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Conference Forum


2026 Wespath Investment Forum

February 9-11, 2026


Please register by January 5, 2026.

Venue

Francis Marion Hotel
387 King Street
Charleston, SC
(843) 722-0600

View Hotel Website

Costs

The Wespath Investment Forum is an invitation only event. Wespath will pay for up to one attendee and one guest (i.e., spouse, partner, family member, etc.) per room. Travel to and from this event is your responsibility. Wespath is not responsible for travel-related expenses, including airfare, airport transfers, airport parking, ground transportation or mileage expenses.

Lodging

Wespath will make hotel reservations for each person attending the Forum. Wespath will cover up to three nights of lodging for each invited guest. Please contact Tori Luke at (847) 866-2720 or by email at [email protected] for all lodging questions. Hotel accommodations will be based on your online registration form.

Agenda

The Investment Forum will kick off with a welcome reception on the evening of Monday, February 9th and conclude by 3:15 p.m. in the afternoon on Wednesday, February 11th.

  • Monday, February 9

    5:00 p.m.: Welcome Reception

    Please join us for a welcome reception at the Francis Marion Hotel to kick off the Forum!

  • Tuesday, February 10

    8:30-9:00 a.m.: Welcome and Announcements

    9:00-9:50 a.m.: Wespath’s Investment Philosophy: Purposeful Diversification Through Complementary Asset Managers and Strategies

        • Johara Farhadieh (Chief Investment Officer, Wespath; Chief Executive Officer, Wespath Institutional Investments)
        • Frank Holsteen (Managing Director of Investment Management, Wespath), Hoa Quach, CFA (Director of Public Markets, Wespath)


    Delve into Wespath’s investment philosophy! This session explores the power of purposeful diversification, an approach that utilizes complementary strategies and asset classes to seek reduced volatility and enhanced long-term performance. Members of Wespath’s investment team discuss how we use this approach to build resilient portfolios aligned with client goals.


    9:50-10:40 a.m.: The Global Political Chessboard and Your Portfolio

        • Thomas Mucha (Managing Director and Geopolitical Strategist, Wellington)


    Political uncertainty remains a key driver of market volatility. Thomas leads a timely discussion on the intersection of geopolitics and global investing, examining how current conflicts and policy shifts are shaping economic outcomes.

     

    11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Meet and Greet with Wespath Staff and Managers

    This time is dedicated to small group conversations with Wespath staff and asset managers. You will be divided into small groups and rotate tables, discussing various asset classes and areas of business. This activity aims to spark new relationships, address individual questions and be a catalyst for deeper conversations for the remainder of Forum.


    12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch


    1:00-1:50 p.m.: Wespath’s Investment Philosophy: Client-Centric Approach Rooted in Mission and Values

        • Jake Barnett (Managing Director of Sustainable Investment Strategies, Wespath)
        • Raj Khan, CFA (Director of Investment Research, Wespath)
        • Karen Manczko (Director of Institutional Relationships, Wespath)
        • Carl Stanton (Board Member, Christ Church)


    Continuing our deep dive into Wespath’s investment philosophy, this session highlights our collaborative approach to portfolio design, grounded in a deep understanding of each client’s purpose, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. Carl joins members of the investment team to share a real-world asset allocation case study, illustrating how this process comes to life for a Wespath client.


    2:10-3:00 p.m.: A World of Opportunity: An International Market Outlook

        • Frank Holsteen
        • Gargi Pal Chaudhuri (Managing Director and Chief Investment and Portfolio Strategist for the Americas, BlackRock)
        • Kirstie Spence (Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, Capital Group)
        • Scott Voss (Managing Director, HarbourVest)


    Frank moderates a panel discussion featuring three of Wespath’s asset managers with diverse expertise in international investments. Together, they offer a multifaceted view of the international investment landscape and insights on key trends shaping global markets and investment opportunities across developed and emerging regions, as well as varying asset classes.


    3:00-3:50 p.m.: From Wall Street to Wespath: Navigating the AI Revolution

        • Nick Hansen (Lead Portfolio Manager, DGI)
        • Bryan Mjaanes (Chief Information Technology Officer, Wespath)
        • Jon Morris (Senior Analyst, Investment Research)
        • Phil Street (Product Owner for Investment Solutions Technology, PGIM)


    Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), this session explores how AI is reshaping investment portfolios and processes across the industry. Both Wespath’s team and contributing asset managers will share how they are incorporating AI into portfolios and workflows as well as how they’re approaching the risks, opportunities, and ethical dimensions of this rapidly advancing technology.


    5:30 p.m.: Dinner and Evening Reception aboard the USS Yorktown

    Step aboard the historic USS Yorktown for a lovely evening of dining, networking and conversation. Tours will be available to learn more about the rich history of the ship including its service in three wars and role in the recovery of the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in 1968!

  • Wednesday, February 11

    8:15-8:45 a.m.: Welcome and Announcements

    8:45-9:35 a.m.: Wespath’s Investment Philosophy: Embracing Research, Rigor and Innovation

        • Frank Holsteen
        • Raj Khan
        • Sumali Sanyal, CFA (Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, Systematic Global Equities, Xponance)
        • Evan Witkowski, CIPM (Director of Institutional Relationships, Wespath)


    Rounding out the deep dive into Wespath’s investment philosophy, this session highlights how Wespath integrates rigorous research, inclusive manager selection and disciplined governance to guide investment decisions across client portfolios. Frank, Raj, Sumali and Evan will detail how this process considers diversity, incorporates systemic risk factors, and remains responsive to shifting market dynamics.


    Breakout Session: 9:50-10:40 a.m.: Faith-Based Investing: Where We Are Today and How to Prepare for the Future

      • Jake Barnett
      • Joe Halwax, CAIA, CIMA (Senior Managing Director of Institutional Investment Services, Wespath)


    As an organization deeply rooted in faith-based values serving many like-minded entities, Wespath understands the evolving landscape of socially responsible investing. This session will examine the current realities, challenges and opportunities facing faith-based organizations seeking to align investment strategies with their values. We will also highlight how faith-based investors can support both long-term stewardship and impact.


    Breakout Session: 9:50-10:40 a.m.: The Purpose of Liquidity: Strategy, Stability and Stewardship

        • Amy Bulger (Director of Private Markets, Wespath)
        • Ryan McQueeney (Manager of Investment Marketing and Communications, Wespath)
        • Evan Witkowski


    This session explores how nonprofits can optimize their use of cash and cash alternatives, balancing accessibility, risk and returns. Attendees gain practical insights using cash as a strategic asset that supports mission continuity, financial resilience and operational flexibility.


    Breakout Session: 10:55-11:45 a.m.: Adapting for Impact: Key Trends and Tools for Nonprofits

        • Joe Halwax
        • Evan Witkowski
        • Sarah Metroff (Marketing Manager of Investments, Wespath)
        • Bryan Mjaanes


    In a rapidly evolving landscape, nonprofits face growing pressure to manage assets strategically amid funding cuts, economic volatility and potential shifts in tax policy. This session explores how organizations can enhance their investment impact by reinforcing governance, applying fiduciary best practices and embracing emerging technologies like AI. We’ll also highlight key trends for nonprofits to watch and the risks of falling behind in an increasingly uncertain world.

    Breakout Session: 10:55-11:45 a.m.: Revitalizing and Reimagining: Church Property Strategic Outlook

        • Sylvia Poniecki (Director of Impact Investments, Wespath)
        • Trent Sparrow (Manager of Impact Investments, Wespath)


    During a period of profound change surrounding church property ownership and purpose, this session aims to discuss the theological, financial and regulatory challenges and opportunities facing faith communities today. Together, we will identify key gaps in resources, services and strategic partnerships critical to successful redevelopment of church real estate.


    11:45-12:30 p.m.: Lunch


    12:30-1:20 p.m.: The Search for Stability in a Changing Global Economy

        • Dr. David Kelly (Chief Global Strategist and Head of the Global Market Insights Strategy Team, J.P. Morgan Asset Management)


    As global inflation trends normalize, investors face a new set of challenges shaped by shifting interest rate expectations and evolving central bank strategies. In this session, Dr. Kelly will explore the implications of a post-disinflation environment, offering insights into how long-term rates may behave and what that means for market stability. He’ll also examine the role of central banks in this new landscape and how their actions continue to influence global economic momentum and investor confidence.


    1:35-2:05 p.m.: The Future of Wespath’s Positive Social Purpose Lending Program

        • Karen Manczko
        • Sylvia Poniecki
        • Trent Sparrow


    This session explores the future of Wespath’s Positive Social Purpose (PSP) Lending Program. Karen talks with Sylvia and Trent, members of Wespath’s impact investments team, to discuss how the program continues to generate measurable social impact alongside market-rate returns and how Wespath plans to expand its reach through the launch of a dedicated PSP investment fund.

     

    2:05-2:35 p.m.: Updates to Wespath’s Private Market Offerings

        • Amy Bulger
        • Hoa Quach


    This session details the evolution of Wespath’s private equity offerings, including recent changes to the Alternative Asset Fund – I Series (AAF-I) and the upcoming launch of a new dedicated private equity strategy. Amy and Hoa will dive deep into these different offerings, highlighting everything from the advantages of investing in private equity to investment eligibility requirements, the differences between private fund structures, how investors can access Wespath’s offerings, associated fee structures and more.


    2:35-2:45 p.m.: Concluding Remarks

Additional Details

Travel Details

The Francis Marion Hotel is located 11 miles from the Charleston International Airport (code: CHS) and 209 miles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (code: CLT).

Entertainment

There are two optional events planned during the Forum:

  • A welcome reception will be held at the Francis Marion from 5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9th.
  • We will have dinner and a reception aboard the USS Yorktown the evening of Tuesday, February 10th.

Attire

Business casual dress is appropriate for the meeting portions of the Forum. Please be sure to dress in layers as the temperature in the meeting rooms may vary. Casual dress is appropriate for the welcome reception and the entertainment outing.

Confirmation

You will receive a confirmation email from Tori Luke, Meeting and Event Planner, one week in advance of the Investment Forum. This email will include your hotel confirmation number and directions for traveling to this event.

Speakers

Gargi Pal Chaudhuri

Gargi Pal Chaudhuri

Managing Director and Chief Investment and Portfolio Strategist for the Americas, BlackRock

Gargi Pal Chaudhuri

Gargi Pal Chaudhuri is Managing Director and Chief Investment and Portfolio Strategist for the Americas. Based in New York, she leads the Investment and Portfolio Solutions (IPS) team, which focuses on delivering investment research, portfolio construction guidance, and actionable market insights. The IPS team’s mission is to connect investment perspectives and portfolio analytics with commercial solutions across iShares ETFs (active and index), as well as the firm’s active and alternatives platform—serving both institutional and wealth clients.

Nick Hansen

Nick Hansen

Lead Portfolio Manager, DGI

Nick Hansen

Nick studied computer science, math, economics, and philosophy before joining DGI, where he advanced from Research Analyst to Lead Portfolio Manager. He co-manages multiple strategies and holds equity in the firm. Nick earned degrees from Wisconsin, St. Thomas, and Minnesota, and holds CFA, CAIA, Series 6, and 63 credentials.

Dr. David Kelly

Dr. David Kelly

Chief Global Strategist and Head of the Global Market Insights Strategy Team, J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Dr. David Kelly

Dr. David Kelly is the Chief Global Strategist and Head of the Global Market Insights Strategy Team for J.P. Morgan Asset Management. With over 25 years of experience, David provides valuable insight and perspective on the economy and markets to the institutional investor and financial advisor global communities. David is a CFA® charterholder. He also has a Ph.D and M.A. in Economics from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Economics from University College Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.

Thomas Mucha

Thomas W. Mucha

Managing Director and Geopolitical Strategist, Wellington

Thomas W. Mucha

Thomas Mucha is Wellington Management’s Geopolitical Strategist in Boston and a member of the firm’s Global Macro Strategy Team, where for the past 10 years he has specialized in geopolitical analysis and macroeconomic portfolio research. Mucha is also a frequent speaker at client events globally (100+ annually), and the host of Wellington's WellSaid podcast, which blends geopolitical risk analysis with key market themes.

Sumali Sanyal

Sumali Sanyal

Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, Systematic Global Equities, Xponance

Sumali Sanyal

Sumali Sanyal is Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager of the Systematic Global Equities Platform. She is the Lead Portfolio Manager for Xponance’s systematic active and passive equity products. She also co-leads the firm’s Quantitative Working Group, which is a collaborative forum for quantitative research at the firm. She is a co-founder of Piedmont Investment Advisors, an investment firm acquired by FIS Group, the predecessor company to Xponance.

Kirstie Spence

Kirstie Spence

Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, Capital Group

Kirstie Spence

Kirstie Spence is a fixed income portfolio manager at Capital Group. She also serves on the Capital Group Management Committee. She has 29 years of investment industry experience, all with Capital Group. She holds a master’s degree with honors in German and international relations from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Kirstie is based in London.

Carl Stanton

Carl Stanton

Co-Founder, Focus Impact Partners

Carl Stanton

Carl Stanton is Co-Founder of Focus Impact Partners, a mission-driven private equity firm promoting sustainable growth. With 30+ years in private equity and governance, he previously led $2.5B in capital deployment as Head of Private Equity at Invesco and Managing Partner at Wellspring Capital. Carl chairs DevvStream Corporation and serves on boards of sustainability-focused companies. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Phil Street

Phil Street

Product Owner for Investment Solutions Technology, PGIM

Phil Street

Phil Street is Product Owner for Investment Solutions Technology at PGIM Fixed Income, leading the development of an AI-driven investment platform to scale decision-making. Since joining in 2022, he has advanced initiatives combining agentic AI, modern cloud architecture, and fixed income expertise to transform credit research delivery. Phil holds an M.Sc. in Computing Science from Imperial College London and a B.Sc. in Psychology/Neuroscience from the University of St. Andrews.

Scott Voss

Managing Director, HarbourVest

Scott Voss

Scott is a Managing Director at HarbourVest with over 25 years of experience leading teams in both the U.S. and Asia. For the past eight years, he has served two consecutive terms as Chair of the Global Primary Investment Committee, investing is strategies that define private markets globally. As an investor, Scott is now concentrating fully on venture capital, which is where his passion for the industry originally began. Scott received a BS (cum laude) in Marketing from Bryant College in 1992 and an MBA (cum laude) from Babson College in 1999.

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Questions?

Meeting Agenda: Contact Sarah Metroff, [email protected], (651) 333-0898

Lodging and Registration: Contact Tori Luke, [email protected], (847) 866-2720