Jon S. Fossel

Jon S. Fossel, born February 7, 1942, is an American former politician and notable figure in business and conservation. He served in the New York State Assembly from the 93rd district (1979-1982) and ran for Congress in 1982. Fossel also had a distinguished investment career, including roles at CitiBank and as chairman and CEO of Oppenheimer Funds. Later, he co-founded the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation, focusing on wildlife conservation and education, and has been deeply involved in ethical hunting and land conservation. Fossel married Siri Campbell in 2010 and has shared his passion for hunting and conservation with his family.

Early life
Jon S. Fossel was born on February 7, 1942, one of five brothers. He grew up in New York and completed his high school education at Fox Lane High School in Mount Kisco, New York. Showing early academic promise, Fossel initially pursued a pre-med track when he started his higher education at Tufts University. However, his interests shifted, leading him to major in economics. He graduated from Tufts in 1964, marking the beginning of a long career in both the political and business spheres.

During his time at Tufts University, Fossel was an active member of the Zeta Psi fraternity, where he developed skills and connections that would serve him in his later professional life. He also participated in a wide variety of intramural athletics, including participation in the Boston Marathon. His university years were not just pivotal for his academic and professional development; they were also significant for his personal life.

Fossel married Dorothy Mead on July 11, 1965, and the couple welcomed two children into their family: Steven Fossel, born on January 20, 1968, and Rebecca Fossel, born June 12, 1970. This period of his life set the foundation for his future endeavors in both the public and private sectors.

Political career
Jon S. Fossel's political career was marked by his tenure as a Republican member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 93rd district from 1979 to 1982. His legislative work during this period contributed to various state policies and initiatives, reflecting his commitment to his constituents and party values.

His committee memberships included the Ways & Means Committee and the Government Operations Committee. These committees are essential in the legislative process, with the Ways & Means Committee focusing on budgetary and financial matters, and the Urban Development Committee. In addition to his committee work, Fossel was also co-chairman of the freshman caucus with George Winner. Beyond his state legislative responsibilities, Fossel was actively involved in the Investment Company Institute. He held multiple positions within the institute, including serving on the executive committee and the Board of Governors. His role in the advisory group on personal trading and as chairman of the Institute further highlights his interest in leadership in financial matters, aligning with his background in economics and business.

One of the defining moments of Fossel's political journey was his candidacy for New York's 20th congressional district in the 1982 election. This campaign was a significant event not only for Fossel but also for the Republican Party, as highlighted in a New York Times article describing the race between Fossel and Richard Ottinger as a "major test" for the GOP. The election was closely watched and highly competitive, reflecting the political dynamics of the time. Despite a vigorous campaign, Fossel was ultimately defeated by Ottinger.

Investment career
Jon S. Fossel, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), has had a long career in the investment industry, marked by significant leadership roles and strategic achievements. His experience and expertise in finance have been acknowledged widely, earning him recognition as a notable investment company executive.

Early Career at CitiBank: Before his prominent roles in the investment industry, Fossel served as a Senior Vice President at CitiBank in the 1970s. This position laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the field.

Alliance Capital Management (1983–85): Fossel joined Alliance Capital Management around 1983, where he held the position of President of the mutual fund business. This role at Alliance Capital showcased his growing interest and leadership in the mutual fund industry.

Oppenheimer Funds (1986–95): Fossel's tenure at Oppenheimer Funds is a highlight of his career. He joined the company as president and Chief Operating Officer in 1987, and by 1989, he had risen to the position of chairman and CEO. During his leadership, Fossel was instrumental in a highly lucrative and risky leveraged buyout in partnership with Mass Mutual. Under his guidance, Oppenheimer Funds saw substantial growth, boosting assets from $8.5 billion to $38 billion.

Resignation from Oppenheimer Funds: In 1995, Fossel resigned from Oppenheimer Funds to pursue other interests, including a potential foray into politics and public service. His departure from the company marked the end of a significant chapter in his investment career but opened up new avenues for public engagement.

Post-Oppenheimer Career: After retiring from Oppenheimer, Fossel continued to hold influential positions. He served as the chairman of the board for Unum and Northwestern Energy. These roles underscored his continued influence in the financial sector and his expertise in corporate governance.

Investment Philosophy: Fossel's approach to investment, particularly in mutual funds, was characterized by a willingness to take contrarian positions. He believed in the strategy of going against the market trends, which he saw as a path to better returns. This approach was exemplified by his practice of moving his individual retirement account into the two Oppenheimer funds that performed the worst in the previous year, a strategy that he claimed consistently outperformed the average of their funds.

Conservation
In his later life, Jon S. Fossel has made significant contributions to wildlife conservation and education, particularly through the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation, which he co-founded with his then wife, Dottie Fossel. The Foundation, established in 2005, focuses on preserving wildlife and its habitat by educating youth about the importance of conservation. It manages a 4,500-acre preserve that acts as a crucial migratory corridor between sections of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, contributing significantly to biodiversity and habitat maintenance. The Foundation's activities include hosting educational trips for students and outdoor camps that cover a range of activities, such as campfire building, archery, photography, astronomy, and fly fishing. These programs aim to instill a deep appreciation for the outdoors and conservation. Additionally, the Foundation offers scholarships for students pursuing environmental and conservation-oriented studies, further promoting its mission of conservation education.

The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation stands as a testament to Fossel's dedication to wildlife conservation and his belief in the power of education to instill a love and respect for the natural world. Fossel was praised by Boone and Crockett Club's executive director, George Bettas, who spent most of his career working with children and education, saying the whole idea is "absolutely wonderful.

Fossel's efforts in conservation are not limited to education and hunting. He promotes conservation easements on his land, demonstrating a commitment to preserving natural habitats. His belief in honest, ethical hunting for free-ranging animals is a cornerstone of his approach to wildlife conservation, reflecting a deep respect for nature and the importance of stewardship. He has donated multiple hunts to organizations, helping to raise funds for conservation efforts.

Fossel's dedication to conservation is further evidenced by his service on the Board of Directors of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation from 1998 to 2003. The Foundation's mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and hunting heritage aligns closely with Fossel's own conservation ethos.

Hunting and Fishing
Fossel's commitment to conservation extends beyond the Foundation. He is an avid bow hunter, known for his accomplishments in hunting every Big 5 and The Dangerous 7 in Africa, a feat that earned him the nickname "The Legend" by locals. He has visited Africa 28 times and is deeply passionate about ethical hunting and the role it plays in wildlife conservation. In addition Fossel has successfully hunted 16 different species in North America, including over 100 deer. This passion for hunting and conservation is a shared family value, as he has imparted his knowledge and enthusiasm for the outdoors to his son Steve Fossel and grandchildren Jonathan, Meagan, and Ryan Fossel. Jon S. Fossel's passion for the outdoors extends beyond hunting and conservation to a profound enthusiasm for fishing. His skill as an angler was showcased in the prestigious Bertram Hatteras Shootout in the 90s, where he earned third place with his boat, Fishin' Daze. This accomplishment highlights not only his proficiency in the sport but also his deep engagement with the fishing community. Fossel has an extensive record of catching a variety of sport fish and deep-sea species, showcasing a keen understanding of different fishing techniques and environments. In addition to these feats, Fossel is also adept at trout fishing, a skill likely honed in the rich fishing environments of Colorado and his travels.

Personal life
On August 10, 2010, Jon S. Fossel married Siri Campbell. This union brought together two individuals with a shared passion for conservation and the outdoors. Notably, Siri Fossel won the prestigious Safari Club Diana award in 2024, underscoring the couple's shared commitment to wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices.

Jon S. Fossel's journey, marked by a diverse array of achievements in politics, business, and conservation, has now entered a tranquil phase in Bayfield, Colorado. Residing close to his two children and five grandchildren, Fossel continues to embrace the outdoor activities he loves: hunting, fishing, traveling, and, importantly, advocating for conservation. In this setting, surrounded by family and nature, his legacy endures. His story illustrates how personal and professional endeavors can intertwine to create a meaningful and enduring legacy, one that not only celebrates past accomplishments but also inspires future generations to value and protect our natural world.