More than 50 resident and nonresident fellows offer research, analysis, and commentary on US foreign policy and public opinion, global food security, and global cities.
Ashish Lal is a vice president at BDT & Company, a Chicago-based merchant bank that combines a $3 billion investment fund with advisory services to address the strategic and financing needs of companies. He was involved in establishing BDT’s strategic joint venture with one of India’s most highly regarded conglomerates and continues to establish relationships with business owners outside of the US.
Adolfo Laurenti has extensive experience analyzing global financial markets and economic trends for a variety of industries and is a frequent speaker to diverse audiences in the United States and abroad. Before working at VISA, he was the global economist for a private bank in Zurich, Switzerland, and chief international economist and managing director for Mesirow Financial in Chicago.
Emilia Lopez is the former vice president in the strategy group at CapitalOne, based in the McLean office. She worked to support CapitalOne's lines of business in critical strategic efforts. Before joining CapitalOne, Lopez was a principal with The Boston Consulting Group in Chicago.
Josh Milberg is a recognized leader in sustainability, smart grid technology, and electric vehicle strategy. As former regional vice president for Midwest operations at Willdan Energy Solutions, he built the region’s energy efficiency and smart grid practice and advised key clients. His background spans strategy, finance, environmental policy, economics, and organizational development.
L. Heather Mitchell has over a decade of leadership experience in operations, investor relations, fundraising, asset management, and investment strategy. At Capri, she manages pension fund client relationships for US commercial real estate and leads marketing for the firm’s emerging market platform in Africa, India, and the Middle East.
Brent Neiman is the Edward Eagle Brown Professor of Economics at Chicago Booth, but is taking a leave of absence in order to serve at the US Treasury as the Deputy Undersecretary for International Finance and Development. He researches international macroeconomics, finance, and trade and is a co-founder and principal investigator of the Global Capital Allocation Project.
In her current role, Hinsley Njila helps develop strategy and mitigation solutions for Credit Customer Lifecycle Management. Citi Retail Services delivers consumer and commercial credit card products, both private label and co-brand, to retailers and their clients across North America.
Alexander Ross is a certified financial planner and a principal at Main Street Investment Advisors, LLC, as well as the owner of Pallas Investments, LLC. Daily, he works closely with a wide variety of multi-generational families to manage their wealth, and is actively involved in his local community through his service on Winnetka's Caucus Council and as a member of the Vestry of Christ Church.
Lisa G. Thomas has extensive experience in venture capital and private equity investing, governance, and operations in emerging markets. She is the founder and managing director of Samata Capital, a fund management company dedicated to making private sector investments in small and growing businesses in sub-Saharan Africa that advance opportunities for women and promote gender diversity.
Maggie Westdale is the business chief financial officer for Aon, where she is responsible for managing the financial results across functions, regions, and solution lines. Previously, she served as chief financial officer for Aon’s reinsurance and retirement solutions. She also held roles at CNA Insurance and Price Waterhouse.
