Year-Long Process Culminates in New Financial Advisor

In the Fall of 2015, J.C. Johnston III, Chair of the Investment Committee, suggested to the Wayne County Community Foundation Board that it was time to review options for the professional management of the Foundation’s $56 million portfolio.  The current manager had been engaged for more than 10 years, during which time the Foundation saw substantial growth of its assets.

Mr. Johnston prepared a “request for proposal” that resulted in four financial management firms submitting detailed plans for the Foundation’s investments, bearing in mind the Investment Policy established by the Board of Trustees.  Each of the four firms made personal presentations to the Investment Committee.

Hartland & Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, came out on top as the Committee’s unanimous choice.  Founded in 1989, Hartland is an independent investment advisory firm, owned and managed by its professionals and board of directors.  The firm is not owned by a parent company and has no affiliations with any other firm.  Hartland currently manages over $16 billion in client assets.  This portfolio includes more than 100 institutional clients and a number of other foundations. 

In commenting on the Committee’s decision, J.C. Johnston said:  “We were all impressed by Hartland’s independence, research capabilities, and track record, as well as their understanding of the foundation world.” Hartland’s appointment took effect on July 1, 2016, the beginning of WCCF’s new fiscal year.

For more information about Hartland & Co., including a detailed approach to their investment philosophy and process, visit them online at www.hartland.com.