Debra Smith began her tenure with CalSTRS in 1996 as an Associate Management Auditor. In 1998, she joined the Investment Operations unit as an associate investment officer and by 2010, Ms. Smith was promoted to Investment Operations Director. In November 2014, Ms. Smith was appointed to her current position, Chief Operating Investment Officer (COIO). In November 2014, Ms. Smith participated and successfully completed CalSTRS' inaugural Executive Development Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Fresno in Business Administration, Finance and Marketing. She received the Leadership in Business Award in November 2016 from the Sacramento Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) and is currently serving a three-year term on the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's (PCAOB) Standing Advisory Group.