Rickard, who has worked for Ivy Tech Community College for 14 years, holds one of 30 seats on the Advisory Council. Members serve on one of four committees: products and services, institutional communication, participant communication or administer education and training. The council serves as an executive link between TIAA-CREF administration and institutions and professional and educational associations. Rickard will attend her first Advisory Council quarterly meeting next week, where she will be officially welcomed to the council and a committee.

“The quarterly TIAA-CREF Advisory Council meetings prove to be an important arena for discussion of new products, services and investment options that are in various stages of development,” said Edward Van Dolsen, Executive Vice President, Institutional Client Services. “It is the best place for us to hear directly from administrators the about types of investment choices and objective financial advice they are looking for us to deliver to their employees. We’re looking forward to Kelly’s contributions on behalf of Ivy Tech to the Advisory Council.”

“Kelly’s appointment to this Advisory Council represents both her work for Ivy Tech Community College and her relationships with our benefit providers,” said Bill Morris, Vice President of Administration. “It also speaks to Ivy Tech’s reputation as an institution of higher education. Ivy Tech Community College is one of only two two-year institutions represented on the TIAA-CREF Advisory Council.”

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s second largest public post-secondary institution with over 73,000 students enrolled this spring. Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. More information is available at http://www.ivytech.edu.

TIAA-CREF is a national financial services organization with more than $370 billion in combined assets under management (12/31/05) and the leading provider of retirement services in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields. Further information can be found at http://www.tiaa-cref.org.