Earning the CAIA designation is something I’m very proud of and it has been pivotal in enhancing my knowledge and expertise related to my role at Verger Capital Management. I learned about the CAIA Charter many years ago when working alongside CAIA’s own Steve Novakovic. I looked into the program, and it stayed in the back of my mind as something I might want to pursue someday. In 2022, I finally decided to take the leap, giving up nights and weekends for practice questions and mock exams. The curriculum is both rigorous and comprehensive, spanning the entire spectrum of alternative assets, from private equity to cryptocurrency.
Although my professional experience has been focused on operations, I viewed the designation as a way to broaden my perspective and better connect my work to the strategies driving investment decisions. The curriculum gave me a deeper understanding of alternative and private markets, along with insight into the perspectives and investment approaches of general partners. It also sharpened my ability to assess sources of risk during operational due diligence and strengthened my understanding of the market cycles that drive performance in our client’s portfolios.
For operations professionals, this knowledge is especially valuable. While the charter is easily recognized as an essential credential for investment professionals, its benefits to the operations side may be less obvious, but I’ve found it to be very helpful. The CAIA program equips operations leaders to anticipate risks more clearly, support the investment process more effectively, and build stronger collaboration with investment teams and portfolio managers.
What I love most about my work is its constant evolution. The investment industry demands continuous learning, and the CAIA Membership helps make that possible. From thought leadership papers and podcasts to webcasts and chapter events, the resources and community offer multiple avenues for connection and professional growth, which I’m grateful for.
About Tricia Walker, CAIA:
Tricia is the Operations Director at Verger Capital Management where she is a key member of the operations team overseeing the firm’s partners, outside advisors, and investment managers for operational matters, as well as managing internal and external accounting and performance reporting. Tricia received an MBA from SUNY Empire State College and in addition to being a CAIA Charterholder, also holds the CIPM designation from the CFA Institute. Tricia has been a CAIA Member since 2023.
Verger Capital Management (Verger) is an SEC registered investment adviser providing Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services to a select group of non-profit institutions. Verger’s mission is to invest in the lives of others, which has led the firm to exclusively serve clients focused on improving lives and providing opportunities. The Verger team’s unique non-profit heritage offers a deep understanding of this segment’s needs, as well as the ability to benefit from the scale and purchasing power of $3 billion in assets under management.
To learn more, visit www.vergercapital.com.