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RF for SUNY
RF for SUNY was established in 1951 as the private nonprofit corporation that administers sponsored research programs across the State University of New York...
RF for SUNY
RF for SUNY was established in 1951 as the private nonprofit corporation that administers sponsored research programs across the State University of New York system. Its post-retirement benefit plan sits inside that structure and manages assets on behalf of eligible employees. The plan allocates to private equity, real estate, and venture capital. Confirmed holdings include Lone Star Real Estate Fund II, Related Real Estate Recovery Fund, Upstate Biotech Ventures, and the internal SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund. Investments span the United States with additional exposure through global private-equity vehicles advised by Partners Capital. The plan reports 292 million dollars in assets. It maintains a long-term relationship with investment advisor Partners Capital since 2013 and auditor Grant Thornton since 2023. In February 2026 the Research Foundation sponsored the SUNY Symposium marking its 75th anniversary. Governance rests with a board that includes sitting executives from Morgan Stanley and the Business Council of New York State, creating direct links between plan oversight and both financial and regional policy networks.
General information
Firm type
Pension Fund
Year founded
1951
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Albany
Corporate office
35 State Street, Albany, NY, United States
Principals
Daniel C. Tomson
Chair of the Board
John B. Fitzgibbons
Chair Emeritus
Robert S. Azeke
Board Member
Heather Mulligan
Board Member
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at RF for SUNY?
The board chaired by Daniel C. Tomson oversees the plan. Partners Capital has served as investment advisor since 2013.
Does RF for SUNY participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The plan holds limited-partner interests in multiple commingled funds including Lone Star Real Estate Fund II and Upstate Biotech Ventures.
What asset classes does RF for SUNY target?
Allocations include private equity, real estate, and venture capital with additional holdings in distressed and special-situations vehicles.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
Assets derive from the post-retirement benefit obligations of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York, funded through sponsored-program activity.
How is RF for SUNY related to the Research Foundation?
RF for SUNY is the legal entity that administers the foundation's sponsored programs and houses the post-retirement benefit plan as a VEBA trust.
Does RF for SUNY maintain philanthropic structures?
The Research Foundation itself functions as a nonprofit educational corporation; the benefit plan operates separately within a VEBA.
Which service providers support RF for SUNY?
Bank of New York Mellon acts as trustee and custodian. Grant Thornton serves as auditor and Partners Capital as investment advisor.
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