PARTNERSHIP

A Long-Term Journey

Meredith: My journey at Brown Advisory began as an Associate Portfolio Manager in Baltimore, back in 2007. Paul and I had some initial interactions early on, but I remember one instance during the 2008 financial crisis when I needed help and cold-called Paul. He had lots of other things going on and didn’t need to add something new to his plate, but he made time to listen and help me.

Paul: Not long after, I was the one in need of some help with a large, complex family relationship. I called Meredith, who jumped in without hesitation. Her ability and patience allowed us to build a strong bond and trust.

Meredith: Our burgeoning partnership pushed me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Paul would lead the big-picture strategy and macro thinking, while I focused on the details — portfolio changes, manager due diligence and asset allocation discussions. It was a dynamic pairing that helped me grow professionally. I was pulled into firmwide conversations about commodities positions, inflation hedges and emerging markets manager searches. That exposure and agency was transformative for me.

Magnets

Paul: I’ll never forget the moment Meredith told me she was getting married and moving to San Francisco. She was leaving the firm. It was so bittersweet. I was thrilled for her and the new chapter she was starting, but we were losing an integral part of the team. After that, whenever I traveled to the West Coast for client meetings, I would make time to catch up with her.

Meredith: And I’ll never forget when I was nine months pregnant, Paul came to San Francisco to visit clients and asked if I was ready to come back to the firm to build something in San Francisco. I said yes almost immediately — it felt like coming home. Brown Advisory has always felt like the right place for me — in large part because of my partnership with Paul.

Strength through Vulnerability

Meredith: I think one of the strengths of our partnership is vulnerability. We’re both willing to admit when we don’t have all the answers and to ask for help. That openness allows us to learn from each other and make better investment decisions.

Paul: Investing can be a lonely job at times. When markets are volatile and client expectations are high, it can feel like you’re going into battle. Having a partner like Meredith makes all the difference. She keeps me level-headed and helps me navigate tough situations. There’s also a sense of unconditional support. A couple of years ago, I was dealing with a health issue and needed to take a step back. Meredith took care of everything for me and our clients so that I could focus on recovery. That kind of trust is invaluable.

Planting the West Coast Flag

Meredith: Paul has been a visible partner in our West Coast effort from day one, whether it’s mentioning California in morning meetings or spending time with new hires in San Francisco. His commitment to the West Coast has been incredible.

Paul: I try to spend about four weeks a year in San Francisco, working out of the office and connecting with the team. It’s given me a deep appreciation for the challenges of being a West Coast colleague — starting the day with the morning meeting at 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time can be tough — but Meredith and her team handle it with grace.

Navigating Conflict

Paul: Trust is the foundation of conflict management. If Meredith presents a credible case that’s different from my initial perspective, I listen. Our respect for each other’s input allows us to find the best solution for our clients.

Meredith: We’ve learned how to deliver messages in a way that resonates with each other. Neither of us brings up issues lightly — when we do, we listen closely, because we know it matters. That mutual respect ensures we hear each other out.

Paul: Sometimes it’s advice that neither of us wants, but needs to hear. That openness keeps us aligned and focused.

Clients First

Meredith: At the end of the day, everything we do is about delivering the best outcomes for our clients. Whether it’s investment strategy, personal interactions or navigating challenges, our partnership allows us to provide thoughtful solutions that clients recognize and appreciate.

Paul: I believe clients can feel that we’re constantly communicating and thinking about their best interests. Whether it’s Meredith leading a meeting or me stepping in, they trust that we’re working together to serve them.

Meredith: It’s about being thoughtful, listening before reacting and always striving to improve. That’s what makes this partnership — and Brown Advisory — special.