Finance and Investment Affinity Group: Stewarding Capital Responsibly in Current Times

Foundations face a dual challenge: stewarding capital responsibly while navigating increasingly complex financial markets. In this interactive fireside chat with Highland Consulting Associates: Joel Baker and Gaurav Patankar, the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) practice across the country will be explored, highlighting how committees can strengthen fiduciary leadership, sharpen their investment lens, and prepare for the future.

Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers (includes full breakfast)

Joel Baker, CFA, Consultant, joined Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. in 2004. He has 25 years of experience working with a variety of for profit and nonprofit clients. Over the past few years, Joel has developed a specialty focus in the area of ESG and impact investments. He is responsible for assisting Highland's nonprofit clients as they develop and implement ESG and impact investment objectives. He frequently attends and speaks at industry conferences (Instructional Investor, P&I, AIMSE) where he discusses specific asset classes, portfolio risk management, governance, and manager due diligence.

Gaurav Patankar, Consultant, joined Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. with 24 years of experience and an extensive background in asset allocation, risk mitigation, portfolio construction, optimization and liability management. Gaurav has a strong understanding of endowments & foundations, including community foundations. As a member of Highland’s consulting and research teams, Gaurav will put his international experience with global markets, multiple asset classes, macroeconomics, liability management, and private and alternative investments to work in managing overall strategy and execution. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of Stanford Long Term Investing and is a member of the Investment Committee of the University at Buffalo Foundation.