Brown Advisory Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown Advisory has 9 executives leading key functions including strategic management, financial oversight, operational efficiency, human capital, and corporate communications.

Committed to a client-first investment philosophy, Brown Advisory delivers research-driven capital allocation and comprehensive family office services to institutional and private clients across global markets.

Leadership Roles at Brown Advisory

  • Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner - Michael Hankin
  • Chief Financial Officer - Shannon Pierce
  • Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations - Teague Avey
  • Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business - Carey Buxton
  • 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
  • Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff - Christopher Ludwig
  • 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-wide strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives. Overseeing the transition of the firm into a colleague-owned entity, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner ensures alignment between investment performance and client objectives. This leadership role involves managing relationships with major institutional partners and foundations while maintaining the core research-driven culture. By fostering a culture of accountability, Michael Hankin drives the expansion of active equity and fixed-income strategies across North American and international markets. The Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner monitors the overall health of the $150 billion asset base, ensuring that every investment decision reflects the firm's commitment to sustainable growth. Through consistent engagement with the board and senior leadership, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner secures the firm's position as a premier independent investment manager.
    Michael Hankin

    Shannon Pierce - Chief Financial Officer

    Shannon Pierce, the Chief Financial Officer at Brown Advisory, manages the financial integrity and capital structure of the firm. Overseeing fiscal planning and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains the necessary liquidity to support its diverse range of investment services. This role involves coordinating with internal stakeholders to optimize resource allocation across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Shannon Pierce protects the interests of the colleague-owners and institutional clients. The Chief Financial Officer evaluates the economic impact of new market entries and monitors the performance of various business units to ensure alignment with long-term profitability goals. Through precise financial analysis and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to deliver consistent value. This leadership position remains central to maintaining the financial stability required for the firm's ongoing success in the competitive investment management landscape.
    Shannon Pierce

    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 operational workflows for the firm's specialized client segments. Overseeing the delivery of family office services and endowment management, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations ensures that service standards meet the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals and institutional foundations. This role involves streamlining internal processes to enhance client engagement and portfolio reporting accuracy. By managing regional operations, Teague Avey drives efficiency across the Virginia market and beyond. The Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations coordinates with investment teams to integrate sustainable investing strategies into client portfolios. Through meticulous oversight of operational infrastructure, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations supports the firm's mission to provide personalized, long-term financial solutions that foster enduring client partnerships.

    Carey Buxton - Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business

    Carey Buxton, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business at Brown Advisory, architects the operational framework for the firm's institutional client division. Overseeing global service delivery, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business ensures that institutional portfolios receive consistent, high-quality support across international borders. This role involves managing the intersection of investment strategy and operational execution to meet the rigorous demands of large-scale endowments and foundations. By optimizing cross-border workflows, Carey Buxton drives operational scalability in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business collaborates with the investment team to refine the delivery of active equity and fixed-income strategies. Through the implementation of robust operational systems, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business enhances the firm's ability to manage assets effectively. This leadership function remains critical to maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence in the global institutional investment market.

    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, directs the technological infrastructure supporting the firm's private investment activities. Overseeing the digital transformation of investment data, the Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) ensures that portfolio managers have access to real-time, actionable insights. This role involves managing the security and integrity of proprietary investment systems that underpin the firm's research-driven approach. By integrating advanced data analytics into the private investing workflow, Jacob Hodes drives efficiency and precision in capital allocation. The Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) coordinates with the Baltimore-based leadership to align technology investments with the firm's broader strategic goals. Through the development of secure and scalable platforms, the Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) supports the firm's commitment to providing sophisticated financial services to its diverse client base.

    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. Overseeing the cultivation of a colleague-owned culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm attracts top-tier investment professionals who align with the client-first philosophy. This role involves designing comprehensive professional development programs that support the long-term growth of the workforce. By managing human capital initiatives across the firm's global offices, Rebecca Sugarman drives organizational cohesion and employee engagement. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with senior leadership to foster an environment of accountability and partnership. Through the implementation of equitable compensation and performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the firm's ability to maintain a high-performing team. This leadership function remains essential to sustaining the firm's unique culture and its reputation as a premier destination for financial talent.
    Rebecca Sugarman

    Campbell Donley - Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst

    Campbell Donley, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst at Brown Advisory, directs the intersection of investment research and technological application. Overseeing the analysis of market data, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst ensures that investment teams utilize cutting-edge tools to evaluate equity and fixed-income opportunities. This role involves translating complex data sets into strategic insights that inform capital allocation decisions. By bridging the gap between information technology and investment management, Campbell Donley drives the firm's research-driven approach. The Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst collaborates with portfolio managers to refine investment models and enhance decision-making accuracy. Through the continuous improvement of analytical platforms, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst supports the firm's mission to deliver superior investment performance. This leadership role remains vital to maintaining the firm's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving financial services industry.

    Christopher Ludwig - Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Ludwig, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff at Brown Advisory, directs the execution of strategic projects and operational initiatives. Overseeing the flow of information between the executive team and various business units, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff ensures that organizational priorities remain aligned with the firm's long-term objectives. This role involves conducting deep-dive business analysis to identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency. By managing the administrative and strategic agenda for the leadership team, Christopher Ludwig drives the implementation of firm-wide policies. The Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff coordinates cross-functional efforts to support the firm's growth in both private and institutional markets. Through rigorous data analysis and project management, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff supports the firm's ability to navigate complex market conditions while maintaining its commitment to a client-first philosophy.

    Dana Cooksey - Partner, Director of Corporate Communications

    Dana Cooksey, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications at Brown Advisory, directs the firm's brand strategy and external messaging. Overseeing the communication of the firm's investment philosophy, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications ensures that the brand identity remains consistent across all global markets. This role involves managing public relations, media engagement, and internal communications to reinforce the firm's reputation as an independent, colleague-owned manager. By crafting narratives that highlight the firm's research-driven approach, Dana Cooksey drives awareness among potential clients and institutional partners. The Partner, Director of Corporate Communications collaborates with senior leadership to ensure that all messaging reflects the firm's commitment to long-term partnership and accountability. Through the strategic management of the firm's public image, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications supports the firm's growth and its ability to attract and retain clients who value a client-first approach.

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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 Teague Avey (Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations).
    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), Teague Avey (Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations) 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, Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations, Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business, Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore).