Commonfund Welcomes Liz Clark as Executive Director for Institute Strengthening Investment Practices

Commonfund's Strategic Appointment of Liz Clark

Commonfund has made a pivotal move by appointing Liz LaPolt Clark as the Executive Director of the Commonfund Institute, effective December 8, 2026. Recognized as a significant leader in higher education, Clark transitions from her role at the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), where she served as the Vice President for Policy and Research. Her appointment is expected to enhance Commonfund's positive impact on institutional investors, particularly in their investment management practices.

This strategic hire marks a significant milestone for Commonfund, a leading investment manager dedicated to serving institutions such as educational entities, foundations, and pension funds. Liz Clark brings over 25 years of extensive experience rooted in her deep involvement with colleges and universities. Her role at NACUBO, where she oversaw numerous research initiatives and advised various institutional leaders on pressing sector challenges, has equipped her with the insights crucial for leading the Commonfund Institute into its next era.

In her new position, Clark will manage a plethora of responsibilities aimed at strengthening institutional investment governance and management practices. This includes steering key research endeavors such as the NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments (NCSE), the Commonfund Benchmarks Study of Independent Schools (CSIS), and the Council on Foundations-Commonfund Study of Foundations (CCSF). Furthermore, she will enhance educational programming and industry engagement initiatives, notably the acclaimed Investment Stewardship Academy hosted annually at Yale University.

Mark Anson, CEO and CIO of Commonfund, expressed his confidence in Clark’s potential to drive the Institute forward, stating, “Liz is one of the most respected voices in higher education, with an exceptional understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing colleges and universities today.” Anson highlighted the trust and expertise she cultivated through her collaboration with Commonfund, underscoring her unique qualifications to lead the Institute.

Expressing her enthusiasm about the new role, Clark stated, “I am honored and excited to join the outstanding team at Commonfund. Having worked closely with Commonfund Institute for several years, I have directly witnessed the value its research brings to institutional leaders.” She aims to build on a strong foundation and progress research initiatives to assist colleges, universities, and other nonprofit entities in navigating an increasingly complex landscape.

Clark’s impressive background includes over 15 years at NACUBO, where she directed a variety of nationally recognized research portfolios alongside advocacy and policy efforts. Her work contributed significantly to understanding the changing dynamics within higher education, including influencing federal legislative and regulatory policies affecting institutions in this sector. Prior to her tenure at NACUBO, she held federal relations roles at several universities, which adds another layer of depth to her extensive experience in higher education policy and advocacy.

Commonfund seeks to leverage Clark’s leadership to provide world-class investment management solutions and educational resources tailored for institutional investors aiming to achieve their objectives effectively. The Commonfund Institute aims to be one of the foremost trusted sources of valuable data, analytics, and best practices regarding financial management for institutions.

In conclusion, Liz Clark's appointment is poised to infuse fresh energy and direction into the Commonfund Institute, as she embarks on her mission to advance the institute’s offerings and cement its role as a leading resource in the complex field of institutional investments. Her expertise will undoubtedly facilitate deeper engagements with institutional investors, enhancing their strategic financial practices in these uncertain times.