Rakesh Dahiya

With over 25 years of experience overseeing institutional investment portfolios, Rakesh Dahiya currently serves as the chief investment officer at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he is responsible for managing the $2 billion endowment, mineral interests, and planned giving assets.

Rakesh collaborates closely with the investment committee of the SMU Board of Trustees. As a senior officer at SMU, he plays a vital role on the president’s executive council, providing valuable insights on administrative policies.

Before his tenure at SMU, Rakesh spent five years as the director of marketable strategies at the University of Florida Investment Corporation (UFICO). Prior to UFICO, he accumulated nine years of experience at Washington University in St. Louis and an additional six years at Ralston Purina Company.

Rakesh is an alumnus of Iowa State University, where he earned his B.B.A. in finance, and the University of Illinois, where he completed his MBA.

Residing in Dallas with his wife, Tiffiny, Rakesh is a proud parent of three children.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP / BOARD SERVICE

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Rakesh actively contributes to various organizations. He serves as the chairman of the investment committee for the Tuition Plan Consortium and holds a board position at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Foundation. Additionally, he is a member of the Dallas Police and Fire pension investment advisory committee.