Samantha Foster, CQF

Samantha Foster

MANAGING DIRECTOR, NON-PROFIT OCIO SOLUTIONS

MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business
BS, California Institute of Technology
CQF, Certificate in Quantitative Finance


Sam Foster, CQF, is a Managing Director at Russell Investments responsible for non-profit solutions. She is responsible for leading the organization's efforts in developing and delivering strategic advice and investment management solutions for non-profit organizations. She is also responsible for new business development, establishing investment management relationships and supporting client needs on an ongoing basis.

She works with boards, committees, and staff to develop customized investment strategies and help solve unique problems for each client. This work includes direction on investment strategy and implementation, risk management, asset allocation, operations, and culture.

Sam spent 10 years managing total endowment asset allocation and risk for the University of Southern California, as well as making endowment investments and all non-endowment investments. At Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company (PAAMCO), she chaired the Risk Management Committee and advised clients on hedge fund investments.

Prior to business school, she was a Quantitative Research Analyst for the International Equity mutual fund at Bailard, Inc. She also earned the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF).

Sam is an active committee member for the Standards Board for Alternative Investments (SBAI) and Women in Institutional Investing Network (WIIIN) organizations.

Published works include:


An attorney’s view: How non-profits can navigate spending decisions in the current markets

June 2022
Our managing director of non-profits, Samantha Foster, explores potential solutions to issues confronting non-profits today in a conversation with seasoned non-profit attorney Michele McKinnon.

Four questions boards should consider regarding investing governance 

May 2022
An exploration of some of the key governance issues facing non-profit boards today.

Non-profit portfolio considerations in the current inflationary environment 

May 2022
Three portfolio considerations for non-profits amid skyrocketing inflation, including whether an asset allocation change is warranted.

Outsourced CIO (OCIO) fees: How transparent and comprehensive are your OCIO provider's fees?

March 2023
Are you getting overcharged on OCIO? Can you easily tell what you’re paying and what’s being taken out as “expenses”? Is the OCIO fee structure so complex that you can’t even tell?