William Harnisch, chief investment strategist at Peconic Partners, established his investment firm in 2004 under a predecessor firm, Forstmann-Leff Associates (FLA), that he had managed for over 20 years. FLA was sold in 1997, but he and his partners maintained exclusive ownership after the sale was complete. William Harnisch led the company for several years under the firm’s wing. However, he and his team eventually separated from FLA to grow and manage their own firm.

Mr. Harnisch started his career as an analyst for Chase Manhattan Bank after graduating from Baruch College with a bachelor of business administration. Eventually becoming the vice president of special equity investment at the firm, he earned his master of business administration from New York University, along with his CFA certification. He joined FLA in 1978 and spent over 20 years growing the firm’s managed assets.

Beyond his role at Peconic Partners, William Harnisch is an active philanthropist. Over the years he has been involved with numerous charities in Nashville, Long Island, and New York City. He is a member of the Baruch College Fund board and manages the William F. Harnisch Foundation, which was established nearly two decades ago when his wife decided to center her life on giving.