When we first introduce the concept of Biblically Responsible Investing to clients and explain our screening process, the first question we’re often asked is, “How do you do that?” The short answer is: we have a lot of help from experts! This month Cassie Laymon is joined by Rusty Leonard and Olivia Hann from the BRI Institute. They will not only explain what gets screened out of a BRI portfolio, but how they are able to stay up to date on the business practices of so many companies… If you have a question about the “how” or “why” of BRI screening, you’ll find the answer here!
Howard J. “Rusty” Leonard, CFA, is the Founder and CEO of Stewardship Partners Investment Counsel, Inc. located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Stewardship Partners is an investment manager dedicated to helping Christian investors align their investing with their biblically-based worldview. Stewardship Partners is a recognized leader in the field of Biblically Responsible Investing and serves institutions and individuals using separately managed accounts. Prior to forming Stewardship Partners, Mr. Leonard was Executive Vice President of Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. During his 10+ years at Templeton Mr. Leonard served on the firm’s Portfolio Management Committee and managed $3.5 billion of mutual fund and separate account assets in both global and international mandates. Mr. Leonard played an important role in the success and rapid growth that Templeton’s institutional business enjoyed during the 1990’s and was regularly ranked by his colleagues at Templeton as one of the firm’s top securities analysts. He received his CFA designation in 1984, one of the youngest ever to receive this prestigious designation.
Mr. Leonard also owns and serves as CEO of the Biblically Responsible Investing Institute, Inc. The BRI Institute is the leading organization that compiles information on the actions of public corporations that might be of concern to Christian investors. This information is used by Stewardship Partners as well as other Christian institutions and financial advisors seeking to be good stewards of the wealth the Lord has entrusted them with.
Olivia Hann is a Research Analyst with the BRI Institute. She has worked within the Christian investment research field since 2004. She holds a master’s degree in Church Ministry from Southern Evangelical Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in Religion from Converse College. Olivia resides in Kershaw, SC with her husband, Gordon, and daughter, Salem. She enjoys serving in her local church and community, staying active through exercise and being around animals.