Ron Baker was named interim executive director of the $48 billion Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association, Denver, spokeswoman Katie Kaufmanis said in an email.
Mr. Baker replaces former executive director Gregory W. Smith, who died suddenly Dec. 12 while vacationing with his family in Hawaii. He was 56.
Mr. Baker is currently PERA's chief administrative officer.
"I want to thank the board for their confidence in me — it's truly humbling to assume this role at this difficult time," Mr. Baker said in the news release. "We will continue to work guided by the example set by Greg in serving the 560,000 current and former Colorado public employees who rely on PERA."
PERA's board of trustees will form an ad hoc committee in January to search for a permanent executive director.
A celebration of Mr. Smith's life will take place at 4 p.m. MST on Wednesday at the Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary International Foundation.
