Brown Advisory Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown Advisory has 9 executives leading key functions including strategic management, financial oversight, institutional operations, human capital, information technology, private investing, client services, business analysis, and corporate communications.

Committed to a client-first philosophy and long-term partnership, Brown Advisory delivers research-driven investment management and comprehensive family office services to a global institutional and private 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
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Rebecca Sugarman
  • Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst - Campbell Donley
  • Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) - Jacob Hodes
  • 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's overarching 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 that the culture of accountability remains central to all investment management activities. This leadership role involves managing relationships with major institutional clients and foundations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. By championing a research-driven approach to capital allocation, Michael Hankin maintains the firm's reputation for excellence in active equity and fixed-income strategies. The Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner also coordinates with the board to refine the firm's sustainable investing framework. Through consistent focus on client outcomes, Hankin secures the firm's position as a premier independent advisory partner for families and institutions seeking sophisticated financial solutions.
    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 and internal audit processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency for the colleague-owned partnership. This role involves analyzing the profitability of various investment strategies and family office services to optimize resource allocation across global operations. By monitoring the $150 billion in assets under management, Shannon Pierce provides the necessary data to support strategic decision-making at the executive level. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with other leaders to assess the financial viability of expansion efforts in international markets. Through rigorous financial planning and risk management, Pierce maintains the stability required to support the firm's long-term investment objectives. This leadership function remains vital for sustaining the firm's independent status and commitment to high-quality financial services.
    Shannon Pierce

    Carey Buxton - Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business

    Carey Buxton, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business at Brown Advisory, directs the operational infrastructure supporting institutional client services. Overseeing the delivery of active equity and fixed-income strategies, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business ensures that internal processes align with the firm's research-driven investment philosophy. This role involves scaling operational capabilities to meet the needs of endowments and foundations across North American and international markets. By streamlining workflows between investment teams and client-facing departments, Carey Buxton enhances the efficiency of the firm's institutional offerings. The Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business also coordinates with technology and compliance teams to maintain high standards of service delivery. Through the implementation of robust operational frameworks, Buxton supports the firm's ability to manage complex portfolios effectively. This leadership role drives the operational excellence necessary to maintain the firm's competitive edge in the global finance sector.

    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 private client and institutional business. Overseeing the delivery of financial services to endowments and foundations, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations ensures that client portfolios align with long-term investment goals. This role involves managing regional operations to provide high-touch service to families and institutional partners. By coordinating with investment teams, Teague Avey ensures that the firm's research-driven approach is effectively applied to regional client needs. The Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations also works to expand the firm's market presence through strategic relationship management. Through the execution of operational excellence, Avey supports the firm's commitment to accountability and partnership. This leadership role drives the firm's success in delivering tailored financial solutions to a specialized client segment.

    Rebecca Sugarman - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Rebecca Sugarman, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Brown Advisory, architects the talent acquisition and professional development strategies that sustain the firm's colleague-owned culture. Overseeing recruitment and retention programs, 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 performance management systems that reward long-term accountability and collaborative success. By fostering an inclusive environment, Rebecca Sugarman supports the firm's global presence across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The Chief Human Resources Officer also works closely with the executive team to align human capital initiatives with the firm's broader business goals. Through the cultivation of a high-performance workforce, Sugarman ensures that the firm maintains its reputation for research-driven excellence. This leadership function remains essential for preserving the unique partnership model that defines the firm's approach to financial services.
    Rebecca Sugarman

    Campbell Donley - Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst

    Campbell Donley, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst at Brown Advisory, integrates advanced data analytics with investment research to drive portfolio performance. Overseeing the firm's information technology infrastructure, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst ensures that investment teams possess the tools required for rigorous capital allocation. This role involves developing proprietary research platforms that support active equity and fixed-income strategies. By leveraging technology to enhance investment insights, Campbell Donley directly impacts the firm's ability to deliver superior results for institutional and private clients. The Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst also collaborates with other senior leaders to secure the firm's digital assets and maintain operational continuity across global offices. Through the synthesis of technical expertise and financial analysis, Donley optimizes the firm's research capabilities. This leadership role bridges the gap between technological innovation and the firm's core investment management mission.

    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, manages the technological systems supporting the firm's private investing division. Overseeing the digital transformation of office operations, the Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) ensures that private client services remain efficient and secure. This role involves implementing scalable software solutions that facilitate complex financial transactions and reporting for families and individuals. By optimizing the firm's internal systems, Jacob Hodes supports the delivery of comprehensive family office services. The Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) also coordinates with regional teams to ensure consistent technology standards across the firm's footprint. Through the application of robust IT strategies, Hodes enhances the firm's ability to provide personalized financial advice. This leadership role remains critical for maintaining the operational agility required to serve a diverse and sophisticated client base.

    Christopher Ludwig - Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Ludwig, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff at Brown Advisory, coordinates strategic projects and operational initiatives across the executive leadership team. Overseeing the flow of information between departments, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff ensures that the firm's business objectives remain aligned with the overall mission. This role involves conducting detailed analysis of firm performance to support decision-making regarding new financial services and market expansion. By facilitating communication between the C-suite and various business units, Christopher Ludwig enhances organizational efficiency. The Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff also manages special projects that require cross-functional collaboration. Through the synthesis of operational data and strategic planning, Ludwig supports the firm's ability to maintain its independent, colleague-owned structure. This leadership role remains vital for ensuring that the firm's daily operations reflect the long-term vision of the partnership.

    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. Overseeing public relations and corporate communications, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications ensures that the firm's client-first philosophy is clearly articulated to the market. This role involves developing content strategies that highlight the firm's expertise in sustainable investing and active equity management. By maintaining consistent messaging across global channels, Dana Cooksey strengthens the firm's reputation among individuals, families, and institutional clients. The Partner, Director of Corporate Communications also collaborates with the executive team to manage the firm's public image during periods of growth and expansion. Through the strategic use of media and communications, Cooksey supports the firm's efforts to attract new partners and clients. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining the firm's standing as a trusted advisor in the competitive financial services industry.

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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, Chief Human Resources Officer.