Dakota Live! Podcast

In this enlightening episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Breanna Stein Genecov, Director of Portfolio Solutions and OCIO with Makena Capital. With a background in risk management, portfolio strategy, and manager selection, Breanna offers a deep dive into the complex world of Makena Capital’s OCIO business and how the firm shapes investment outcomes for a diverse client base.Makena Capital Management, LLC was formed in 2005 by senior executives from the Stanford Management Company along with other leading practitioners from elite North American endowments and foundations.The firm offers investment expertise, scale and access to a diverse client base which includes endowments, foundations, family offices, sovereign wealth funds and international institutions focused on preserving and growing multigenerational capital. As of December 2023, the firm is responsible for over $20 billion in capital under management.Beginning as an intern with Makena Capital to her role today, supporting the design, implementation, and management multi-asset class portfolios, Breanna enhances our understanding of the role of the OCIO and the strategic decisions that drive Makena’s investment strategy. With an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, her insights are grounded in substantial academic and practical experience, making her perspective invaluable to anyone interested in the dynamics of manager selection and asset allocation.Episode Highlights:The Role of OCIO: Explore how OCIOs like Makena Capital manage investments for endowments, foundations, and family offices, ensuring their long-term financial health and growth.Career Insights: Breanna discusses her career trajectory, including her shift from covering natural resources to multi-asset class solution management, and the impact of her education on her professional path.Investment Strategies: Gain insights into Makena Capital's approach to investment, focusing on risk management, asset allocation, and the key attributes Makena looks for in asset management partners.Future of Investing: Discussion on the evolution of investment strategies in response to market changes.Whether you're a professional in the industry or an interested observer, there's something in this episode for everyone.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier welcomes Daniel Gottlieb, Chief Investment Officer for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Discover how Daniel oversees the tribe’s Permanent Fund Investments (PFI), which manages a diversified portfolio to support the tribe's long-term financial goals and essential community services.Under Daniel’s leadership, the investment strategies have expanded to include private investments alongside traditional asset classes, reflecting a commitment to diversification and sustainability. With a background in the alternative investment industry, Daniel brings a wealth of expertise in portfolio management and investment strategies.Daniel shares insights into the tribe’s unique investment strategies, the importance of aligning investments with cultural and long-term financial goals, and the significance of building strong relationships with investment partners.This episode not only highlights the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s sophisticated investment approach but also provides a deeper understanding of Daniel’s leadership and the mission-driven goals of their investment department.Whether you're an industry professional or a curious investor, this discussion will enhance your understanding of strategic investment management and the benefits of a diversified portfolio. Tune in to uncover the intricacies of their investment strategies and what helps them stand out in the investment landscape.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Jenny Chan, Senior Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).  Jenny oversees CHOP's substantial investment portfolio, playing a crucial role in supporting the hospital's mission through strategic and innovative investment approaches.Jenny shares her journey from working in asset management to leading the investment office at CHOP.   She delves into CHOP's unique governance structure and the evolution of its investment strategies, highlighting the hospital's commitment to sustainability and mission-driven goals.Jenny also discusses the challenges and opportunities in managing a diverse portfolio, from venture capital to public equities, and the importance of building strong relationships with investment partners.In addition, Jenny reflects on the personal and professional influences that have shaped her career, from her time with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to her leadership role at CHOP. Jenny's journey from bond trading to leading a major healthcare investment team offers inspiring lessons in leadership, continuous learning, and the power of a mission-focused approach.Join us for this insightful conversation that blends technical expertise with personal reflections. Jenny’s approach to investment management, her focus on sustainability, and her leadership at one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals provide a fascinating look into the intersection of finance and healthcare.

In the latest episode of Dakota Live!, we are thrilled to welcome Mike Negussie, a pivotal investor in the world of pediatric healthcare investments. As the Investment Director at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Mike and the investment team are at the forefront of revolutionizing children's healthcare through strategic investments in biotechnology, life sciences, and more. Dive deep into the world of CHOA, a beacon of hope and innovation, managing over a million patient visits each year and offering over 60 specialized pediatric programs. Discover how the investment team at CHOA is sculpting a brighter, healthier future for children, with Mike and his colleagues leading the charge in analyzing and seizing groundbreaking investment opportunities. Whether you are a budding biotech enthusiast, an investment aficionado, or simply curious about the mechanisms of private and public market due diligence, this episode offers a golden opportunity to gain insights directly from a seasoned expert. Join us as Mike unveils the strategies, approaches, and themes that are currently driving CHOA's extraordinary mission forward. Don't miss this chance to learn from a thought leader in the field, as we explore the intricacies of emerging manager relationships and the current trends in biotechnology and life sciences. Tune in to witness how CHOA is shaping a healthier future, one investment at a time.

In this episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier welcomes Joseph Heringer, Commissioner, and Frank Mihail, Chief Investment Officer, from the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands.This conversation provides a comprehensive look into how North Dakota manages its substantial land and mineral assets to support educational institutions and other state beneficiaries.The discussion highlights the unique structure and strategies of the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, detailing the management of over 2.6 million acres of land.Joseph Heringer shares insights into his role and the department's mission to maximize returns and revenue through prudent asset management. The episode delves into the importance of the partnership with the oil and gas industry, which significantly contributes to the state's revenue through royalties.Frank Mihail discusses his role as CIO, overseeing a $7 billion sovereign wealth fund. He outlines the department’s investment strategies, including the introduction of various asset classes such as venture capital and distressed credit, and the restructuring of public fixed income and real estate investments. The conversation also covers the operational improvements and the use of technology to enhance efficiency in portfolio management.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands balances its commitments to education and the energy sector while ensuring sustainable growth and innovation.Tune in to discover the intricacies of managing state assets and the strategic initiatives that drive North Dakota's investment success.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Amanda Tepper and Ravi Venkatraman, managing partners and co-founders of Chestnut Advisory Group.Chestnut Advisory Group and the Chestnut Solutions Institute specialize in providing strategic advisory services and investment solutions tailored to the needs of OCIOs (Outsourced Chief Investment Officers). They offer comprehensive support, including market insights, best practices, and customized strategies to enhance the effectiveness and performance of OCIOs in managing their clients' investment portfoliosAmanda and Ravi bring deep insights into the world of investment management and strategic advisory. Their expertise in the OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) space and investment solutions industry is unparalleled.Episode Highlights:✔ The unique challenges and evolution of the OCIO market.✔ Key factors driving the growth and consolidation within the investment solutions industry.✔ The importance of establishing common standards and definitions for investment solution providers.✔ Chestnut's thesis on the importance of meeting clients' needs and how this approach drives their strategic advisory practice.Tune In to Learn:✅ How investors are selecting OCIO partners.✅ Best practices in OCIO management and discretionary services.✅ Insights on client-centric solutions and the importance of ongoing education and dialogue.✅ Emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of the OCIO landscape.Join us for this engaging conversation on navigating the complexities of investment solutions. Amanda and Ravi's approach to strategic advisory, their commitment to ethical standards, and their leadership in the investment management community provide a fascinating look into the future of the industry.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Jenny Chan, Senior Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).  Jenny oversees CHOP's substantial investment portfolio, playing a crucial role in supporting the hospital's mission through strategic and innovative investment approaches.Jenny shares her journey from working in asset management to leading the investment office at CHOP.   She delves into CHOP's unique governance structure and the evolution of its investment strategies, highlighting the hospital's commitment to sustainability and mission-driven goals.Jenny also discusses the challenges and opportunities in managing a diverse portfolio, from venture capital to public equities, and the importance of building strong relationships with investment partners.In addition, Jenny reflects on the personal and professional influences that have shaped her career, from her time with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to her leadership role at CHOP. Jenny's journey from bond trading to leading a major healthcare investment team offers inspiring lessons in leadership, continuous learning, and the power of a mission-focused approach.Join us for this insightful conversation that blends technical expertise with personal reflections. Jenny’s approach to investment management, her focus on sustainability, and her leadership at one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals provide a fascinating look into the intersection of finance and healthcare.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Jonathan Tubiana, Managing Director, Investments with Abbott Capital.Established in 1986, Abbott Capital Management focuses on creating value for its investors through carefully crafted portfolios of private equity investments. The firm is known for its strategic approach to primaries, secondaries, and co-investments, emphasizing the depth of its market insights and the strength of its global relationships. Since joining Abbott Capital in 2009, Jonathan has played a pivotal role in guiding the firm's investment strategy. With a background in finance from Grenoble School of Finance (France) and NYU Stern School of Business, Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge and international perspective to his role.Episode Highlights:Jonathan's career journey and evolution at Abbott Capital.The importance of team dynamics and cognitive diversity in investment decisions.How Abbott Capital sources and evaluates private equity managers.The impact of private wealth and product innovation on private equity.Join us as Jonathan shares his journey, insights, and expertise in formulating high-performing private equity portfolios and fostering strong client relationships.Tune In to Learn:The process and criteria for evaluating private equity managers.How Abbott Capital manages risk and portfolio construction.The significance of long-term relationships and client expectations.The role of innovation and emerging trends in private markets.Don't miss this insightful conversation with Jonathan Tubiana and learn more about Abbott Capital.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Rob Roy, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, and Co-Head of Environmental Sustainability at AdventHealth.Rob oversees investments for one of the nation’s largest faith-based health systems, which include operating capital and employee retirement portfolios totaling approximately $18 billion. In addition, he co-leads the company's environmental profile transformation, including all emissions, waste, and water streams, and cooperates on the company-wide ESG reporting.Rob shares the innovative strategies that have transformed AdventHealth's investment portfolio, emphasizing risk management and data-driven decisions. Discover how AdventHealth has evolved from a precarious financial position to a robust, risk-balanced portfolio, leveraging strategic partnerships and a generalist team model to navigate complex investment landscapes.Rob also delves into AdventHealth's commitment to sustainability and resilience. Learn about their dual focus on reducing environmental impact and increasing resilience to climate change, with initiatives spanning emissions, waste, and water management. Explore how strategic investments in renewable energy and workforce housing not only align with their mission but also provide strong financial returns. Rob's journey from bond trading to leading a major healthcare investment team offers valuable lessons in continuous learning, curiosity, and the power of collaboration.Join us for this inspiring conversation that blends technical insights with personal reflections. Rob's dedication to aligning investment strategies with organizational values and mission-driven goals is a testament to effective leadership.

Welcome to our latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast. In this special episode, we recorded live from North Dakota State University in Fargo, bringing together a panel of distinguished guests to explore the growth of capital in the state and how investment decisions from the State’s Department of Trust Lands, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Foundation, and its student-managed investment strategy come together at the intersection of education, energy, and investment policy in this nuanced institutional market.Our goal at Dakota Live! is to demystify the investment sales ecosystem by introducing you to the key participants, from chief investment officers to research professionals and consultants down to the next generation of investment professionals.We’re diving deep into the heart of investment strategy and education to demonstrate the inter-connectedness of our nation's public pension systems and the institutions they support.Meet Our Panel:Allyson Peterson: Chief Financial Officer at the NDSU Foundation, overseeing the long-term growth and investment of Foundation assets.Jon Spahn: President of the NDSU Bison Fund, a student-run equity fund providing real-world investment experience.Frank Mihail: Chief Investment Officer at the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, managing investments for the state's Sovereign Wealth Fund.Joe Heringer: North Dakota Commissioner of University and School Lands, driving policy and strategic direction.In This Episode:Introductions and Interconnectedness: How our guests are connected and their shared mission to advance the interests of North Dakota and NDSU.Investment Strategies and Processes: Insight into the strategies behind managing the NDSU Bison Fund and the Trust Lands' $7 billion portfolio.Educational Impact: The role of the NDSU Foundation in supporting the university’s goals through effective asset management.Career Advice for Students: Our panel shares invaluable advice for students about to enter the finance world.Highlights:Allyson Peterson discusses the importance of aligning the Foundation’s investments with both long-term goals and immediate university needs.Frank Mihail talks about the process of filling strategic asset allocation gaps and the importance of consistent performance in investment management.Joe Heringer emphasizes the significance of promoting the Trust Lands' mission and fostering transparency.Jon Spahn provides a glimpse into the practical experiences and opportunities offered by the Bison Fund to NDSU students.This episode is packed with actionable insights and career advice for aspiring finance professionals, and anyone interested in the intricacies of institutional investment.Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to North Dakota State University for hosting us and to Jon Spahn for coordinating this opportunity.