ELS25: Why Endowment Size Should Not Dictate Your School’s Investment Approach

Tim Baird began his career working in the human resources field with increased responsibility for financial matters. Upon graduation from Geneva, Baird worked in corporate headquarters of Tasty Baking Company (Tastykake) in Philadelphia along with a brief stint at WonderBread/Hostess Cakes as the Assistant HR Manager for the Philadelphia bakery. While working in the HR field, Baird earned a Master’s in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia in 2008. Baird returned to Geneva as the Director of Human Resources in 2005. In 2010, Baird assumed the role of Associate VP of Operations and HR for the College where he managed the personnel and benefits budgets and he lead capital spending for the College. In this and his current role, Baird leads the College’s efforts in the HR, facilities, vendor management, capital planning, construction management, and legal affairs functions. In August 2017, Baird assumed the additional responsibilities of the role of Vice President of Business and Finance. He focuses his efforts on the overall financial strategy, reporting and projections of the College. He provides executive leadership for the treasury and investments in collaboration with the Endowment Investment Committee of the Board.

John Griffith is a director at Hirtle Callaghan and serves as the firm’s endowment specialist. He has over 28 years of nonprofit experience. Griffith leads the firm’s holistic planning process for institutions, working closely with investment committees to design customized investment programs that are fully aligned with their goals and risk tolerance. He also works directly with endowments on specific, client-driven projects. These projects help committees tackle key strategic issues, including spending policy, liquidity policy, debt ratios and covenants, capital campaigns, operating reserves and governance. From 2003 until 2014, he was the chief financial officer and treasurer of Bryn Mawr College before joining Hirtle Callaghan. Prior to Bryn Mawr, Griffith spent 15 years in various financial roles at the University of New Hampshire. Griffith started his career at Coopers & Lybrand. 

Griffith earned a master's in finance from Bentley University and a bachelor's in business administration from the University of New Hampshire.

Audra J. Kahr serves at the executive vice president, finance and administration at Lafayette College. She is the chief financial, business, and administrative officer of the college and provides guidance and leadership to ensure the efficient and effective stewardship of the college's physical and financial resources. She oversees all finance functions including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, long-range financial planning, asset management, liability management, and risk management. She is also responsible for a range of administrative functions including facilities, sustainability, and business services, including dining and the bookstore. 

Kahr previously served as chief financial officer/chief operating officer and treasurer for 18 years at Cedar Crest College. She spent nearly five years in public accounting at Deloitte & Touche serving retail and higher education clients in the northeast region. Kahr serves on the board of directors, is chair of the program and services committee at EACUBO, and is a certified public accountant.