“If you are going to do it, do it right.”
Jeffrey S. Carefoot is a seasoned investment executive and visionary financial strategist whose thirty-two-year career has been defined by excellence in portfolio optimization, risk mitigation, and strategic asset allocation. Known for his depth of knowledge, precision in execution, and unwavering commitment to integrity, Jeff has spent decades navigating volatile financial landscapes with measured confidence and driving superior outcomes for investors and institutions alike.
Jeff’s financial journey began with a robust academic foundation—a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Cal Poly Pomona University followed by a Master of Science in Finance from Golden Gate University. He fortified this knowledge base by earning the distinguished Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation, a testament to his commitment to ethical investment management and continuous learning. With this solid background, Jeff began charting a career path that would later see him rise to leadership positions at top-tier financial institutions.
His most pivotal and influential professional chapter unfolded at Guggenheim Partners, where over a remarkable fifteen-year tenure, Jeff ascended to the role of Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Investment Sectors. Reporting directly to the Chief Investment Officer, Jeff helmed a team of approximately 40 investment professionals. In this capacity, he played a key role in overseeing the strategic allocation and trading of over $250 billion in fixed-income assets, including Corporate Credit, Structured Credit, Municipals, Rates, MBS, FX, Derivatives, and more. His leadership wasn’t limited to managing portfolios; he initiated firmwide review structures, introduced cutting-edge trading efficiency metrics, and drove procedural enhancements that set new standards in risk management and trading oversight.
Under Jeff’s stewardship, the trading desk experienced exponential growth—scaling from a modest team of two to a high-functioning, fifteen-member unit. He was instrumental in expanding the firm’s asset base from $20 billion to $250 billion, proving his ability to inspire performance and navigate both opportunity and adversity. Whether optimizing trading metrics, improving execution strategies, or mentoring young investment professionals, Jeff brought to bear an unmatched blend of technical acumen and human insight.
In earlier roles at Guggenheim, such as Managing Director and Head of Investment Grade (IG) Credit and Muni Trading, Jeff spearheaded the firm’s market expansion in Asia and implemented hedge-based credit strategies that generated competitive alpha. He solidified relationships across the financial ecosystem—whether with counterparties, internal teams, or international clients—and significantly improved the firm’s new issue allocations and secondary market capabilities. During these years, he was not only a strategic operator but also a dynamic communicator who led client engagements across the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
Jeff’s career foundation was laid at prestigious firms like Payden & Rygel Investment Counsel and Wells Capital Management, where he managed billions in institutional portfolios and developed sophisticated strategies for risk and return. At Wells Capital, he oversaw complex credit and derivative portfolios across varying durations and consistently outperformed benchmarks. His ability to decode market behavior, construct resilient portfolios, and balance competing priorities has remained a hallmark throughout his career.
An essential dimension of Jeff’s professional identity is his international fluency—not in languages, but in the nuanced understanding of global markets. With over a decade of experience engaging clients in Western Europe and Japan, including frequent travel to Tokyo for investor meetings, Jeff has cultivated a nuanced grasp of cross-border finance and economic diplomacy. His ability to build trust across cultures is a testament to his interpersonal depth and global mindset.
Beyond the boardroom, Jeff is a man of values. He is deeply committed to his family, his faith, and giving back to the next generation. As a proud father of two daughters, his personal time is often spent surfing, golfing, snowboarding, or wake surfing—usually at the request of his kids. Jeff also finds meaning in spiritual community and serves through his church. In line with his passion for mentorship and knowledge-sharing, he is currently pursuing opportunities as an adjunct professor—creating a new avenue to share his insights and support young professionals entering finance.
Jeff’s interest in board service is not a pivot but an evolution. Encouraged by peers and inspired by a desire to leverage his decades of investment expertise for a broader societal benefit, Jeff is now seeking impactful board roles. He is especially drawn to industries such as industrials, finance, and technology but remains industry agnostic in his willingness to help visionary companies grow. For Jeff, board service represents the ideal synthesis of professional engagement and personal balance—a way to stay intellectually active while dedicating more time to family and giving back to the business community.
He has previously served on the board of a San Francisco-based nonprofit, further affirming his ability to contribute to diverse organizational settings with governance insight and financial prudence. While he brings a wealth of technical expertise, what sets Jeff apart is his ability to align strategic thinking with long-term stakeholder value, all while embodying humility and collaboration.
Now, with more than three decades of proven results, a global track record, and a mission-driven outlook, Jeff Carefoot stands ready to help guide organizations through complexity, change, and opportunity.
Character:
Jeff embodies integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to service—values rooted in his faith and family life. He brings a balanced and grounded perspective to leadership, always acting in the best interest of stakeholders with steadfast accountability.
Knowledge:
With 32 years of deep financial experience and a CFA designation, Jeff possesses encyclopedic knowledge of portfolio strategy, risk management, and investment trends. His international market expertise and academic background enrich every strategic decision he supports.
Strategic:
Jeff is a visionary strategist who has led firms through massive growth, expanded global market share, and introduced operational innovations that drive performance. His foresight and analytical rigor consistently translate into sustainable long-term value.
Communication:
Whether presenting to global clients or mentoring junior team members, Jeff excels in translating complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights. His approachable and respectful style builds lasting relationships across all organizational levels.
