Dakota Safford

Dakota Safford is a Senior Analyst at Rice Hall James & Associates, LLC, based in Pasadena, CA, where he is responsible for conducting fundamental research and supporting portfolio management across the firm's investment strategies. His expertise lies in bottom-up equity research, particularly focused on the micro- to mid-capitalization sectors, aligning with the firm’s emphasis on identifying undervalued growth opportunities within U.S. equities.

Safford began his career as a Financial Analyst at Advanced Financial Strategies before joining Rice Hall James & Associates in 2017 as an Analyst, progressing to his current role in 2025. Throughout his tenure, he has contributed to rigorous company analysis, sector studies, and the construction of portfolios aimed at institutional and private clients, with an investment focus that includes technology, healthcare, and industrial sectors typical of the firm's strategies.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Economics with a concentration in Accounting from the University of California, Irvine. Safford’s analytical skill set and commitment to disciplined research have established him as a key member of the Rice Hall James investment team, playing a significant role in driving the firm’s reputation for disciplined, research-driven equity portfolio management.