Dessie is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role as a Portfolio Manager, Dessie works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments, delivering comprehensive investment counsel. Her primary focus is on developing and managing investment portfolios that are tailored to each client’s unique long-term wealth and investment objectives. She oversees the Global Growth ADR strategy and is a member of the Asset Allocation Strategy Group and Third-Party Advisory Group. She is also on the advisory board for the Disruptive Innovation Advisory Group.

Dessie entered the Financial Services Industry in 2001. She joined Legg Mason Investment Counsel (a predecessor firm) in 2011. Prior to joining the firm, she was an Associate Analyst at Ashmore EMM, LLC, where she provided fundamental analysis for companies in Russia, South Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe.

Dessie earned a B.S. in Finance from Slippery Rock University, and she is a CFA Charterholder. She is also a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Baltimore.