Chris Bittman

Chris Bittman (’85), former president and CEO of Jurika & Voyles Investment Management in Oakland, Calif., is the University of Colorado Foundation’s first chief investment officer.

The hiring, which gives Bittman oversight of the foundation’s $600 million in investments, was announced Aug. 9. The decision comes as the CU Foundation moves toward its goal of building a $1 billion endowment.

“The hiring of a chief investment officer is an important and logical part of our progression as an organization,” said Michael M. Byram, foundation president and chief executive officer.

“What makes this especially noteworthy is our having attracted an investment professional who combines an outstanding record in investment management with a love and passion for higher education and, in particular, the University of Colorado.

“Under the leadership of Chris Bittman, I am confident that the CU Foundation’s investment returns will be enhanced and investment management expenses reduced,” Byram said.

“These factors are especially critical today as the CU Foundation’s transfer to CU of endowment earnings assumes ever greater importance as state support for higher education continues its decline.”

At Jurika & Voyles, Bittman was responsible for the management of more than $5 billion in assets for clients including corporations, university foundations and individuals. Bittman’s success allowed him to retire at age 40, but his commitment to building opportunities for others brought him to the CU Foundation, first as a volunteer director and member of the investment committee, and now as CIO.

“For me, this is another chance to give back to my alma mater,” said Bittman, an Advertising graduate. “The CU Foundation manages an important pool of assets that serves a critical purpose in support of the University and its students. I want to see the CU Foundation recognized as having one of the premier investment operations in the country.”

Dean Paul Voakes noted that Bittman has often provided his expertise to the School. “Chris has been one of the School’s most valuable alumni. We’re naturally proud that he has achieved remarkable professional success at an indecently young age, but what’s really rewarding is that Chris has always kept the School close to his heart. In the eight years he’s served on the School’s Advisory Board, he has provided steadfast, insightful counsel – especially in the realm of resource management and finance,” Voakes said.

“Chris’ appointment to the foundation staff means he will have to resign from the Advisory Board, but it’s great comfort knowing he’ll be in a place where a love for the School can be every bit as meaningful.”

Bittman has served on the CU Foundation’s Investment Committee since 1997– most recently as chairman. He said the committee’s volunteer members will continue to make policy decisions on issues such as asset allocation ranges, but he, along with a small professional investment staff, will make day-today investment decisions.

“Chris brings valuable expertise to the strong team we have developed with our investment committee and professional investment advisers,” said Tucker Hart Adams, chief economist for U.S. Bank and a CU Foundation trustee.

Founded in 1967, the University of Colorado Foundation is a privately governed, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the University of Colorado. In addition to an investment portfolio exceeding $600 million, the foundation has total assets exceeding $760 million. For more information, visit www.cufund.org.