FEATURED MEMBER FRED WALLS ('12)

May 31, 2017

Fredric Walls, II, is a Senior Investment Manager for the Foundations and Endowments Specialty Practice at SunTrust Bank. As an Investment Manager, Fred is responsible for investment management and advisory services, including asset allocation, day-to-day portfolio monitoring, investment and spending policy development and review, and strategic consulting for nonprofit organizations.

Fred has 25 years of investment experience. Prior to his current position, he was with PNC Asset Management Group; first as Director of Portfolio Management, then as Senior Vice President and Market Director.  With PNC, he led the institutional investment team and served as the senior investment professional for the Greater Washington region.  Previously, Fred has served as a Portfolio Manager with Smith Barney and has served in several finance and investment roles with Prudential before its demutualization.

Fred is actively engaged in the community, having taken leadership roles with a number of nonprofit organizations including National Park Trust, Imagination Stage, and the Alice Ferguson Foundation. Fred received his B.S. in Mathematics from Howard University and his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School. 

Q&A with Fred Walls (‘12)

Can you give us some background or insight into your personal leadership path – including your sources of inspiration and most important lessons learned?

FW: My leadership path has always been intertwined with service. The old quote, “to whom much is given, much is expected” seems apropos.  My biggest inspirations even today remain my parents- their thirst for knowledge within both the arts and sciences have shaped the person I am today.  Their many lessons shared through travel and simply exposure to diverse cultures gave me a broad and rich vocabulary with which to engage the world.  Outside of my parents, I have had numerous mentors since my earliest professional days who have helped me, guided me and shaped me.  My leadership style has always been about helping others attain their goals through empowerment – as I have been empowered.

How did you first become involved with Leadership Greater Washington and the Signature Program?

FW:  I had been working with a predecessor firm for a number of years and always thought it would be a fantastic way to engage the Greater Washington region.  John Tydings was one of several early advocates for my engagement with the program

How would you describe LGW - the alumni, leadership, staff, and overall mission of the organization? 

FW: LGW is an integral part of advancing the notion of regionalism in Greater Washington.  Folks involved in LGW are smart, engaged, passionate and focused on improving our quality of life.

As Co-Leader of our Youth Leadership Greater Washington Program, can you tell us how you first became involved with the program, along with your thoughts on the program's participants, curriculum topics, or value to Greater Washington’s youth community?

FW: My first involvement with YLGW was via my fellow Bustin’ Loose 2012 classmate and former Co-Leader Tene Dolphin.  It has been a privilege to work for the last two years with such an amazing group of young people.  The program- modeled after the signature program is dynamic and structured to meet the needs and demands of today’s high schoolers.  The beauty is that we are flexible enough to be able to bring real world experts in to address current events and share leadership tools that our students will be able to utilize immediately and to take with them the rest of their lives.   It is encouraging to hear the thoughtfulness that our next generation brings to the table to address the issues of the day/

Can you describe a truly special LGW Moment from your experience - a connection you made, something you pursued because of LGW, or a distinctive memory?

FW:  Rather than a special moment, (because there have been so many) perhaps more pertinent was where I was after finishing the Signature Program.  Before LGW despite having lived here for many years most of my interactions were work related or with one or two nonprofits with whom I volunteered.  After LGW I felt I had true friends in all sectors of this broad and burgeoning economy- whether corporate, nonprofit, government or entrepreneurial. Truly a core part of LGWs mission

How do you envision the future of the region? What about LGW’s role in that future?

FW: The future of the region continues to be brighter by the day.  LGW will have an increasingly important role as the region continues to grow in industry, geography, and complexity.  LGW will continue to convene and connect leaders in a way that breaks down barriers to help enable us to solve these complicated ‘cross-border’ issues.  

How do your efforts and leadership at your current organization impact the future of the Greater Washington region?

FW: I spend my professional life as an investment and strategic advisor for nonprofit organizations.  These organizations serve as the lifeblood of any community.  My engagement with LGW continues to enhance my understanding not only of the regional issues that impact our community- but has increased my exposure to best practices that can be shared with similar organizations. My company is in a unique position to partner with LGW to assist in convening our constituents to address these issues.

Please tell us something most people might not know about you. 

FW:  Despite spending most of my time as a finance geek, only my LGW classmates would believe that I almost went to Univ of So Cal with a double major in math – and drama. 

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FEATURED MEMBER FRED WALLS ('12)