Heather Davis

Heather Davis is a proven leader who has built successful teams and investment platforms in the investment management business over the past three decades. She is a subject matter expert with a 30-year track record as a successful investor across a spectrum of alternative investments, including commercial real estate, agriculture, timber, energy and infrastructure, in addition to the private debt asset classes.

As Chief Investment Officer of TIAA and Nuveen’s Private Markets investment activities, she led a team of over 200 investment professionals within TIAA/Nuveen and in the affiliates that TIAA owns and controls, executing on their Alternative Investment strategy in agriculture, timber, energy and infrastructure and private debt strategies. She grew TIAA’s direct equity investments business and portfolio from its launch in 2007 to over $10B in assets under management.

Similarly, Heather’s personal knowledge of autism, acquired while helping her own autistic son grow and develop his skills, led her to develop TIAA’s “Fruits of Employment” program which employs people with autism and other disabilities in agricultural jobs on TIAA farms. “Fruits of Employment” has been recognized by agencies such as the

California Department of Rehabilitation for its mission and its success. Heather was an active board member of Autism Speaks – Carolinas Chapter, where she served the community and Autism Speaks’ families.

In 2014, Heather was recognized by Athena International with its Corporate Leadership award.

In 2019, Heather retired from TIAA and relocated to Asheville, NC, where she acquired and renovated three, 100-year old buildings in downtown Asheville and now runs an art gallery and event space known as UpMarket Gallery and UpMarket Events, LLC.