Grinnell College Investment Office Announces Appointment of Kerri Gandin as Managing Director of Operations
The Grinnell College Investment Office (GCIO) is happy to announce the appointment of Kerri Gandin as the new Managing Director of Operations. Gandin is set to join Grinnell officially on Wednesday, Nov. 15, bringing with her a distinguished 16-year career in accounting, asset management, and investment operations.
Coming from Dartmouth College, where she served in a similar capacity managing operations for an $8B+ endowment, Gandin showcased her strategic acumen as the Director of Investment Operations since November 2013 and was named the Managing Director of Operations in 2023. Her responsibilities included overseeing investment operations and liquidity, performing operational due diligence on potential and existing investments, managing direct and indirect reports, and fostering key vendor relationships.
Before her tenure at Dartmouth, Kerri played pivotal roles at AEW Capital Management and Ernst and Young, LLP, gaining valuable experience in asset management, accounting, and audit services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kerri to our team. Her extensive experience and strategic vision will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our investment operations,” said Jainen Thayer, chief investment officer. Kerri will be based in the Boston office, further fortifying the strength of the team there.
In conjunction with this appointment, the GCIO announces the transition of Kelly Sandquist to the role of Senior Investment Accounting Manager, reporting to Nancy Combs, Associate President for Finance and Assistant Treasurer. In her new role, Kelly will oversee the annual audit of Grinnell’s endowment assets and analyze income and excise tax associated with endowment activity. This transition reflects Kelly’s valuable commitment to her ongoing contributions to the College. Kelly will continue to collaborate closely with GCIO, ensuring a seamless transition and reinforcing the collaborative spirit within the team.
“I extend a warm welcome to Kerri and heartfelt gratitude to Kelly for her contributions to GCIO and congratulations on her new role. Our team is privileged to have such exceptional individuals contributing to our success. Following these changes, the College’s investment operations will be substantially strengthened. The new structure will provide additional resources and specialized knowledge within key roles that are critical for the ongoing management of the endowment, ” added Thayer. “I look forward to our continued collaborative efforts on behalf of the College’s endowment, a crucial force in creating affordable and equitable access for countless Grinnell students.”