General Investing >> Money Manager Interviews >> December 1, 2017

Engaging with Management to Identify Long-Term Midcap Investments

Pierson, Mary L.
Mary L. Pierson is Co-CEO and Portfolio Manager at Fairpointe Capital, LLC. She is part of the Mid-Cap Investment Team, serving as Co-Portfolio Manager for the midcap strategy, including the AMG Managers Fairpointe Mid Cap Fund, the Parvest Equity USA Mid Cap Fund, and institutional separate accounts. Prior to co-founding Fairpointe Capital, Ms. Pierson served for seven years as a member of the Mid-Cap Investment Team at a predecessor firm. She co-managed the Aston — now AMG — Mid Cap Fund, the Parvest Equity USA Mid Cap Fund and separately managed institutional accounts as well as providing research and analysis of existing and potential midcap equity holdings. Ms. Pierson’s prior experience also includes 15 years with Harris Bancorp and Harris Futures Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary. While serving as General Manager at Harris Futures Corporation, she was responsible for managing all aspects of the institution, which operated as a financial futures broker. Ms. Pierson received a degree in economics from DePauw University, an advanced degree in economics from Northwestern University and an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago. Profile
Lorden, Marie L.
Marie L. Lorden is a Portfolio Manager and Co-Founder of Fairpointe Capital, LLC. Ms. Lorden serves as a member of the Mid-Cap Investment Team and the firm’s executive team. Her responsibilities include serving as Co-Portfolio Manager for the midcap strategy, including the AMG Managers Fairpointe Mid Cap Fund, Parvest Equity USA Mid Cap Fund, and institutional and private client accounts. Prior to co-founding Fairpointe Capital, Ms. Lorden was, for eight years, a member of the Mid-Cap Investment Team at a predecessor firm. She co-managed the Aston — now AMG — Mid Cap Fund, the Parvest Equity USA Mid Cap Fund, and institutional and private client accounts, as well as providing research and analysis of existing and potential midcap equity holdings. Ms. Lorden held positions specializing in equity product analysis with Zurich Insurance Group, Driehaus Capital Management and The Burridge Group, where she was responsible for midcap equity maintenance research and institutional client service relationships. Previously, she was a project manager at Radio Free Europe in Prague, where she was responsible for analysis of registration options for the international bureau locations. Ms. Lorden received a degree from Elmhurst College and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. Profile
TWST: Did you want to talk a little bit about the firm and its history and philosophy?

Ms. Lorden: Sure. We are 100% employee-owned and 100% female-owned at this