Bill Harnisch

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Bill Harnisch, co-founder of the Harnisch Foundation, bought his first share of stock when he was barely into his teens. That was over 60 years ago and Bill’s fascination with markets continues to this day. His success in the equity investment business provides the money that fuels the philanthropy.

Founded in 2000, his Peconic Partners hedge fund is his main vehicle for investment. He managed and sold two other investment firms during his career. Bill graduated from Baruch College of the City University of New York, where he now serves as a trustee of the Baruch College Fund Board and is a member of the Investment Committee. He was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1977, and is a member of the CFA Institute. He also belongs to the New York Academy of Sciences, YPO, and CEO.

His opinions on markets have been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, The New York Times, Business Week, Bloomberg News, and many other international publications.

Bill’s industry expertise in the field of health care informs his philanthropic interests, and in fact it was at an event for one of his medical charities that he met his future wife, Ruth Ann. In recent years Bill has taken a very active role in the Foundation’s work. He’s been an advisor and coach to TED Fellows as well as Baruch students who receive scholarships he’s endowed. He’s led the research on most of the social change documentaries in which the Foundation has invested.

He’s never forgotten his Queens, New York roots and he will gladly show you where he learned to swim, which in perfect alignment with our mission, used to be the Boys Club, and is now the Boys and Girls Club.