This year, as Verger celebrates a decade since our founding, I am filled with gratitude and admiration for the incredible people who continue to make our mission – Investing in the Lives of Others – not just a statement, but a lived reality. This milestone offers a moment to reflect on 10 years of shared purpose and collective achievement, built on the foundation of Verger’s core values. These values act as our compass: to take the high road, challenge the status quo, bring our “why” to work, focus on what makes us great, remain humble, and always deliver on our promises. They guide the way we serve our clients, support our community, and grow together as a team.
Verger’s journey has always been about the people – not just the day-to-day work of running an investment management firm. The creativity, energy, and resilience I see daily in my team continues to inspire me. Together, we’ve partnered to create a firm that not only delivers all-weather investment solutions, but also strives to make a meaningful impact beyond investment management. I am proud of the ways we take time to understand each other’s needs, support our clients’ missions, and engage deeply with the communities we serve.
This year, we celebrated achievements large and small, including the addition of three new members to our team and Verger’s recognition as one of the Triad Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. We were proud to welcome several prestigious institutions to our client roster and experience meaningful growth, further strengthening our ability to serve mission-driven organizations.
We also took the time to honor contributions from all corners, whether a semester-long internship or a decade of collaboration. Highlights include celebrating team members’ individual and collective successes, such as hosting our client conference in Winston-Salem, engaging in volunteer work, and earning prestigious industry accolades such as Leaders in Diversity and Outstanding Women in Business. These efforts reinforce our belief that what we do extends far beyond numbers and markets – it’s about building connections, driving meaningful change, and always striving to do better.
As we close out this milestone year and look toward 2025, I am struck by how meaningful it is to celebrate 10 years of Verger – and equally excited for what lies ahead. We are entering our next decade with a clear mission, a strong foundation, and a commitment to growing our impact. At Verger, we remain unwavering in our dedication to Protect, Perform, and Provide for our clients – no matter what the market conditions. Our all-weather approach is especially crucial during periods like the current one, where after years of what we at Verger view as irrational pricing and speculation, assets have hit record valuations. While there is no guarantee that the pendulum will swing in the opposite direction and excessive risk taking will be met with downside punishment, this is simply not a risk that Verger or our clients are willing to take. Instead, we stay true to our mantra. The words Protect, Perform, Provide guide our approach, whether navigating markets or supporting the unique missions of the non-profits we serve. They remind us of the power of purpose-driven work and the collective energy that fuels our success.
On behalf of the entire Verger team, thank you for being part of our story. As we move into 2025 and beyond, we carry forward the lessons of the past decade with humility and an enduring drive to grow, adapt, and make an even greater impact.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and inspiring holiday season.
With gratitude,
Jim Dunn & the entire Verger Team