Rita Sallis Joins West Lane Partners as Senior Advisor, Bringing Decades of Financial Leadership

West Lane Partners has strengthened its leadership team with the addition of Rita Sallis as a Senior Advisor. Sallis's impressive career spans decades in both the public and private sectors, most notably as the Chief Investment Officer of New York City's $100 billion pension system. Her role at West Lane Partners will involve leveraging her deep expertise in institutional investing and public finance to further the firm's strategic objectives.

Sallis's tenure with New York City's pension system was marked by her leadership during some of the most challenging financial periods, including the aftermath of 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis. Her ability to navigate these crises, managing a team of 50 professionals and overseeing the investment plans of five public pension boards, underscores her strategic acumen and operational discipline.

Deryck Palmer, founder and managing partner of West Lane Partners, praised Sallis for her unique ability to turn challenging financial situations into successful outcomes. Her extensive background, including her time as a Principal at The Yucaipa Companies and her current role as chair of the Infrastructure Investments Fund, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm. Sallis's achievements, such as issuing over $12 billion in debt annually and launching a groundbreaking $3.4 billion swap program, highlight her innovative approach to finance.

Recognized for her contributions to the industry, Sallis has been inducted into the Wall Street Hall of Fame by the National Association of Securities Professionals and named one of the "25 Influential Black Women in Business" by The Network Journal. Her addition to West Lane Partners is expected to enhance the firm's capabilities in identifying and executing special situations across the middle market, offering new opportunities for growth and innovation in the human resources and talent management sectors.