Kathleen Simpson and Brad Harrison: Scaling Impact at The Russell Family Foundation

In this episode, hosts Chris Ito and Georges Dyer engage with Kathleen Simpson, CEO of The Russell Family Foundation (TRFF), and Brad Harrison of AlTi Tiedemann Global, TRFF’s investment advisor, to explore the intersection of mission-driven investing, shareholder engagement, and the critical role of impact strategies in addressing global climate challenge. Recorded just days after the U.S. election, the episode offers timely insights into navigating uncertainty in the energy transition and scaling impactful investments.

Guests

Kathleen Simpson – Chief Executive Officer, The Russell Family Foundation

Brad Harrison – Co-Head of Impact Strategy, AlTi Tiedemann Global

Background

Kathleen Simpson serves as CEO of The Russell Family Foundation, where she guides strategic planning, programs, and community affairs while overseeing the Foundation’s impact investing. Under her leadership, first as CFO and now as CEO, the foundation has transformed its portfolio from 7% to nearly 95% impact-aligned investments. She champions TRFF’s Net Zero commitment and regional food systems initiatives while serving on numerous nonprofit boards. With extensive experience in finance and leadership, Kathleen has helped reimagine philanthropy through a decarbonization lens.

Brad Harrison co-leads AlTi’s impact investing strategy globally and oversees the firm’s Climate Sustainability strategy focused on accelerating the net zero transition. Working with clients to align capital with purpose, Brad’s holistic approach integrates financial innovation with environmental stewardship. He brings decades of experience in climate investing and collaboration with organizations like the Global Impact Investing Network.

Conversation

• Decarbonization and Impact Journey: Learn how TRFF evolved from initial experiments with community bank investments to becoming a leader in mission-aligned investing with 94% of assets aligned with impact goals.
• Net Zero Framework: Discussion of TRFF’s approach to achieving net zero, combining investments in decarbonization technologies with nature-based solutions for a holistic environmental impact.
• Transparency and Field-Building: Insights into TRFF’s commitment to transparency and field-building through sharing their investment policies and strategies openly.
• Navigating Policy and Political Uncertainty: Reflecting on the 2024 election, the conversation addresses challenges to the Inflation Reduction Act and its implications for impact investors.
• Impact Measurement: Details about TRFF’s participation in the IEN’s Endowment Impact Benchmark initiative and achieving a platinum rating, demonstrating the value of third-party verification.
• Future Challenges: The duo share insights on addressing the “last mile” of decarbonization and maintaining a balance between net zero goals and meaningful impact.

Listen as Chris and Georges explore how foundations can lead the way in impact investing while maintaining strong returns and building a more sustainable future.