Press Release

Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA) Expands Leadership Team with Appointment of Nikki Pirrello as Strategic Advisor and Incoming Chief Operating Officer

Issued by Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association [DCIIA]

Sept. 3, 2025

JUPITER, FL (September 2, 2025) – The Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA) today announced that Nikki Pirrello has joined the organization as a Strategic Advisor through the end of 2025 and will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective January 2026. Pirrello will report to Lew Minsky, DCIIA’s President and CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Nikki to the DCIIA leadership team,” said Lew Minsky, President and CEO of DCIIA. “Her experience at the intersection of strategy, industry connectivity, and mission-driven initiatives makes her an ideal fit for this role. As DCIIA continues to grow and evolve, Nikki’s leadership will be instrumental in taking our organization to the next level and advancing our work to improve retirement outcomes for millions of American workers.”

As COO, Pirrello will oversee DCIIA’s operations, member engagement, and strategic initiatives, working closely with Minsky and the DCIIA Executive Committee to advance DCIIA’s mission of bringing together key stakeholders to work collaboratively on enhancing retirement security and broader financial security. She will also serve as Executive Director of the DCIIA Plan Sponsor Institute (PSI).

Pirrello brings more than 20 years of experience in the institutional investment and retirement industry, with a track record of building organizations, elevating thought leadership, and fostering connectivity across the investment ecosystem. She is the founder of NP Capital Strategies, a consultancy focused on strategy, communications, and relationship development for leading financial services organizations. Most recently, Pirrello served as President and Publisher at Pensions & Investments where she led an award-winning global team providing news, research, events, and thought leadership for the institutional investment industry. She  

oversaw the launch of the P&I Research Center, P&I’s Content Solutions business and numerous events and awards programs, including Influential Women in Institutional Investing and Rising Stars. Prior to joining P&I, Pirrello led teams at other media companies, including Lebhar-Friedman and Scholastic, Inc.

“Joining DCIIA is an incredible opportunity to contribute to an organization whose mission deeply resonates with me,” said Pirrello. “I have long admired DCIIA’s collaborative and innovative approach to strengthening the defined contribution system. I look forward to partnering with Lew, the leadership team, and our members to build on this strong foundation and further expand the association’s impact.”

“Nikki’s appointment comes at an exciting time for DCIIA,” said Mike Raso, PineBridge Investments, Chair of the DCIIA Executive Committee. “The organization’s strength lies in its members and the collaborative community we’ve built. Nikki’s proven ability to engage stakeholders and create meaningful connections will be a major benefit for our membership. Her combination of industry insight, leadership experience, and passion for improving retirement security aligns perfectly with DCIIA’s mission and vision.”

Pirrello holds a B.A. from Drury University and is an active leader in initiatives supporting women in finance and the advancement of inclusive industry practices. She resides in New York.

About Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA)

Founded in 2010, DCIIA is a non-profit association that brings together constituents across the financial ecosystem to help America's workforce save for retirement and achieve broader financial security. DCIIA’s 300+ member organizations include investment managers, consultants and advisors, law firms, recordkeepers, insurance companies, data providers, plan sponsors (through the Plan Sponsor Institute), and others who are collectively committed to the best interests of America's workforce. DCIIA also conducts proprietary research and participates in industry collaboration on retirement topics via the DCIIA Retirement Research Center. DCIIA is the association partner of the Journal of Retirement. For more information, visit: www.dciia.org.

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