Following a nationwide search, the KSU Foundation has selected Paul Chai to serve as its next chief investment officer.
Chai, most recently the foundation’s senior director of investments, joined the organization in 2018 after twelve years in a senior investment partner role at Grandway Asset Management Inc. Earlier in his career, Chai served in various consulting and engineering roles at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and Pratt & Whitney.
He succeeds Senior Vice President of Investments and CIO Lois Cox, who retired in June after 18 years at the foundation.
“During the interview process, Paul’s integrity, humility, work ethic, attitude, and personal and professional commitment to this organization and its mission differentiated him from other candidates,” said Greg Willems, KSU Foundation president and CEO. “This outcome is a testament to Paul’s commitment as a professional and a member of our organization. His exceptional service and professional growth over the past five years positioned him well for this opportunity.”
Chai is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business. During his time at the foundation, he obtained certification as a chartered financial analyst and was one of 40 nominees out of more than 400 to be selected for the Leadership Kansas program. In 2018, he was recognized as one of the top 30 institutional investors in the Midwest by Trusted Insight, a network for investment professionals.
Under the expert management of Chai and the foundation’s skilled investment team, returns in fiscal year 2022 ranked No. 7 among the nation’s higher education endowments and affiliated foundations.
“Paul brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record in the investment field,” Cox said. “He has been an integral part of our investment team for several years and has been instrumental in driving our success. With his deep understanding of our investment strategies and commitment to our institution’s mission, we are confident that Paul will lead the team to new heights.”
Noting similarities between K-State’s land-grant mission and his own educational and career journey, Chai chose to work in advancement for K-State because of the university’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, family and the pursuit of knowledge.
“As a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan at age 14 with little English-speaking ability, I benefited from and personally understand the transformative power of education and philanthropy,” Chai said. “I don’t take the trust and the responsibility to steward K-State’s endowment portfolio lightly, and I’m committed to supporting our school’s mission, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the endowment and enabling K-State to continue its legacy of excellence.”
As Kansas State University’s strategic partner for philanthropy, the KSU Foundation inspires and guides philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State.
