People

Jerry Dodson

Jerry Dodson

Formal First Name
Jerome (Jerry)
Link

Jerome Dodson is the Founder and Chairman of Parnassus Investments. He provides guidance on the long-term strategic direction of the firm. He is also the Lead Portfolio Manager of the Parnassus Endeavor Fund. Before establishing the investment firm in 1984, Dodson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Savings of America. During this time, he initiated the Solar T-Bill program to finance solar energy installations. He also developed innovative programs to finance low and moderate-income housing.

Professional Experience


Academic History

  • Dodson has written and lectured in Europe and Japan on the subject of business and social responsibility.
  • From 1966 to 1969, he was a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State, serving with the American Embassy in Vietnam and as the American Consul in David, Panama
  • In 1992, he received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Beta Gamma Sigma for his commitment to social responsibility and his entrepreneurial skill in founding three successful financial institutions:
    • Continental Savings of America
    • Working Assets
    • The Parnassus Fund