Page 40 - NAAF 2019 Annual Report

Stewardship
Operations

A message from Vincent Logan (Osage),
NAAF Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Investment Officer

As the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer It became apparent early on in NAAF’s journey that to best
of the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), I lead the serve the Native American farming and ranching community,
Finance Group and the Investment Program made up of Chief we would need to work with an investment manager that we
Operating Officer Kathy Callahan, Staff Accountant Christy could trust who understood our mission. The Investment
Walker, and Investment Program Associate Tom Occhipinti. Program conducted a rigorous multi-step nation-wide
Under my direction, the Finance Group and the Investment Request for Proposal process. The primary evaluation points
Program are responsible for all day-to-day financial and for selecting the Investment Manager were responsiveness,
investment management activity of NAAF. Duties include socially responsible investment opportunities, asset allocation,
financial and operational reporting, risk management, internal approach to investment management, leveraging opportunities,
controls, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and wrap-around services and fees. Importantly, we sought an
information technology. The team also provides the strategic Investment Manager that was committed to diversity, equity,
leadership of the finance and investment departments, and inclusion information, and to Native American employee
including the planning and budgeting of long-term and and client relationships.
short-term capital, ensuring sound personnel management
as well as the identification of financial priorities, challenges, The Investment Manager mandate was awarded to Neuberger
and opportunities. Berman Trust Company by a unanimous vote of the NAAF
Board of Trustees in January 2020.
The team advises the NAAF Chief Executive Officer on all
significant matters and works with other senior staff as well as
the NAAF Board of Trustees to develop and implement sound
management from a finance and investment perspective.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the Native

American Agriculture Fund in support of its mission for

the Native American farming and ranching community.

We look forward to building an investment program

together and supporting NAAF and its constituents’

investment objectives including considering material
ESG factors.ˮ

– Joseph Amato, President and Chief Investment Officer, Equities,

Neuberger Berman

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