John R. Jenks

Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer

John Jenks was appointed Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer for the Foundation in July 2002. John directs the Foundation’s $1.4 billion endowment and develops its investment policy and strategy. Under his tenure, the Foundation adopted a new, long-term strategic asset allocation plan, significantly diversifying its portfolio and increasing its investments in alternative asset classes. Prior to joining Irvine, he served as Chief Investment Officer for the state of Alaska, guiding a $20 billion investment portfolio, including the Public Employees’ Retirement System, the Teachers’ Retirement System, the Children’s Trust and the State General Fund. A native of Washington state, John holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in accounting from Washington State University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a member of the CFA Society of San Francisco. John serves on the Board of Directors of the Foundation Financial Officers Group and as Treasurer on the boards of both the Contra Costa Crisis Center and On Lok, a nonprofit organization that provides health and other services to seniors living in San Francisco and surrounding communities.