staff and Business Operations, at [email protected].
When students attend the UNM Anderson School of Management, they receive education essential to a career in finance. The SIC is providing them a unique edge by bringing our managers in to discuss skills the classroom doesn't teach.
Thomas Lofton, SIC Director of Debt Market Strategies, and Joel Holsinger, Partner, Co-Head of Alternative Credit at Ares Management, presented to students at UNM, involved in the Lobo Investment Club.
We're appreciative to Joel for taking the time to speak with New Mexico's rising financial professionals. Thank you to the student leaders at the Lobo Investment Club as well as their advisor, Professor Subramanian Iyer, for having us!
Last week Chris Cassidy, SIC's Director of Private Equity and Venture Capital, participated in a panel at SXSW showcasing how New Mexico is aligning public policy and capital to bring economic impact to the state.
New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Secretary Rob Black, Carrie von Muench of Pacific Fusion, and David Ellmann of UP.Abundance took part in the panel alongside Chris, and the conversation was moderated by Nora Meyers Sackett, Director of EDD's Technology and Innovation Office.
Thank you to our dedicated partners who traveled to Austin for the event to help tell the story of what New Mexico is building.
At today's Council meeting, the SIC announced the appointment of its new Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Kristin Varela.
Kristin is a multi-generational New Mexican, and comes from a family of ranchers, which heavily influenced her personal values of hard work, stewardship of the land, and service to others.
Kristin comes to the SIC from the Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaiʻi, where she served as Chief Investment Officer, and led the investment program for the system’s approximately $26 billion pension portfolio.
A graduate of Pecos High School and New Mexico Highlands University, Kristin looks forward to returning home to lead the state's $70B+ sovereign wealth fund.
A full press release with more information about the SIC's selection of Kristin can be found on our website.
Our team is grateful to be joined by Katrina Rose, Executive Administrative Assistant.
Katrina's previous experience includes legislative operations, and a strong foundation in government procedures and public policy. Katrina has worked with the New Mexico State Senate and two federally funded research and development centers in collaborative, operations-focused roles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Public Affairs with an emphasis in Political and Governmental Processes from New Mexico Highlands University.
Welcome to the SIC team, Katrina!
Ready to take your career to the next level at an organization with over $70B in assets under management? This is your sign to take the leap.
We're growing our team and hiring for multiple positions. Visit the SIC website to find full job descriptions for the roles outlined above, and more.
Send your resume and cover letter to Kevin Dominguez, MBA, HR Manager, at [email protected].
We can't wait to hear from you!
