Leadership Team
The experienced executives of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management provide the leadership to foster success for our clients and our firm.
Eric Thole
Chief Executive Officer
29 years of financial industry experience
Eric serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management and President of First American Funds. Prior to his appointment in June 2014, Eric served as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of the First American Funds. Since joining the firm in 1997, Eric's focus has been investment operations, technology, fund treasury, securities lending administration and accounting/vendor management.
James Palmer, CFA
Chief Investment Officer
36 years of financial industry experience
Jim is responsible for U.S. Bancorp Asset Management's investment process. In his role, Jim oversees portfolio management, fixed income trading and credit research for all of the firm's strategies. In addition to his investment management responsibilities, Jim is active in both serving current client relationships and new business development.
Alyssa Bentz
Chief Compliance Officer
19 years of financial industry experience
Alyssa is responsible for the design, implementation and continual reassessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of compliance programs for U.S. Bancorp Asset Management and First American Funds. Alyssa oversees the regulatory compliance programs for mutual funds and institutional clients.
Kevin Breen
Head of Distribution and Strategy
26 years of financial industry experience
Kevin leads the business development and strategy efforts for U.S. Bancorp Asset Management and First American Funds.
Rick Ertel
General Counsel
32 years of financial industry experience
Rick is responsible for overseeing all legal issues involving U.S. Bancorp Asset Management and First American Funds. Rick was appointed General Counsel to U.S. Bancorp Asset Management and Secretary to First American Funds in January 2011.
Jill Stevenson
Head of Operations and Fund Treasury
37 years of financial industry experience
Jill is responsible for overseeing investment operations, fund treasury, securities lending administration and accounting/vendor management. She serves as Treasurer of the First American Funds.
Lisa Isaacson
Managing Director, Strategic Initiatives
25 years of financial industry experience
Lisa is responsible for directing the planning and execution of the firm’s strategic growth initiatives.
Torie Wise
Head of Business Solutions
16 years of financial industry experience
Torie is responsible for all of the firm's technology resources and efforts including software development, infrastructure and application support, project management and quality assurance.