PORTLAND, Ore., -- June 21, 2018 – Ralph Cole, CFA, has joined the firm’s board of directors. He is the eighth professional to serve in this role in Ferguson Wellman’s history and the firm has not added to the board since 1997.
Twenty years ago, Ralph Cole joined Ferguson Wellman as an equity analyst. Since then, he has served as the firm’s global financials analyst, team leader for the firm’s International Equity strategy and portfolio manager for clients with concentrations in Portland, Southwest Washington, Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley. For the past decade, Ralph has helped guide all the firm’s investment strategies through his position on the Investment Policy Committee along with our chief investment officer and the director of fixed income.
From 2013 to 2016, Cole served on the board that established our division, West Bearing Investments. In 2017, he led efforts between the board of directors and next generation regarding the fourth transition of ownership. In March, he attended his first board meeting, increasing his role in the management of the company.
“Ralph has had a meaningful impact on our company over the past 20 years and will continue to be a key leader of our investment process, client service and growth in the future,” says Chief Investment Officer George Hosfield, CFA. “His critical thinking, management style and ability to connect with clients, colleagues and the community were important factors in our decision to invite him to join our board.”
Cole has served in leadership roles in the community with various organizations that include: Chartered Financial Analysts Society of Portland, Portland Southwest Washington Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oregon Club of Portland and United Way New Leaders Steering Committee. He has received awards from the MS Society, Oregon Club and Portland Business Journal for his leadership, innovation and commitment to his work and the community.
Cole earned an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California and B.S. in finance and marketing from the University of Oregon. He earned his chartered financial analyst designation in 1997.
Founded in 1975, Ferguson Wellman Capital Management is a privately owned registered investment advisory firm, established in the Pacific Northwest. As of January 1, 2018, the firm manages over $5 billion for more than 798 clients that include individuals and families; Taft-Hartley and corporate retirement plans; and endowments and foundations with portfolios of $3 million or more. West Bearing Investments, a division of Ferguson Wellman, serves clients with assets starting at $750,000.
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