Experience: Many of us at RICE HALL JAMES have worked together for over 20 years – a significant advantage that distinguishes both our firm and the enduring consistency of our investment process. Challenging Conventional Thinking: Our culture affords us a unique perspective – one that cultivates original thinking that is validated by our performance results. Throughout our history, RHJ has attracted, retained, and developed top-quality professionals: innovative thinkers who are prepared to challenge convention. Together we pursue our mission in a stimulating and rewarding environment – a collegial atmosphere that fosters trust, creativity, and collaboration.

RICE HALL JAMES BIOGRAPHIES:

Investment Team
Trading
Client Service & Marketing
Administration

Trading

D.J. Devin
Head Securities Trader
DJ joined the firm in June 1981 and served in several administrative and trade-related functions. In 1986, she assumed responsibility for the execution of all trades and management of soft dollars and commissions. She received a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning from San Diego State University and is a member of the Security Traders Association of Los Angeles.

Client Service & Marketing

Thao N. Buuhoan
President & Chief Operating Officer
Thao joined the firm in June 2000 and was responsible for Institutional Marketing and Client Service. In June 2009, Thao was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer and oversees Operations and Trading in addition to her Marketing and Client Service responsibilities. Prior to joining RHJ, she was a Marketing Manager at State Street Global Advisors in Hong Kong, responsible for sales and marketing to Asian institutions. She holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jeffery D. Vivian
Senior Vice President, Institutional Client Service & Marketing
Jeff joined the firm in August 2007, and he has 26 years of investment experience serving Consultants, Taft-Hartley plans, and Public Pension Funds. He recently served as Senior Vice President at Freeman Associates, as well as at CDC IXIS AMNA, where he oversaw Sales and Marketing of institutional investment products for nine affiliates. Before that, Jeff worked for MFS Asset Management for 14 years, marketing institutional investment products and distributing annuity and mutual fund products. He attended Hobart College where he studied Political Science.

Administration

Carl M. Obeck
Chief Financial Officer
Carl joined RHJ as Marketing Manager in 2003 and was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer in 2004 and Chief Financial Officer in 2009. Prior to joining the firm, Carl was responsible for Institutional Consulting Relationships and Marketing at Freeman Associates Investment Management. He also served as Director of Marketing at Messner & Smith. Previous experience includes Corporate Vice President at Montgomery Asset Management and Product Manager for Citibank London NA. Carl has an M.A. from Webster University in Vienna, Austria, and a B.A. from the University of Delaware.

Janine Marquez
Chief Compliance Officer
Janine joined RHJ in July 2002. Janine was appointed Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) for RHJ in June 2009. As CCO, she is responsible for oversight and implementation of the compliance program and regulatory requirements for the firm. Throughout her tenure with RHJ, Janine has held various roles within Marketing, Trading and Compliance. Previously, she was a Senior Investment Analyst at Callan Associates Inc. She was responsible for researching and analyzing money management firms for pension fund plan sponsors. She holds a B.S. degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California.

Shelley Perkins
Operations Manager
Shelley joined the firm in 1997 as an Account Administrator. In October 1999, she was promoted to Operations Manager and oversees the daily activities in the Operations Department. Shelley’s prior experience includes Team Leader in the Operations Department of Brandes Investment Partners and Operations Specialist at Danielson Trust Company.