Brown Advisory Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to a client-first investment philosophy, Brown Advisory delivers research-driven financial solutions to individuals and institutions while maintaining a culture of colleague ownership and long-term accountability.

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
  • Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff - Christopher Ludwig
  • Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst - Campbell Donley
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Rebecca Sugarman
  • Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) - Jacob Hodes
  • 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 expansion of active equity and fixed-income strategies, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner ensures alignment with the firm's independent, colleague-owned structure. This leadership role involves managing relationships with institutional clients and foundations across global markets, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. By fostering a culture of accountability, Michael Hankin drives the firm's commitment to research-driven capital allocation. Hankin maintains rigorous standards for investment performance while guiding the executive team toward sustainable financial outcomes. Through consistent focus on client-first principles, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Partner secures the firm's position as a premier investment management and strategic advisory entity, ensuring that all business activities support the core mission of delivering exceptional value to diverse client portfolios.
    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 risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains the stability required to support over $150 billion in assets under management. This role involves collaborating with the executive leadership to optimize resource allocation across global operations. Shannon Pierce monitors financial performance metrics to inform strategic decision-making and long-term planning. By implementing robust financial controls, Pierce supports the firm's commitment to transparency and accountability. The Chief Financial Officer also coordinates with external auditors and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance across all jurisdictions. Through precise financial analysis and prudent fiscal management, Pierce strengthens the firm's ability to provide comprehensive financial services to individuals, families, and institutional clients, ultimately protecting the interests of the firm's colleague-owners and the clients served.
    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 regional 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 models align with the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals and institutional foundations. This role involves streamlining internal processes to enhance client engagement and operational efficiency within the Virginia market. Teague Avey coordinates with investment teams to integrate active equity and fixed-income strategies into client portfolios. By refining service delivery, Avey supports the firm's reputation for a client-first approach. The Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Private Client, Endowments & Foundations also manages cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of complex financial advisory tasks, contributing directly to the firm's growth and the long-term success of the client base.

    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 the firm's institutional client base. Overseeing the integration of investment strategies and client service protocols, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business ensures that the firm's global operations meet the complex requirements of endowments, foundations, and institutional investors. This role involves scaling operational capabilities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia to maintain consistent service quality. Carey Buxton collaborates with investment teams to optimize the delivery of active equity and fixed-income solutions. By implementing scalable processes, Buxton enhances the firm's ability to manage large-scale assets effectively. The Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Business also monitors market trends to anticipate the evolving needs of institutional clients. Through strategic operational oversight, Buxton ensures that the firm's institutional business remains aligned with the overarching goal of delivering superior, research-driven financial outcomes for all clients.

    Christopher Ludwig - Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Ludwig, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff at Brown Advisory, facilitates strategic alignment across the firm's executive leadership team. Overseeing the synthesis of business intelligence and operational data, the Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff ensures that decision-making processes remain grounded in research and market analysis. This role involves managing high-priority projects that span the firm's investment management and advisory divisions. Christopher Ludwig coordinates communication between departments to streamline the execution of corporate initiatives. By analyzing performance metrics and operational trends, Ludwig provides the insights necessary to maintain the firm's competitive edge in the global financial landscape. The Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff also supports the development of long-term strategic plans, ensuring that all business units remain focused on the firm's core mission of providing exceptional service to individuals, families, and institutional clients while upholding the values of a colleague-owned organization.

    Campbell Donley - Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst

    Campbell Donley, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst at Brown Advisory, manages the intersection of technology infrastructure and investment research. Overseeing the firm's data systems and analytical tools, the Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst ensures that investment teams possess the technological resources required for rigorous capital allocation. This role involves architecting secure, scalable information systems that support the firm's research-driven approach to active equity and fixed-income strategies. Campbell Donley integrates advanced data analytics into the investment process to enhance decision-making accuracy. By aligning technology with investment objectives, Donley supports the firm's commitment to providing high-quality financial services. The Principal. Chief Information Officer Investment Analyst also collaborates with other leaders to ensure that information security and data integrity remain at the forefront of the firm's operations. Through this dual focus on technology and investment analysis, Donley contributes to the firm's ability to deliver consistent, long-term value to clients.

    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 the firm's unique colleague-owned culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the firm's long-term partnership and accountability values. This role involves designing programs that support professional growth and foster a collaborative environment across global offices. Rebecca Sugarman manages human capital initiatives that attract top-tier talent to support the firm's investment management and advisory services. By implementing performance management systems, Sugarman ensures that all colleagues contribute effectively to the firm's mission. The Chief Human Resources Officer also oversees diversity and inclusion efforts to maintain a broad perspective in decision-making. Through strategic human resources management, Sugarman strengthens the firm's ability to provide exceptional service to individuals, families, and institutional clients by ensuring the team remains highly skilled, motivated, and committed to the firm's success.
    Rebecca Sugarman

    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 framework for the firm's private investing activities. Overseeing the digital infrastructure and information systems, the Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) ensures that private investment teams have the tools necessary to execute complex financial strategies. This role involves managing the operational technology for the Baltimore office while supporting the firm's broader investment objectives. Jacob Hodes integrates secure data management practices into the private investing workflow to enhance efficiency and accuracy. By optimizing information systems, Hodes supports the firm's commitment to research-driven capital allocation. The Head Chief Information Officer, Private Investing & of Office (Baltimore) also collaborates with other technology leaders to ensure seamless connectivity and data integrity across the firm's global operations. Through this focus on technology, Hodes enables the firm to deliver sophisticated financial services to individuals and families with precision and reliability.

    Dana Cooksey - Partner, Director of Corporate Communications

    Dana Cooksey, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications at Brown Advisory, directs the firm's internal and external messaging strategies. Overseeing brand identity and public relations, the Partner, Director of Corporate Communications ensures that the firm's commitment to a client-first philosophy and colleague-owned culture is clearly communicated to all stakeholders. This role involves managing corporate narratives that highlight the firm's expertise in active equity, fixed-income strategies, and sustainable investing. Dana Cooksey coordinates with executive leadership to ensure consistent messaging across global markets. By developing comprehensive communication plans, Cooksey strengthens the firm's reputation among individuals, families, and institutional clients. The Partner, Director of Corporate Communications also oversees the firm's digital presence and media relations to maintain transparency and trust. Through strategic communication, Cooksey supports the firm's mission by ensuring that the values of accountability and long-term partnership remain central to the firm's public and internal identity, ultimately driving brand loyalty and market impact.

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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, Senior Business Analyst & Chief of Staff.