Dakota Live! Podcast: Growth of Capital in North Dakota

Welcome to our latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast. In this special episode, we recorded live from North Dakota State University in Fargo, bringing together a panel of distinguished guests to explore the growth of capital in the state and how investment decisions from the State’s Department of Trust Lands, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Foundation, and its student-managed investment strategy come together at the intersection of education, energy, and investment policy in this nuanced institutional market.

Our goal at Dakota Live! is to demystify the investment sales ecosystem by introducing you to the key participants, from chief investment officers to research professionals and consultants down to the next generation of investment professionals.

We’re diving deep into the heart of investment strategy and education to demonstrate the inter-connectedness of our nation's public pension systems and the institutions they support.

Meet Our Panel:

• Allyson Peterson: Chief Financial Officer at the NDSU Foundation, overseeing the long-term growth and investment of Foundation assets.
  
  
• Jon Spahn: President of the NDSU Bison Fund, a student-run equity fund providing real-world investment experience.
  
  
• Frank Mihail: Chief Investment Officer at the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, managing investments for the state's Sovereign Wealth Fund.
  
  
• Joe Heringer: North Dakota Commissioner of University and School Lands, driving policy and strategic direction.
  
  

In This Episode:

• Introductions and Interconnectedness: How our guests are connected and their shared mission to advance the interests of North Dakota and NDSU.
  
  
• Investment Strategies and Processes: Insight into the strategies behind managing the NDSU Bison Fund and the Trust Lands' $7 billion portfolio.
  
  
• Educational Impact: The role of the NDSU Foundation in supporting the university’s goals through effective asset management.
  
  
• Career Advice for Students: Our panel shares invaluable advice for students about to enter the finance world.
  
  

Highlights:

• Allyson Peterson discusses the importance of aligning the Foundation’s investments with both long-term goals and immediate university needs.
  
  
• Frank Mihail talks about the process of filling strategic asset allocation gaps and the importance of consistent performance in investment management.
  
  
• Joe Heringer emphasizes the significance of promoting the Trust Lands' mission and fostering transparency.
  
  
• Jon Spahn provides a glimpse into the practical experiences and opportunities offered by the Bison Fund to NDSU students.
  
  

This episode is packed with actionable insights and career advice for aspiring finance professionals, and anyone interested in the intricacies of institutional investment.

Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to North Dakota State University for hosting us and to Jon Spahn for coordinating this opportunity.