Jun Yang Steps into Role as Chief Investment Officer at Rockefeller University as Paula Volent Advises
In a significant leadership transition at Rockefeller University, Jun Yang has been appointed as the new Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO), effective July 1, 2026. He takes over from Paula Volent, who has been pivotal in managing the university’s substantial endowment of $3 billion and will continue to contribute as a Senior Advisor in a part-time capacity.
Jun Yang, previously at Oberlin College, brings over 20 years of expertise in institutional investments, having managed multi-billion-dollar endowments both at Oberlin and the Weizmann Trust, which oversees investments for the Weizmann Institute of Science. This extensive background positions him uniquely to navigate the complexities of investment leadership in a challenging financial landscape.
"Jun is an exceptional investment leader whose experience, judgment, and track record make him uniquely suited to guide Rockefeller's endowment into its next chapter," remarked Richard P. Lifton, President of Rockefeller University. Lifton praised Volent for her leadership during her tenure, highlighting her contributions that enabled the university to adapt and thrive amidst financial uncertainties in biomedical research funding.
Under Volent’s stewardship, Rockefeller’s investment strategy was not only resilient but also profitable, creating a solid base for future endeavors. Her ability to build a talented investment team and to adapt to fluctuating market conditions has been commendable.
Yang’s academic background underscores his qualifications for this role; he holds an MBA from Cornell University, a Master of Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Upon his appointment, Yang expressed his enthusiasm about joining the university, stating, "Rockefeller occupies a unique place in the scientific world, and I am honored by the opportunity to join an institution with such an extraordinary history of discovery and impact." He emphasized his commitment to continue the high-performing investment program established by Volent, ensuring that sufficient resources remain available to fund groundbreaking scientific research.
Bill Ford, Chair of the Board of Trustees, echoed similar sentiments regarding Volent's legacy, asserting her essential role in reinforcing Rockefeller’s financial foundations during a time when the necessity of funding for scientific inquiries continues to rise. Ford conveyed his excitement at welcoming Yang, who is anticipated to steer the investment office toward further success and resilience.
The transition comes at a crucial time for the university as it navigates through an evolving funding environment for scientific research. As Yang prepares to assume his new responsibilities, there is widespread confidence in his ability to uphold and enhance Rockefeller’s commitment to advancing biomedical research for the benefit of humanity.
As Yang steps into this prominent role, the university stands at a pivotal moment, ready to leverage its strong financial footing while pursuing its mission of making influential contributions to science that can transform our understanding of life and health. This leadership change marks not only a new chapter for the investment office but also holds promise for the future of research and its implications for global health advancements.
The Rockefeller University is the preeminent biomedical research institution globally, dedicated to innovating and conducting high-quality research to improve life and contribute positively to humanity. Throughout its illustrious 125-year history, researchers at Rockefeller have made transformative contributions to biology and medicine, garnering numerous accolades, including 26 Nobel Prizes and 26 Albert Lasker Medical Research Awards.
Jun Yang, previously at Oberlin College, brings over 20 years of expertise in institutional investments, having managed multi-billion-dollar endowments both at Oberlin and the Weizmann Trust, which oversees investments for the Weizmann Institute of Science. This extensive background positions him uniquely to navigate the complexities of investment leadership in a challenging financial landscape.
"Jun is an exceptional investment leader whose experience, judgment, and track record make him uniquely suited to guide Rockefeller's endowment into its next chapter," remarked Richard P. Lifton, President of Rockefeller University. Lifton praised Volent for her leadership during her tenure, highlighting her contributions that enabled the university to adapt and thrive amidst financial uncertainties in biomedical research funding.
Under Volent’s stewardship, Rockefeller’s investment strategy was not only resilient but also profitable, creating a solid base for future endeavors. Her ability to build a talented investment team and to adapt to fluctuating market conditions has been commendable.
Yang’s academic background underscores his qualifications for this role; he holds an MBA from Cornell University, a Master of Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Upon his appointment, Yang expressed his enthusiasm about joining the university, stating, "Rockefeller occupies a unique place in the scientific world, and I am honored by the opportunity to join an institution with such an extraordinary history of discovery and impact." He emphasized his commitment to continue the high-performing investment program established by Volent, ensuring that sufficient resources remain available to fund groundbreaking scientific research.
Bill Ford, Chair of the Board of Trustees, echoed similar sentiments regarding Volent's legacy, asserting her essential role in reinforcing Rockefeller’s financial foundations during a time when the necessity of funding for scientific inquiries continues to rise. Ford conveyed his excitement at welcoming Yang, who is anticipated to steer the investment office toward further success and resilience.
The transition comes at a crucial time for the university as it navigates through an evolving funding environment for scientific research. As Yang prepares to assume his new responsibilities, there is widespread confidence in his ability to uphold and enhance Rockefeller’s commitment to advancing biomedical research for the benefit of humanity.
As Yang steps into this prominent role, the university stands at a pivotal moment, ready to leverage its strong financial footing while pursuing its mission of making influential contributions to science that can transform our understanding of life and health. This leadership change marks not only a new chapter for the investment office but also holds promise for the future of research and its implications for global health advancements.
About The Rockefeller University
The Rockefeller University is the preeminent biomedical research institution globally, dedicated to innovating and conducting high-quality research to improve life and contribute positively to humanity. Throughout its illustrious 125-year history, researchers at Rockefeller have made transformative contributions to biology and medicine, garnering numerous accolades, including 26 Nobel Prizes and 26 Albert Lasker Medical Research Awards.
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