An Impactful Leader: Mary Ellen Stanek featured in 'Milwaukee Business Journal'

Milwaukee Business Journal recently interviewed Mary Ellen Stanek, CFA, about her career, Baird Advisors’ philosophy on fixed income investing, and the impact she has made as a leader both at work and in her community.

In an excerpt from the article, readers can learn more about her approach to her job and leading the Baird Advisors team:

Stanek is the president of Baird Funds, as well as the chief investment officer of Baird Advisors. As a bond manager, Stanek doesn’t want her team members to try to be home run hitters. In the firm’s asset class, Stanek said, aiming for home runs could also run the risk of a high strike-out rate. Stanek wants her team to have a high batting average – a lot of singles, some doubles, maybe a walk or even get hit by a pitch, she said.

"Then just compound that and be just that very predictable, consistent part of somebody’s portfolio and deliver that," Stanek said. "That is what we’re hearing over and over again, why people are choosing to invest with us."

The article also recognizes her commitment to the community:

A philanthropist and a member of several nonprofit boards, Stanek said she analyzes opportunities to determine what community organizations most need and how she can be the most helpful. She takes particular interest in initiatives focused on youth, education and building economic vibrancy.

"That always creates, I think, additional challenges and opportunities, but it also gives me a great sense of giving back and the gratitude I feel for all the blessings in my life and that I have a responsibility to do everything I can to help," Stanek said. "How can I do that in the most focused way to have impact?"

Read the full, unlocked interview here.

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Source: "Fund Family 150" by Michael Laske, published as of March 2, 2021. (c) 2021 Morningstar Research Services LLC. All Rights Reserved. Based on a rank of asset-weighted fund scores for the 150 largest US fund families compared in the report.

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