In 1994 after meeting the firm’s founder Charley Tarver, Scott focused on joining FIA succeeding in 2000 when he was hired to lead the firm’s business development efforts.  In 2003, Scott became Director over Client Relations and Business Development along with joining the senior management team and Investment Committee.  Scott led the firm’s Client Relations & Business Development Team for over 20 years helping the firm raise billions of dollars in new capital, gain numerous institutional separate account clients across North America and Europe along with forming five commingled funds with over 150 LPs. In early 2024, Scott stepped-back as a team leader along with resigning his Executive Committee duties during his transition towards retirement. Currently he is a Managing Director on the Business Development & Sustainability Team assisting with raising capital. Scott continues his membership on the firm’s Investment Committee. 

Previous Experience 

Prior to joining FIA, Scott began his career in financial services in 1984 working in investment management and corporate banking capacities at Kidder-Peabody, Wachovia Corporate Services and Bank of America.

A quote that means a lot to me: 

“Houston, Tranquility Base here.  The Eagle has landed.”  Neil Armstrong, July 1969.  My dad joined NASA in June 1959 at Langley Research Center, Virginia.  Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston became home beginning in 1961.  I grew-up among NASA engineers and flight controllers.  It was not until many years later I came to understand it was leadership, passion, teamwork and discipline that set them apart – those are the things that mattered then and that matter now.  Of note and interesting – within the Apollo Program, most were in their mid to late 20s; very few beyond their 30s.

What is your business philosophy?

What matters is the route taken, the order of events, not just the destination.

Why did you choose this field / career path?

I first visited Forest Investment Associates (FIA) and met Charley Tarver in 1994.  I was so impressed with the quality of the firm and with Charley, that I spent the next six years working to get him to hire me.  I had made up my mind that FIA is where I wanted to work.  I felt the leadership, passion, teamwork and discipline during my visits to the firm and exchanges with Charley.

What is one of the best lessons you’ve learned during your career?

My first manager after graduating from college:  “Do what you say you are going to do, and you will be ahead of 95% of everyone else.”  So true.  And the three Ps:  be professional, be persistent and be polite.  Be a problem solver, not a problem creator.