Erik Barefield

Erik Barefield has extensive work experience in the financial services industry. Erik started their career as an Associate at the First National Bank of Chicago in 1989, where they worked until 1994. Following that, they joined Morgan Stanley as a Vice President, specializing in institutional fixed income sales. Erik worked with various institutions and managers to achieve portfolio objectives, gaining expertise in mortgage, structured product, credit, and interest rate markets. In 2005, they joined Mesirow Financial as a Senior Managing Director and became the Head of the Global Client Relationship Team. Erik was responsible for global business development, sales, client service, and consultant relations. Erik designed and implemented risk-aware portfolios that supported long-term objectives for institutional investors. After leaving Mesirow Financial in 2018, Erik joined Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC as a Managing Director until 2019. Erik then returned to Mesirow in 2020 as the Senior Managing Director and Head of Traditional Investment Management. Overall, Erik has held senior leadership positions with a focus on investment management and client relationships throughout their career.

Erik Barefield obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, General from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1989. Erik then pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance and Marketing from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, which they completed in 1992.