Debra Franzese
Partner
Seward & Kissel

Debra is a partner in the Investment Management Group. She works with sponsors and managers of various private investment funds and other pooled investment vehicles, including hedge funds, private equity funds, funds of funds, commodity pools, co-investment vehicles and various “hybrid” funds. In particular, Debbie focuses on fund formation and structuring, the offering of interests by private investment funds, and the negotiation and documentation of such investments. She has significant experience advising clients regarding regulatory and compliance matters, including the availability of exemptions from registration for both U.S. and non-U.S. investment advisers, the development of compliance policies and procedures, the completion of regulatory filings, and assistance with regulatory examinations. Debbie was instrumental in the formation of the Firm’s ESG practice, spearheading a task force dedicated to staying at the forefront of the ESG factors affecting investment managers.

Debbie was instrumental in the formation of the Firm’s ESG practice, spearheading a task force dedicated to staying at the forefront of the ESG issues affecting investment managers. Debbie also completed a Sustainable Capitalism & ESG course through UC Berkeley School of Law in Spring 2021.

Harriet Hartman
Director
ASC Advisors

Harriet joined ASC Advisors in 2022, bringing nearly a decade of investor relations and strategic communications experience to the team.

Prior to joining ASC Advisors, Harriet was a Vice President at Sloane & Company, where she advised investment management and corporate clients on strategic communications, ESG, and investor relations initiatives. From 2013 - 2021, Harriet worked in investor relations and marketing at three hedge funds: JANA Partners, Fir Tree Partners, and Sculptor Capital. In those roles, Harriet's responsibilities included managing daily interactions with investors and consultants, developing ESG collateral, creating investor presentations and client letters, updating RFP and DDQ materials, business development/fundraising, and participating in strategic communications efforts.

At ASC Advisors, Harriet helps clients with various communications programs including investor relations, brand building, and crisis and reputation management.

Harriet graduated with a B.A. in History from Amherst College.

Laura Weeks
Relationship Manager
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)

Laura Weeks is a Relationship Manager on the U.S. Signatory Relations team at the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). Laura has responsibility for supporting East Coast signatories in their advancement of Responsible Investing initiatives. Laura has over 17 years of experience in the finance industry, working in client relationship management roles supporting institutional investors. Prior to joining the PRI, she spent 15 years at Acadian Asset Management in various roles focused on relationship management, digital transformation strategic initiatives, and on working groups committed to ESG advancement and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Before joining Acadian, Laura supported global business development efforts at Wellington Management Company.

Laura obtained her B.A. in International Relations from Boston University and her MBA from Simmons University. Laura has also achieved the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing.