Education: B.A. - Marquette University (1978)
M.B.A. - University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (1984)
Professional Designation: Chartered Financial Analyst (1983)
Mary Ellen Stanek, CFA, has over 30 years of investment management experience. She currently serves as Managing Director and Director of Asset Management for Robert W. Baird & Co.. Additionally, she serves as President of Baird Funds. Previously, she served as President and CEO of Firstar Investment Research & Management Company.
Mary Ellen is responsible for the development and portfolio management of all proprietary asset management services. She co-manages several fixed income mutual funds as well as a number of taxable and tax-exempt portfolios. Her memberships include The CFA Institute, the CFA Society of Milwaukee, the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Tempo (Chair Elect), Tempo (past President) and Professional Dimensions. Mary Ellen serves on the boards of Robert W. Baird & Co., Journal Communications (NYSE:JRN), Northwestern Mutual and West Bend Mutual Insurance Company. She also serves on the boards of Aurora Health Care, Boys and Girls Clubs (past Board Chair), Children's Hospital Foundation, Marquette University (past Board Chair), Medical College of Wisconsin, Junior Achievement, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (past President), and United Way. She has also co-chaired annual campaigns for the United Performing Arts Fund and the United Way, including the successful 2008 United Way Campaign which exceeded its goal.
Mary Ellen has received the Marquette University College of Arts and Sciences Person for Others Award, Marquette University High School's Spirit of St. Ignatius Award, The St. Francis Children's Service Award, The Tempo Mentor Award, The Business Journal Women of Influence Award, The Point of Light Award, Professional Dimensions Sacagawea Award, Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Distinguished Executive Award and Baird’s Brenton H. Rupple Citizenship Award. In 2008, she was named a top woman portfolio manager by Morningstar.