Corporate Background for Investment Management, Tampa, Florida

Donald R. Jowdy
President and Chief Investment Officer

Prior to founding Suncoast Equity Management, Inc. in 1997, Donald Jowdy was a Portfolio Manager with Polen Capital Management. During his tenure, Polen Capital consistently performed in the top 10% of its peer group for three, five and ten year periods, as measured by several industry consultants including Effron/PSN and Nelson's Investment Manager Database. Mr. Jowdy played a key role in the company's growth from $20 million in assets to approximately $250 million. Don then served in an advisory capacity to Polen Capital Management during its growth to over $1 billion in client assets. Previously, Mr. Jowdy was an equity analyst with 13D Research, Inc., advising institutional clients through an independent investment research organization. He provided an in-depth analysis of domestic as well as global investment opportunities in areas such as Latin America, Southeast Asia and the People's Republic of China. Mr. Jowdy was also a Senior Associate with Price Waterhouse Coopers (formerly Coopers & Lybrand).

Mr. Jowdy is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is on the board of Quantum Leap Farm, a nonprofit Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding Program Serving Veterans, Civilian Adults, and Kids with Mental & Physical Disabilities.

Amy A. Lord, CFA
Senior Vice President/Co-Portfolio Manager

Amy Lord was previously Vice President/Portfolio Manager with Intrepid Capital where she was sole manager of the company’s Large Cap Equity and Investment Grade Fixed Income portfolios. Prior to joining Intrepid in 2001, Ms. Lord was Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager of The Investment Counsel Company. During her nine years with the firm, her responsibilities included equity and fixed income portfolio management and analysis; marketing and client servicing; and overseeing GIPS performance compliance.

Ms. Lord earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising, with a minor in Mathematics, from the University of Florida. She is a CFA charterholder and past President of the CFA Society of Orlando, as well as a member of the CFA Institute. Ms. Lord also serves on the board of Family Promise of Orlando, which is a nonprofit organization that helps homeless families achieve lasting independence.

Cheeroke Townsend
Investment Associate

Cheeroke Townsend is a graduate from the University of South Florida, with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. She is involved with the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy program at USF. Prior to joining SEM, Ms. Townsend completed a summer internship at Franklin Templeton Investments. She is also a candidate in the CFA program.