Valbona Schwab Named New senior Partner in the Investment Office at Grinnell College
Valbona Schwab has been hired as a senior partner on the investment team at Grinnell College. Schwab comes to Grinnell College from Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH), in Boston, Mass., where she served as Managing Director and Vice President of Finance. She will start her new role with the college in September.
Jainen Thayer, Chief Investment Officer for Grinnell College, shared, “Valbona’s presence and strong relationships within the Boston investor community will be a great benefit to the college by expanding the existing relationships within the endowment community and broadening opportunities to Grinnell.”
“Valbona’s endowment management experience in public and private markets and her proven expertise in the field will serve Grinnell well,” said Grinnell College President Anne F Harris. “Her extensive hands-on experience in maximizing the probability of achieving long-term investment program goals as well as her deep commitment to the transformative power of liberal arts education are an asset to Grinnell. I am grateful to have her join the investment team as we continue to build on the momentum of a strong and growing endowment.”
With more than 24 years as a professional in the finance industry, Schwab has been a leader in establishing two investment offices for the largest healthcare endowments in Massachusetts, most recently for BILH where she was part of a small team managing a $4 billion endowment. Prior, she was portfolio manager and head of research for Partners Health Care System in Boston and held a senior investment position at Duff & Phelps.
Schwab is a seasoned global investor with direct investment experience. She has been a long-term investor since 1997 including direct investments in private markets and mergers and acquisitions, with established relationships and access to high quality fund managers globally.
She brings a deep understanding of investment strategies and structures. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Maine, and a master’s in finance and MBA from Boston College. She has been a trustee of the Chestnut Hill School and chair of its investment committee. She also has served on the board for 100 Women in Finance Educational Committee and Outreach and remains actively involved with the Massachusetts Albanian-American Society and Women’s Association of Venture and Equity.
Schwab shared three important aspects of Grinnell College that played a role in her decision to join the investment team: “I always knew I wanted to get back to the field of education as I am deeply committed to education and how it plays a crucial role in our democracy. Grinnell has always been expansive in its mission to serve the common good and that aligns closely with my personal values and ethos. The other piece was Grinnell’s strong alumni network; the education that Grinnell provides has a lasting impact on personal lives, communities and the entire world. Grinnellians are some of the most fascinating, intelligent and kindest people that I have ever met.”
“It is invigorating to be joining the investment team at a progressive institution like Grinnell College. Grinnell’s strong Investment Office has a direct impact in supporting the institutional mission, and the success of students for years to come. I look forward to the meaningful work ahead,” added Schwab.
“Valbona’s work with Grinnell will help the Investment Office take operations to the next level and better prepare for the future. Grinnell’s endowment has made a meaningful difference in creating affordable and equitable access for countless students. I am pleased to welcome Valbona to the Investment Office as we work to continue supporting the mission of the college,” added Thayer.