Brown Advisory Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown Advisory has 9 executives leading key functions including investment management, financial oversight, global operations, and strategic communications.

Committed to a client-first philosophy and long-term partnership, Brown Advisory delivers research-driven investment strategies and comprehensive family office services to a diverse global client base.

Leadership Roles at Brown Advisory

  • Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner - Michael Hankin
  • Chief Financial Officer - Shannon Pierce
  • Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business - Carey Buxton
  • Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations - Teague Avey
  • Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff - Christopher Ludwig
  • Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) - Jacob Hodes
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Rebecca Sugarman
  • Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst - Campbell Donley
  • Partner, Director of Corporate Communications - Dana Cooksey
  • Michael Hankin - Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner

    Michael Hankin, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner at Brown Advisory, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives. As a leader of this independent investment management firm, Hankin cultivates a culture of colleague ownership and accountability across all global offices. The Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner oversees the integration of active equity and fixed-income strategies, ensuring alignment with the needs of individuals, families, and institutional clients. By championing a research-driven approach to capital allocation, Michael Hankin maintains the firm's reputation for excellence in financial services. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the board and senior partners to refine the firm's market position. Through rigorous focus on sustainable investing and client-first outcomes, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner drives the expansion of the firm's footprint across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, securing the organization's future as a premier advisory entity.
    Michael Hankin

    Shannon Pierce - Chief Financial Officer

    Shannon Pierce, the Chief Financial Officer at Brown Advisory, manages the firm's fiscal health and capital structure. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains the stability required to support $150 billion in assets under management. Pierce collaborates with executive leadership to evaluate investment performance and operational efficiency across all business lines. By monitoring market trends and internal financial metrics, Shannon Pierce provides the data-driven insights necessary for strategic decision-making. This role involves managing relationships with institutional stakeholders and ensuring compliance with global financial standards. Through meticulous oversight of the firm's balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the partnership model. Pierce drives financial discipline, enabling the firm to continue delivering high-quality advisory services to endowments, foundations, and private clients while navigating complex economic environments in both domestic and international markets.
    Shannon Pierce

    Carey Buxton - Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business

    Carey Buxton, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business at Brown Advisory, architects the operational framework supporting the firm's institutional client segment. Managing the complexities of global service delivery, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business streamlines workflows to enhance the efficiency of investment management processes. Buxton coordinates with internal teams to ensure that institutional clients receive seamless access to active equity and fixed-income strategies. By optimizing operational infrastructure, Carey Buxton facilitates the firm's expansion into new markets across Europe and Asia. This leadership role requires constant alignment with the firm's research-driven philosophy to maintain high service standards for endowments and foundations. Through the implementation of scalable systems, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business supports the firm's growth objectives and reinforces the client-first commitment. Buxton ensures that all institutional operations remain robust, agile, and capable of meeting the sophisticated demands of a diverse, global investor base.

    Teague Avey - Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations

    Teague Avey, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations at Brown Advisory, directs the operational strategy for the firm's regional client services. Focusing on the specific needs of endowments, foundations, and private clients, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations ensures that investment strategies are executed with precision and care. Avey manages the regional team to deliver comprehensive family office services and tailored financial solutions. By fostering deep relationships with clients, Teague Avey upholds the firm's commitment to long-term partnership and accountability. This leadership role involves integrating the firm's global research capabilities into local client portfolios to drive superior outcomes. Through the management of regional operations, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations supports the firm's broader mission of providing high-touch, research-driven advisory services. Avey ensures that the firm's client-first philosophy remains the cornerstone of all regional activities.

    Christopher Ludwig - Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Ludwig, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff at Brown Advisory, executes strategic projects and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. By analyzing business performance metrics, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff identifies opportunities for operational improvement and efficiency gains. Ludwig manages the flow of information between departments, ensuring that the firm's research-driven approach remains consistent across all service offerings. Christopher Ludwig supports the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner by coordinating high-priority initiatives and tracking progress against long-term firm goals. This role involves synthesizing complex data into actionable insights that inform the firm's investment management strategies. Through rigorous analysis and project management, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff enables the organization to maintain its competitive edge in the financial services industry. Ludwig drives internal alignment, ensuring that all teams remain focused on the core mission of providing exceptional value to individuals, families, and institutional clients.

    Jacob Hodes - Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore)

    Jacob Hodes, the Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) at Brown Advisory, architects the technological infrastructure supporting the firm's private investing activities. By implementing secure and scalable digital solutions, the Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) ensures that investment teams have access to the data and tools necessary for informed decision-making. Hodes manages the firm's information systems to protect client data and enhance operational efficiency. Jacob Hodes collaborates with other technology leaders to integrate advanced analytics into the firm's research-driven investment process. This role involves overseeing the technological requirements of the Baltimore office while supporting the firm's broader digital transformation goals. Through the deployment of robust information technology, the Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) enables the firm to maintain its high standards of service for private clients. Hodes drives innovation in the firm's digital capabilities, ensuring that technology remains a key enabler of the firm's long-term success.

    Rebecca Sugarman - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Rebecca Sugarman, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Brown Advisory, directs the firm's talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies. By cultivating a culture of colleague ownership, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm attracts and retains top-tier professionals who align with the organization's values. Sugarman manages performance management systems and professional development programs that support the firm's research-driven approach. Rebecca Sugarman collaborates with executive leadership to foster an inclusive environment that promotes long-term partnership and accountability. This role involves overseeing the human capital needs of the firm's global operations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Through the implementation of strategic HR initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the firm's growth and ensures that all employees are equipped to deliver exceptional service to clients. Sugarman drives the firm's commitment to its people, recognizing that the strength of the organization lies in the expertise and dedication of its colleagues.
    Rebecca Sugarman

    Campbell Donley - Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst

    Campbell Donley, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst at Brown Advisory, bridges the gap between investment research and technological application. By analyzing market data and investment opportunities, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst provides the insights necessary for the firm's active equity and fixed-income strategies. Donley utilizes advanced information systems to evaluate potential investments and monitor portfolio performance. Campbell Donley collaborates with the investment team to integrate data-driven analysis into the firm's research-driven capital allocation process. This role involves identifying technological trends that impact the financial services industry and applying those insights to improve investment outcomes. Through the synthesis of investment analysis and information technology, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst supports the firm's mission of providing superior financial services to institutional and private clients. Donley drives the firm's analytical capabilities, ensuring that investment decisions are backed by rigorous research and cutting-edge technological tools.

    Dana Cooksey - Partner, Director of Corporate Communications

    Dana Cooksey, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications at Brown Advisory, manages the firm's brand identity and external messaging. By crafting clear and consistent communications, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications ensures that the firm's client-first philosophy and research-driven approach are effectively conveyed to the market. Cooksey oversees media relations, public relations, and internal communications to maintain the firm's reputation as a trusted investment management partner. Dana Cooksey collaborates with executive leadership to align corporate messaging with the firm's strategic goals and market position. This role involves managing the firm's presence across global markets, ensuring that the brand remains strong and recognizable. Through the development of compelling content and strategic outreach, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications supports the firm's growth and client acquisition efforts. Cooksey drives the firm's communication strategy, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the value and commitment that define the organization's long-term partnership model.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brown Advisory Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brown Advisory?
    Brown Advisory is led by Michael Hankin (Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner), along with executives such as Shannon Pierce (Chief Financial Officer) and Carey Buxton (Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business).
    Who is part of Brown Advisory’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brown Advisory includes leaders such as Michael Hankin (Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner), Shannon Pierce (Chief Financial Officer), Carey Buxton (Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brown Advisory have?
    Brown Advisory has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brown Advisory’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brown Advisory includes roles such as Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business, Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations, Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff.