The new president has been with the middle market private equity firm for 17 years.
The plan last issued an RFP for the services in 2016.
She will work alongside the current head of real estate, who she worked with prior to joining Ares in 2013.
The transit agency issued an intent to award notice in its general investment consultant search last week.
The hire concludes a search launched last year after the plan established a new 5% target to timber/farmland.
Wai Yee Cheng has joined venture capital and growth equity manager Moderne Ventures as a managing director and head of capital formation and investor relations.
The pension plan is currently managed in-house.
The board will issue two consultant RFPs on behalf of its three investment plans this year.
A Michigan-based deferred compensation plan is seeking investment advisory and administrative services.
His prior career included serving as U.S. ambassador to Israel and coo and vice chair at Morgan Stanley.