SMU names new treasurer and chief investment officer

Michael A. Condon, an experienced chief investment officer for several universities, has been named University treasurer and chief investment officer at Southern Methodist University, effective Dec. 1, 2008.

“Mike Condon’s experience in higher education investment management, particularly with sophisticated institutional portfolios much like SMU’s, makes him an excellent fit as SMU’s chief investment officer,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “As we conduct The Second Century Campaign, Mike’s leadership will ensure that SMU continues the strong stewardship of significant new gifts to our endowment.”

At SMU, Condon will be responsible for oversight of the endowment, mineral interests and planned giving assets. He will plan the work of the Committee on Investments of the Board of Trustees, setting agendas, developing policies, formulating investment strategies, as well as recommending specific investment managers and vehicles for carrying out the investment program. SMU’s endowment was $1.4 billion as of June 30, 2008.

“Considering the challenging economic environment facing the markets, it was very important that we find an individual with the knowledge, leadership and experience to manage SMU’s comprehensive portfolio,” said John C. Tolleson, chair of the Committee on Investments of the SMU Board of Trustees. “I am pleased to welcome Mike Condon to SMU.”

Condon’s experience totals 17 years with funds ranging in size from $400 million to $1.5 billion. As chief investment officer at the University of Arkansas Foundation, he oversaw the investment of its $1.2 billion endowment. Prior to that, he served 10 years as chief investment officer for the Georgia Tech Foundation in Atlanta. Under his direction, assets under the Foundation’s management grew from $400 million to $1.5 billion. In 1991, Condon joined the University of South Alabama Foundation as chief investment officer, where he managed investments totaling $377 million. Before joining that university, he was vice president and treasurer at Altus Bank.

As a senior officer of SMU, Condon will serve on the President’s Executive Council and work with leadership on matters related to endowment spending and the communication of endowment strategy and performance. He will oversee investment research and analysis, implementation, risk management, accounting, performance measurement and reporting associated with the investment process, and with the management of real estate and mineral interests.

Condon graduated from the University of South Alabama (B.S. Accounting, 1983) and Louisiana Tech University (M.B.A., 1984). He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute.

Condon succeeds Liz Williams, who has served as University treasurer since 1991 and will retire Dec. 31, 2008.

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