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

Eric Thole

Chief Executive Officer
30 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

James Palmer, CFA

Chief Investment Officer
37 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

Alyssa Bentz

Chief Compliance Officer
20 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

Kevin Breen

Head of Distribution and Strategy
27 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

Rick Ertel

General Counsel
33 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

Jill Stevenson

Head of Operations and Fund Treasury
38 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

Lisa Isaacson

Managing Director, Strategic Initiatives
26 years of financial industry experience

Lisa is responsible for directing the planning and execution of the firm’s strategic growth initiatives. 

Torie Wise

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.