LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hightree Advisors, an independent institutional investment consultancy committed to helping organizations and their investment service providers to improve the effectiveness of invested assets, announced today that investment industry veteran Lisa Laird has joined the firm as a principal and senior advisor. Laird brings to Hightree nearly 20 years of experience in institutional investing as a chief investment officer, consultant, and trustee. She will help Hightree with client education and consulting, industry engagement, and research and development.

Karyn Williams, founder and managing principal of Hightree Advisors, said, “We are incredibly fortunate that Lisa has joined the Hightree team. Importantly, she shares our view that improved governance and improved risk decisions empower organizations to better serve their investment purposes. Lisa was among the first practitioners to encourage my risk management consulting practice and has firsthand knowledge of how we are redefining the way investors understand risk choices. Our clients will benefit greatly from Lisa’s experience, insights, and industry relationships.”

Lisa Laird commented, “Fiduciaries need a less abstract way to make risk decisions. What Karyn has created is a potential game changer and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help move the ball forward.”

Lisa Laird – Professional Background

As a mission-focused institutional investment professional, Laird brings nearly 20 years of experience and passion for human services. Most recently, she served as chief investment officer at Providence St. Joseph Health (PSJH) and was responsible for overseeing PSJH’s operating, insurance and retirement assets, totaling more than $18 billion. Prior to joining St. Joseph Health in 2011, Laird held senior level positions at Towers Watson Investment Services and Wilshire Associates. She has worked with both large and small organizations on a variety of governance and investment structures.

Laird is the current treasurer and past chairman of the board of directors for the Seva Foundation, which is helping to restore vision for nearly five million people worldwide. Previously she served on the Board of Active Wellness and on the Investment Advisory Committee of CalOptima. Laird holds an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business; a B.S. from Cal Poly Pomona; and she earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2005.

Laird is a well-regarded industry spokesperson and has been a regular panelist at prominent industry conferences including Institutional Investor and Pensions & Investments.

About Hightree Advisors

Founded in late 2019, Hightree Advisors® is an independent investment consultancy helping investors improve the effectiveness of every investment dollar that stands behind a purpose. Hightree provides independent measures of investment effectiveness, relevant portfolio decision information, and investment education to investors. Hightree does not offer investment products, does not have discretionary investment authority, and has no conflicting lines of business. www.hightreeadvisors.com