Professional photo of Jim Baird

Jim Baird

Partner CPA, CFP®, CIMA®, Plante Moran Financial Advisors Chief Investment Officer Kalamazoo Wealth Management

In college, I did a bit of stand-up comedy, and that experience helped me become comfortable with public speaking. I guess that makes me a little less boring than the other middle-aged, grey-haired guys I know.
Jim Baird
Partner, CPA, CFP®, CIMA®, Plante Moran Financial Advisors Chief Investment Officer

Experience

I analyze and evaluate global economic and capital market conditions, collaborating with PMFA’s Investment Committee to develop investment strategies that meet clients’ long-term goals and objectives.

I have experience with economic and capital markets analysis, investment strategy development, portfolio construction, and money manager due diligence and evaluation. I’m known for my expertise on the U.S. economy, capital markets, and issues relevant to wealth management. In addition to being PMFA’s chief investment officer, I also head our internal investment research team and chair our investment committee.

Even before I began my professional career, I was fascinated by the economy, politics, and the capital markets. Today, I’m constantly monitoring the flow of news and information to understand the potential sources of uncertainty and opportunity that influence the markets — all with the underlying goal of helping our clients balance the need to understand the near-term, but not lose sight of the long-term.

I was attracted to Plante Moran because of the firm’s philosophy of service. Not only would I be helping our clients reach their goals, I’d also be working with outstanding professionals in a firm whose culture aligns with my values. It’s all about doing the right thing and putting our clients’ interests first.

A broad range of industry associations invite me to speak each year on matters related to the economy and markets. I’m frequently quoted in national publications from The Wall Street Journal and Barron's to The New York Times and Reuters. I’m a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association, the AICPA, and the Michigan Association of CPAs. I received a B.B.A. in accountancy from Western Michigan University.

Outside of work, friends and family know me for my love of Michigan State football and basketball. I’ve been an avid soccer player all my life, and I have greatly enjoyed coaching girls soccer at a variety of age levels for many years, including many of my kids’ teams. I have served as treasurer of the Kalamazoo Area Soccer League and was a volunteer for the American Youth Soccer Organization for almost a decade.

CIMA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth Institute®. For more information about the Institute and the CIMA certification, please visit investmentsandwealth.org.