The Metro Council on Thursday confirmed Michael "Kipp" Baratoff, Suzanne Linneen and Lori Mueller to the Metro Investment Advisory Board. Comprised of five highly-qualified members of the general public, the IAB meets quarterly to review Metro's investment report and ensure that investments adhere to strategic policy requirements.
Like most governments, Metro places its available funds in very stable short-term investments. Every quarter, Metro prepares a report detailing its investments and demonstrating its fulfillment of well-established investment policy requirements. The Investment Advisory Board offers a public review and guidance on potential changes to Metro's investment policy and holds the government accountable to its published standards. Allowing transparency and public involvement in Metro decisions is a priority of the Council, and the IAB offers a chance for thoughtful public review to guarantee that tax dollars are invested safely and responsibly.
"The IAB ensures a level of transparency and oversight that few other governments adhere to. I'm proud to do Metro's business with the help of these private sector and non-profit experts," said Council President David Bragdon.
Having worked for a broad array of interests including clean energy and public health organizations, each of the new appointees have strong backgrounds in managing large investment funds and assuring adherence to strict standards of responsibility.
"Having such highly talented members on the IAB will ensure smart and safe investment strategies for years to come. On behalf of the taxpayers I appreciate their advice," Bragdon said.
Kipp Baratoff is currently a Principal at Equilibrium Capital Group. Throughout most of his professional life, Kipp has been fascinated by the combined efforts of sustainability and finance. He graduated from the University of Michigan with an MBA and a MS in Environmental Science and used his talents to lead one firm's exploration of clean energy venture capital. Kipp also has advised a major U.S. pension fund that included a $250 million allocation to clean technology. Baratoff's term begins immediately and expires on July 31, 2012.
Since 1995, Suzanne Linneen has worked in varying positions for the City of Hillsboro where she currently serves as Finance Director. Her experience in Hillsboro gives Suzanne a great understanding of the challenges and priorities that local governments must address in financial planning, an experience that will make her a valuable asset on the IAB. Linneen's term will begin Oct.1 of this year and runs through Sep. 30, 2013
As Vice President of Finance and Administration at OHSU, Lori Mueller has vast experience in managing and investing public funds. She has helped invest more than $750 million in assets for the OHSU Foundation and is the primary staff liaison to the Investment Committee for the OHSU Foundation, ensuring that the foundation's assets are invested according to the Investment Committee's strategic direction. Mueller's term begins upon her appointment and ends on July 31, 2013.