Edwards

A.J. Edwards, Cornell’s chief investment officer, has announced he will leave the university March 31.

“After eight rewarding years in the investment office, I’ve decided now is the time to pursue other interests,” Edwards said. “My family and I will remain local as I begin my next venture.”

Edwards has led the Office of University Investments since May 2012 and served as interim the previous year. He joined the office as a senior investment officer in 2008 and led the office in the aftermath of the Great Recession.

“The endowment has had well over $3 billion in investment gains since the depths of the recession,” Edwards said. “That, combined with generous giving from our donors, has allowed us to support university spending on programs and projects.” Currently, the value of the portfolio is $6 billion.

Said Joanne DeStefano, executive vice president and chief financial officer: “A.J.’s leadership was essential in helping the university endowment recover from the economic crisis of 2008, and he has been active in identifying new markets in which to invest. He has been a wonderful colleague, and I wish him all the best.”

The Office of University Investments is responsible for implementing policies established by the Cornell Board of Trustees and its Investment Committee. The chief investment officer is responsible for day-to-day management of Cornell’s long-term investments, and appoints investment managers, monitors the overall investment program and manages the office.

Edwards cited developing the talents of his staff as a highlight of his tenure. He also improved the internal investment decision-making process and implemented a new research management system, changes that have “allowed us to work better, smarter and more efficiently.”

“The investment office today is very strong, and I am proud that the quality of the staff has improved over the last several years through internal promotions and recruiting at all levels,” he said. “It’s a great group of people and positions the university well. I thank them for all their hard work and friendship. We would not have accomplished so much without their efforts and dedication.”

Edwards also served as a guest lecturer for several Cornell professors. “Those are relationships that I treasure, and it has helped our recruiting efforts in hiring fantastic Cornell undergraduates into our analyst program.”

Edwards conveyed his thanks to “Don Opatrny, chair of the Investment Committee, for his support and guidance; Joanne DeStefano, for her support and friendship; Bob Harrison and Jan Rock Zubrow, the members of the Investment Committee and the full board.”

“A.J. has done excellent work for the university,” Opatrny said. “He has decided that now was the right time to pursue new options, and I wish him well in his new endeavors.”

Senior investment officers Cody Danks Burke and Roger Vincent will be interim co-CIOs. It is expected Edwards’ replacement will be named by April 15.