Public Advisors to the Investment Committee
Public Advisors to the Investment Committee
Selected for a 3-year term by the Board, based on their professional education and credentials in the investment industry, and with the approval of the Board of Public Works. Public Advisors are not members, retirees or beneficiaries under any of the several systems. They have experience with the management and control of large investments; and have at least 10 years of substantial experience in any one or a combination of the following:
- A portfolio manager acting in a fiduciary capacity;
- An employee or principal of a trust institution, investment organization or endowment fund acting either in a management-related capacity or an investment-related capacity;
- A Chartered Financial Analyst in good standing; or
- A professional engaged in a public or private financial or investment field that is comparable to the fields listed in this item.
Joanna Pratt
Public Advisor to the Investment Committee
Term: July 1, 2025—June 30, 2028
Public Advisor since 2025
Joanna Pratt is a leader in endowment and foundation investment management, currently advising large non-profits independently. Previously, she was Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Investure, an investment office for a select group of endowments and foundations. Before Investure, Ms. Pratt was the Managing Director of Markets and Risk for the Johns Hopkins University Investment Office.
Sharcus Steen
Public Advisor to the Investment Committee
Term: July 1, 2023—June 30, 2026
Public Advisor since 2023
Sharcus Steen is Chief Investment Officer for the University System of Maryland Foundation. He joined the Foundation in 2017 as the Director of Investments, overseeing and monitoring all investments for the USMF portfolio. He served as interim CIO from July 2022 until his appointment as CIO in October 2023.
Monte Tarbox
Public Advisor to the Investment Committee
Term: July 1, 2024—June 30, 2027
Public Advisor since 2018
Monte Tarbox is the Executive Director, Investments for the National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF) which provides pension benefits to IBEW members and the electrical industry nation-wide. NEBF has over 500,000 participants, over 9,000 contributing employers and assets of $14 billion. At NEBF, he is responsible for the investment program, including asset allocation, investment policy and oversight of external investment managers. Mr. Tarbox has over 27 years of experience as an investment officer and advisor serving multi-employer pension funds and other institutional investors in the United States and Australia.