Melissa Laffer

Melissa Laffer, CFA, is the Equity Portfolio Manager at Barksdale Investment Management, based in Nashville, TN. In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing and executing the firm's equity trading and portfolio management, working closely with clients and the investment team to ensure portfolios align with rigorous, time-tested investment strategies and fiduciary standards. Melissa’s expertise includes managing diversified value and international deep value equity strategies for institutional and high-net-worth clients, as well as contributing to balanced portfolios that integrate both equity and fixed income asset classes.

With over four years at Barksdale Investment Management, Melissa brings extensive experience in equity portfolio management and trading, further supported by her previous role as Associate Portfolio Manager at Weaver C. Barksdale & Associates. Her focus is especially on equities, with deep involvement in sector and security analysis using both quantitative and qualitative methods within the firm's broader investment philosophy.

Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and is recognized for her disciplined approach and client-focused strategies in equity investment management. Melissa’s notable achievements include her contribution to the firm's growth as a WBENC-certified Women’s Business Enterprise and her role in delivering tailored value and deep value equity solutions for a diverse client base.