Diane Swonk
Chief Economist, Grant Thornton
Diane Swonk is one of the most respected macroeconomists, who maintains a unique perspective on the inner workings of Main Street as well as Wall Street. She is an expert on the economics of the labor market, monetary policy and structural changes that are distinct from economic cycles.
Industry experience
Diane’s global network includes economists, industry leaders and geopolitical experts, which amplifies the breadth and reach of her analysis. She advises policy makers at all levels of government, including central bankers. Diane’s uniquely accessible approach to macroeconomic shifts has made her a highly sought-after expert quoted by local, national and international newspapers and broadcasters. Diane has won many awards for excellence in forecasting and leadership in economics and the business community.
Professional qualifications and memberships
For her outstanding contributions in the field of economics, Diane has been named a Fellow of the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves on the Sitting Committee to the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and advises the
economics department at the University of Michigan. She has testified before Congress to improve the quality of economic data and on the causes and consequences of income inequalities. She is deeply involved in nonprofit organizations focused on expanding access to education and increasing the quality and diversity of our country’s leadership.
Education
Diane earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees in economics with top honors from the University of Michigan. She received an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, also with top honors.
Mary Grande
Partner, Asset Management, Tax, Grant Thornton
Mary Grande is a partner in Grant Thornton’s New York office, and serves as the National Asset Management Sector Tax Leader and the Northeast REIT Industry Leader. She has 20 years of experience providing tax compliance and advisory services to clients primarily in the asset management industry. Mary has significant experience consulting with clients on tax matters throughout a fund’s life cycle, including formation, investment and liquidation. She also has significant experience advising foreign investors with respect to private equity, debt and real estate investments in the US.
Experience
Prior to joining Grant Thornton Mary spent 20 years working at two Big Four accounting firms, the last 7 of which she was a partner and local leader for the Stamford, CT asset management tax practice for KPMG LLP. Her clients have included private equity, credit and real estate funds as well as, foreign investors, including foreign pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.
Industry experience
Asset management, including private equity funds, credit funds, real estate funds, REITs, and sovereign wealth funds
Professional qualifications and memberships
CPA, New York & Connecticut
Member, AICPA
Member, 100 Women in Finance
Community involvement
Board Member and Finance Committee Member, Inspirica, Inc.
Education
Mercy College, summa cum laude, B.S. Public Accounting, 1998
