donna holmes, caia

Donna has over 15 years of experience within the investment management industry. Currently, she serves as Vice President, Investor Relations at Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT. The REIT is a mission based investor and works to combat climate change, to provide nutritious and flavorful food and to improve rural economies.  Previously, Donna served as Managing Director, Business Development and Client Service at Lizard Investors LLC.  At Lizard, she helped build the firm’s infrastructure and developed a sales strategy to target institutional investors.  Donna began her career at Tremblant Capital, a global long-short equity manager based in New York.  Prior to working in investment management, Donna practiced law, specializing in ERISA matters.  Her practice addressed the ERISA implications of corporate transactions, as well as qualified retirement plan issues, and executive compensation arrangements.

Donna earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Syracuse University, a Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University, College of Law, and a Master of Law in Taxation from New York University.  She is a CAIA Charter-holder and an FSA Level 1 Certificate Holder.

Donna has volunteered at Chicago Cares, Protect Chicago, helping to educate city residents about Covid-19.  She has provided pro-bono consulting services to women and minority owned funds.  In addition to her involvement in WIP, Donna is a member of 100 Women in Finance and Women in Funds.