News & Insights

Too often, investors prioritize performance metrics when searching for a portfolio manager, only to discover later that the real value of a partnership lies beyond returns.

Factors like communication, integrity, adaptability, and teamwork are what truly elevate the investing experience. And when overlooked, these cultural elements can leave investors feeling disconnected and underserved.

When our founders first conceived of Channing Capital Management 20+ years ago, they set out to create a culture rooted in principles that put people first—both our clients and our team.

These principles don’t live in a handbook collecting dust. They shape how we think, act, and deliver results every day.

Principles That Ground & Guide Us

Client satisfaction is achieved by being proactive, responsive, and personal. Our founders and portfolio managers don’t just communicate through quarterly emails and commentaries. They also participate in client meetings and in-person due diligence updates. We believe that type of personal connection makes all the difference—especially in a world where bigger firms often lose sight of the individual.

We believe in doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy. Like setting capacity limits for a fund to protect performance for current clients. That means saying no to additional revenue but gaining the trust and respect of investors. Decisions like this reflect our commitment to prioritizing your outcomes over short-term gains.

Cutting corners isn’t an option. We embrace a higher standard that prioritizes precision, care, and impact—from the way we prepare for client meetings to the rigor of our investment process. We operate with a level of care aimed at ensuring you get meaningful, high-quality solutions.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb has long guided our philosophy. We believe an environment where every voice is valued enables teams to make better, more thoughtful decisions and keeps us moving in the right direction together.

Responsibility goes hand in hand with trust. Every decision we make reflects our accountability—to our clients, our team, and the broader community. It’s a commitment we don’t take lightly, and it’s one of the reasons our relationships stand the test of time.

Diversity That Powers Better Decisions

A defining characteristic of our culture is diversity. The diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members shape how we approach problems, challenge ideas, and, ultimately, make decisions.

We see diversity not as a feel-good concept but as a strategic advantage. Different perspectives, spirited debates, and rigorous scrutiny are how we aim to deliver better outcomes for investors.

Growing With Purpose

We’ve always believed that a smaller firm can have a bigger impact. Why? Because in a more intimate environment, every individual’s contribution counts. It’s what has helped us draw some of the industry’s top talent—people who value being part of a team where what they do has the potential to directly influence results.

While still small, we’ve grown— from just a handful of employees to a couple of dozen. But as we’ve expanded, we’ve been intentional about maintaining the culture our founders established 20+ years ago.

We’ve been just as thoughtful about who we partner with—other boutique managers who bring unique expertise in various opportunistic strategies. Managers who share our values, strengthen our culture, and enhance the diversity of thought within our firm.

Take Channing Global Advisors, led by Josephine Jimenez and Ronald Holt, and Preserver Partners, led by Dana Pointer and Caroline Lovelace. Their leadership and commitment to collaboration and excellence align perfectly with our own mission and culture.

These partnerships are more than just strategic. They’re about shared values, innovation, and growth. By surrounding ourselves with people and firms who share our values, we create an environment where both our team and our clients can thrive.

Making a Difference Beyond the Office

For us, success isn’t just measured in returns—it’s measured by impact. That’s why giving back to the community has always been a priority.

For example, our co-founder, Rodney Herenton, serves on the board of the Brooks Museum of Memphis, which is dedicated to enriching the community through its dynamic programs and philanthropy. Co-founder Wendell E. Mackey, a board member at his alma mater Howard University, helped establish the Bloomberg Finance Lab for students in the University’s School of Business and created scholarship and internship opportunities through Channing.

Co-Founder Wendell E. Mackey (center) cutting the ribbon at the Bloomberg Finance Lab at Howard University.

It's all part of building something special—changing lives, creating wealth, and sharing those opportunities with the communities around us. And while some firms might highlight their philanthropy for PR purposes, we prefer to keep things relatively low-profile.

As Rodney Herenton puts it: “It’s about doing what’s right, not what’s marketable.”

Stronger together: the faces behind Channing Capital.

Why Culture Matters

At the end of the day, we believe it’s not just about what we do. It’s about how we do it—thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with purpose.

For investors, that culture translates into more than strong returns. It means working with a team that listens, adapts, and puts your goals first. It means partnering with a firm that’s grounded in principles and driven by a shared sense of responsibility.

Quality Companies

More Than Just Shock Absorbers in Volatile Markets

There’s no simple formula for identifying quality companies—the process is far more nuanced. Tune in as Portfolio Managers Wendell Mackey, CFA, and Matt Betourney, CFA, along with Director of Institutional Sales & Marketing Richard Turnley, discuss the role these companies play in investors’ portfolios and share their approach to uncovering these gems.

Watch Now!