Topeka ? Robert “Vince” Smith, the chief investment officer for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, is leaving to become deputy state investment officer at the New Mexico State Investment Council.

Glenn Deck, executive director of KPERS, said the system will conduct a national search to replace Smith.

In another move, KPERS’ actuarial consultant Patricia Beckham is leaving the firm of Milliman and going to Cavanaugh MacDonald Consulting. Deck said KPERS’ contract with Milliman runs through the end of the year. KPERS will seek requests for proposals for a new contract, he said.