NEPC Chief Investment Officer Sarah Samuels has been named to Barron’s 2026 list of the 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance, which recognizes leaders shaping the future of investment management and financial markets. Read the full Barron’s article to learn more about the honorees and their impact across the financial industry.
In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena offered guidance and mentorship during periods of uncertainty and transition. The people on Barron’s 2026 list of the 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance are modern-day Athenas, helping their firms, clients, investors, and in some cases, the country, through a period of unusual geopolitical, technological, and economic flux.
Our annual list honors established and emerging leaders in finance, economics, policy, and the corporate world. This year’s honorees are identifying and funding tomorrow’s artificial-intelligence beneficiaries, brainstorming new types of investment products, shaping financial advice for the next generation, and ensuring that monetary policy keeps the economy on an even keel.
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Powerful investment industry gatekeepers are also on this year’s list. Sarah Samuels, chief investment officer at consultant NEPC, has added a diverse array of money managers and investment strategies to the menu from which the firm’s pension, foundation, endowment, and other institutional clients choose.