The head of Ohio’s largest pension system expressed willingness to work with Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s request to divest from companies doing business with Iran, although she noted such action must be taken with the best interests of a million current and past public employees as a priority.

“We appreciate your letter that recognizes our policy and look forward to working with you,” said Karen Carraher, executive director of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, in a letter made available to The Dispatch on Tuesday night.

Earlier, a PERS spokeswoman said the fund could not comply with requests to …