Igisomar was hired as deputy secretary of the Commerce Department in February 2009 and was appointed to the Fund board representing the Carolinian community.
On Oct. 10, 2010, he became the acting chief of the department after then-Secretary Michael Ada resigned.
Igisomar was re-elected chairman of the Retirement Fund board in March of last year. His term is set to expire this year.
In an interview, Igisomar said the issue about his dual government roles has already been questioned but right now they don’t see anything wrong about it because he’s still secretary in an acting capacity of Commerce.
“Should I quit the Fund if ever I’m appointed as the commerce secretary? I’ve already consulted the governor and the lt. governor on that matter, informing them of my potential intention to withdraw from the Fund,” he said.
“Who would be the next chairman of the Fund? I don’t know. But as far as I am concerned I am representing the Carolinian community so my replacement should represent the same community,” he added.
He noted that there are several other government officials who are also members of different boards. He did not disclose who these officials are.
He said he separates his role as Commerce chief and chairman of the pension board.
“Well, let’s put this way. So long as you do your fiduciary duties for the Fund and not start playing politics, then, you are fine because your overall intention is good. I wear two separate hats, which I don’t mind. When I go to the cabinet meetings, I don’t speak about the Fund. I don’t mix the two,” he said.
“There are a lot of government employees wearing two hats. Is that going to be a concern? If somebody is not doing his job, then it should be. But as long as you maintain your focus, that’s fine,” he added.
