Mary Brunson is a Vice President and Wealth Advisor (Series 65) at Index Fund Advisors, Inc. as well as Investing for Catholics, a division of Index Fund Advisors, Inc. She is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), co-creator of Investing for Catholics, and considered a respected speaker, author and authority on developing sound investment policy for prudent investing.
With a particular expertise in faith-consistent investing rooted in financial science, Mary provides fiduciary advice and institutional wealth services to religious orders including Archdioceses, dioceses, endowments and foundations. In addition, Mary works with non-religious public trusts, pension plans and individuals.
Mary is the co-author of Tending the Flock: Shepherding Catholic Retirement Plans, and author of numerous articles and papers, including papers co-authored with IFA President Mark Hebner and Nobel Prize Winner in Economics, Harry Markowitz, titled "Can You Do Well While Doing Good?" and "Does Portfolio Theory Work During Financial Crises?"
Joining IFA in 2006, Mary served in the dual capacity of Marketing Director and Wealth Advisor until August, 2014. Prior to joining IFA, Mary was an independent marketing consultant to registered investment advisors. It was this work that led her to understand the merits of passive investing for the prudent management of assets, and the particular advantages IFA brings to clients.
Mary is a board member for the Magis Institute, spearheaded by Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. She is also the former National Chair of the Spirituality Commission for the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW), as well as a member of the Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Orange County, and a member of its finance and investment committee. Mary is a graduate of University of California, Irvine.