Building Value, Giving Back: Don Opatrny on Wall Street Wisdom and Community Impact

In this episode of the Valley Investors Podcast, Don Opatrny shares his path from Cleveland to Cornell, through Wall Street and eventually to philanthropic leadership in Arizona. Don reflects on a dynamic career at Goldman Sachs that spanned corporate finance, international restructuring, and asset management. Now based in Phoenix, he’s channeling his expertise into nonprofit investment strategy—especially through his work at the Arizona Community Foundation. From practical insights on endowment management to stories about building impactful cultural and educational institutions, Don offers a masterclass on financial stewardship and civic engagement.

 

Key Discussions in This Episode: 

00:00 – Intro & Background

03:07 – Career Journey Begins

05:56 – A Global Career at Goldman Sachs

10:22 – A Return to Roots with Endowment Work

14:51 – Arizona Connection

15:22 – Arizona Community Foundation (ACF)

19:31 – Inside the ACF Portfolio

28:55 – Private Equity in Endowments

36:58 – Market Views & Risk Management

44:38 – Broader Economic Shifts

47:02 – Beyond Finance: Arts, Environment, Education

51:28 – Why Arizona?  

Links: 

Arizona Community Foundation: https://www.azfoundation.org/

Nathan Erickson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanferickson/ 

Don Opatrny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-opatrny-544069268/