CHICAGO, IL, May 05, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Eric T. McKissack, CFA, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
A series of influential leadership roles and board appointments mark Mr. McKissack's distinguished career in finance and investment management. Since 2011, he has served as chair and independent board director at FlexShares Exchange Traded Funds, where he oversees the strategic direction of the organization, ensures the fulfillment of fiduciary responsibilities and maintains active engagement with company executives to monitor fund performance and governance. His expertise in equity portfolio management, equity research, and financial strategy has been instrumental in guiding the board's oversight and decision-making.
In addition to his work with FlexShares, Mr. McKissack has served as independent board director of the Pathway Funds at Morgan Stanley since 2013 and board chair since 2025. In this capacity, he provides strategic oversight and governance for the fund's operations, contributing to its continued growth and success. His commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through his role as a board director at Farmer Mac (NYSE: AGM), a position he has held since 2021, where he applies his extensive financial acumen to agricultural lending and rural infrastructure.
Mr. McKissack's dedication to family legacy is evident in his long-standing involvement with McKissack & McKissack, where he has served as a board member since 2000. This firm, established in 1905 by his grandfather and great-uncle in Nashville, represents a proud tradition of entrepreneurship that continues under his family's stewardship today.
From 2004 to 2018, Mr. McKissack was the founder and chief executive officer of Channing Capital Management, LLC, and became chief executive officer emeritus in 2019. Under his leadership, Channing Capital Management emerged as one of the few diverse, Black-owned investment management firms during a period when such representation was rare in the industry. His efforts not only advanced diversity within the sector but also set a precedent for future generations of financial professionals.
Earlier in his career, Mr. McKissack served as vice chairman at Ariel Investments from 1986 to 2002. During this tenure, he successfully managed mutual funds that achieved top industry rankings and garnered recognition from leading publications such as Barron's and The Wall Street Journal. He was also featured on Wall Street Week, further cementing his reputation as an authority in investment management.
His professional affiliations include membership on the IDC Governing Council since 2021, reflecting his ongoing commitment to industry leadership and governance standards.
Mr. McKissack's academic background laid a strong foundation for his achievements. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, and a second MBA from Columbia Business School in 2005. He previously graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management with a Bachelor of Science in management in 1976.
His pursuit of continuous professional development is evidenced by several certifications: climate leadership and ESG leadership from the Diligent Institute in 2023; completion of the Stanford Directors' College at Stanford Law School in 2021; and designation as a chartered financial analyst by the CFA Institute in 1987. Mr. McKissack attributes his success to fortunate opportunities, diligent preparation and a robust educational background.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. McKissack is deeply engaged with civic organizations and cultural institutions. He has served as a board member for the Terra Foundation for American Art since 2021 and for the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business since 2021. As a trustee for the Art Institute of Chicago since 2002, he has contributed significantly to arts advocacy. His volunteerism includes 10 years with the Grand Victoria Foundation, as well as board memberships at the Graham Foundation and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
His contributions to investment management have been recognized with an award from the National Association of Securities Professionals, which honors achievements in finance.
Born in Nashville into a family with a rich entrepreneurial heritage, Mr. McKissack continues to honor this legacy through both professional excellence and community service. His spouse, Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, is an accomplished entrepreneur who serves as president of Black Opal, a prominent beauty and skincare company.
Mr. McKissack enjoys collecting art, traveling to exhibitions and fairs, fitness activities such as pickleball and cycling, and outdoor pursuits such as boating and exploring new environments. Looking ahead, he aims to create meaningful impact through his board service and philanthropic initiatives, while inspiring younger family members—including his daughter and grandchildren in London, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins—to pursue their ambitions with confidence and resilience. The McKissack family remains dedicated to supporting one another's growth across generations.
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