Philip Weiss, LCSW, C-SSWS, Teacher Trustee Candidate

Weiss headshot

STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY

Dear CTPF Members,

I respectfully ask for your vote to serve another term as your Active Teacher Trustee on the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund Board. My commitment is straightforward: Protect your pension, strengthen the Fund through responsible investing, and ensure every decision is made in the best interests of Chicago's educators.
 

About Me

The Chicago Public Schools and education have been central to my life from a very young age.  My mother and father were both long-serving CPS teachers, dedicating more than 50 years of combined service to CPS. In addition to my parents’ service, my wife has taught CPS middle school math for 17 years, and both our children attended CPS schools for the entirety of their education, with my son currently a sophomore at Payton. I have personally devoted almost three decades of service to CPS. I understand firsthand how important a secure retirement is for educators and their families.
 

Education

University of Illinois BS

Loyola University MSW (LSW, LCSW, Type 73, C-SSWS)

National Louis University MEd (Type 75)

I have also obtained a certification in hydroponics, which is a school club and personal hobby. I teach students how to grow healthy, organic, non-GMO hydroponic plants and connect students with local growers and distributors, which often results in spring and summer employment opportunities.
 

My Experience

During my previous term, I served as Chair of the CTPF Investment Committee, where I emphasized responsible investing, transparency, and strong governance.

Working with fellow trustees and investment professionals, I helped to:

  • review and oversee investment opportunities across stocks, bonds, real estate, and other asset classes.
  • strengthen governance by encouraging adherence to established investment policies and review processes.
  • introduce a diversified model portfolio designed to improve long-term returns while managing risks.

During my tenure, the Fund exceeded its 6.5 percent actuarial investment assumption and generated positive alpha, demonstrating strong investment performance. *Translation- You gave your time and talent, thank you, I made every effort and delivered in helping grow and strengthen our pension fund in perpetuity.

Personal Investing Experience

I established two LLCs while owning, rehabbing and managing Chicago apartment buildings as investments. The properties generated consistent rental income and appreciated in value, making them financially successful while also providing affordable, well-maintained housing—primarily for women and children seeking a safe home and a responsive, caring landlord.  
Tenant referrals drove strong demand and helped keep the buildings occupied.  After selling the buildings, renters continued to call me years later looking for housing. These investments demonstrate my ability to create a positive community impact while maintaining strong financial performance. I was able to gain a profit from the buildings while strengthening the community by creating a safe, stable home for renters. 

In addition to the buildings, I trade and hold stocks, bonds, commodities and am invested in other asset classes.

I also maintain relationships with business leaders to stay informed and access deals.
 

My Priorities

If reelected, I will continue working with our investment professionals and stakeholders to strengthen the Fund through prudent oversight, refining investment processes, accessing deals, and ensuring transparency and accountability. 

Financial markets continue to evolve, and trustees must continue learning. I stay informed on developments in artificial intelligence, technology, semiconductors, and broader financial markets while remaining committed to proven long-term investment principles, including diversification, disciplined investing, and cost-effective portfolio management.

My goal is to position CTPF among the nation's strongest-performing public pension systems.

How will I help achieve this goal?

As your trustee, I will:

  • Ask the difficult questions, which will help guide and focus staff and managers[KA4.1], improving investment performance and Fund operations.  As of June 30th 2026, CTPF has missed their 1, 3, 5 and 10 year benchmarks. (Unacceptable!)
  • Advocate for timely, full funding from all legally required funding sources, so every dollar can begin working for our members as soon as possible.
  • Support investment decisions based on sound financial analysis, fiduciary responsibility, and long-term performance and proper due diligence.
  • Promote transparency, accountability, and independent evaluation of our investment practices.
  • Hold investment managers accountable through rigorous performance standards and oversight.
  • Protect the integrity of Board processes by supporting ethical governance, compliance with policies, and transparent decision-making.
     

Putting Members First

The members of CTPF are the reason I serve.
If reelected, I will continue to ensure:

  • Investment decisions yield strong long-term returns while carefully managing risks.
  • High standards of professionalism, responsiveness, and service from all CTPF staff.
  • Ethical leadership, which includes acting with care, skill, and diligence on your behalf.
  • Prudent management, consistent with industry fiduciary obligations.
  • Advocacy for Tier 2 members, educators hired after January 1, 2011.
  • Personal politics stay out of our Fund! 

It is imperative we grow our Fund and ensure members leave satisfied.

Thank you for your consideration and your vote!

Vote: Philip Weiss

Active Teacher Trustee — November 2026

"Your pension is a promise—a promise that must never be broken."

 

Disclaimer: CTPF is not responsible for the content of this material and has not verified any of the information.