Temporary Appointment of Michael Gould as Chief Investment Officer
Michael Gould, a seasoned investment professional with extensive experience in the field, has been appointed as the Interim Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Lehigh University, effective August 1, 2025.
Gould, who has been a part of Lehigh's Investment Office since 2018, joined the university as an investment analyst and has since risen through the ranks, serving as a director and, most recently, as the Interim CIO. Prior to his tenure at Lehigh, Gould was a vice president of alternative investments at Citi Private Bank, where he was responsible for investment manager sourcing and due diligence.
Gould's impressive career trajectory includes a stint at PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining Citi Private Bank. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Lehigh University, graduating in 1992, and also graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, although the specific degree from Wharton was not specified. Gould is also a CFA charterholder, a premier credential in the investment industry, and a member of the CFA Society of New York.
Gould's appointment comes during a time of transition, as current CIO Kristin Agatone is stepping down from her role, having served as Lehigh's CIO since 2016. A committee, consisting of representatives from the Board of Trustees, university leadership, and faculty, will lead the national search for the permanent CIO.
President Joseph J. Helble '82 expressed approval of Gould serving as Interim CIO, stating, "Michael's deep understanding of Lehigh University's priorities, combined with his extensive investment management experience, makes him an ideal choice for this role."
In his position, Gould will provide analytical support on sourcing, evaluating, and monitoring investment opportunities at Lehigh. He is looking forward to working with the investment team, university leadership, trustees, and stakeholders to ensure the university's continued financial success.
Gould has been a member of the investment office team at Lehigh for 7 years and is a certified public accountant in the state of New York. He is excited about the opportunity to continue his service to Lehigh University in this new capacity.
Gould, with his background in investment management and his familiarity with Lehigh University as a former employee, will utilize his skills in finance and business to provide analytical support in sourcing, evaluating, and monitoring investment opportunities within the university. As a certified public accountant and a seasoned professional in the field, Gould's experience in investing and investment manager sourcing will be crucial in ensuring the university's continued financial success.
