Norwalk, Connecticut, October 20th / PRNewswire / -- Well-known investment management firm Commonfund, targeting institutional investors, announced today the appointment of Liz LaPolt Clark as the Executive Director of Commonfund Institute, effective from December 8, 2026. Clark is a widely recognized and respected leader in the field of higher education, having previously served as Vice President of Policy and Research at the National Association of College and University Business Officers ( NACUBO ). She possesses over 25 years of experience in collaborating with colleges and universities, including a wealth of expertise in leading research projects and providing advice to institutional leaders on key issues facing the industry.

As the executive director, Clark will be responsible for the research, intellectual leadership, and education programs of Commonfund Institute, helping institutional investors to strengthen their investment management and governance practices. She will lead the flagship research projects of the institution, including the NACUBO-Commonfund Endowment Fund Research ( NCSE ), the Commonfund Independent Schools Benchmark Research ( CSIS ), as well as the Foundation Council- Commonfund Foundation Research ( CCSF ). She will also be in charge of its education programs and industry engagement efforts, which include the Commonfund event held annually at Yale University.

Commonfund, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Mark Anson stated: " Liz is one of the most respected voices in the field of higher education and possesses an extraordinary understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by today's colleges and universities. Through our long-term collaboration with NACUBO, we have witnessed firsthand her professional competence and leadership skills at work. Her deep connections within the higher education community, as well as her familiarity with the mission of Commonfund, make her the ideal candidate to lead this institution into the next phase."

Clark says: "I am honored and excited to join the outstanding team of Commonfund. Over the past few years, I have worked closely with Commonfund Institute and have witnessed firsthand the value their research brings to institutional leaders. I look forward to building on this solid foundation to continue advancing the institution's research programs and helping colleges, universities, and other non-profit organizations to cope with an increasingly complex environment."

Clark has worked at NACUBO for over 15 years and is currently responsible for the association's policy, advocacy, and research efforts. In this role, she has led a series of nationally renowned research and leadership initiatives, including the NACUBO-Commonfund Endowment Fund Research, the NACUBO Tuition Discount Research, and the NACUBO Endowment Fund Leadership Series. She has also been a prominent voice on federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting higher education, providing advice to business and financial leaders in colleges and universities.

Before joining NACUBO in 2011, Clark held positions related to federal relations at the State University of New York, Oregon State University, and Cornell University, accumulating rich experience in higher education policy and advocacy.

About Commonfund

Commonfund is a leading asset management company dedicated to helping educational institutions, foundations, pension funds, family offices, RIA, and other seasoned investors achieve their most important goals. Through its outsourced Chief Investment Officer (outsourced CIO) services, the company provides what it considers to be world-class investment management solutions for non-profit organizations. Its private equity business offers private equity investment opportunities to non-profit and for-profit organizations seeking to diversify their portfolios through private investments. Commonfund Institute aims to become one of the most trusted sources of financial management-related data, analysis, and best practices in the United States. All of the company's businesses share a common goal of relentless pursuit of investment performance, while also adhering to the same values of trust, transparency, and ethical behavior that have been upheld since its establishment over 50 years ago. www.commonfund.org

About Commonfund Institute

Commonfund Institute aims to become one of the most trusted sources for financial management-related data, analysis, and best practices in the United States. The organization provides a variety of resources, including conferences, seminars, roundtable discussions, and online learning through Commonfund Institute Online. Its insights cover topics such as donor funds and governance; proprietary and third-party research, including Commonfund Benchmark Studies ®; publications, including Commonfund Higher Education Price Index ® ( HEPI ); as well as annual events such as Commonfund Forum and Investment Stewardship Academy.

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