William Prezant has more than forty-five years’ experience in law and business. He is semi-retired and serves as an appointee of Governor Gavin Newsom on the California State Teachers’ Retirement Board, where he chaired the Governance Committee and serves as chair of the Investment Committee.

Following graduation from Georgetown Law Center, he practiced with and became a partner in a major national law firm in San Francisco. Deciding to “re-pot” himself, he moved back to Nevada, his home state. He used his legal background to counsel businesses as well as public office holders and community organizations, serving as counsel for the Catholic health care system for Northern Nevada, counsel for the Peppermill Resort and Spa, board member on the Whittier Trust Company of Nevada, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, the Fiscal Advisory Board for the city of Reno, Nature Conservancy (Great Basin Chapter), Desert Research Institute, Citizens’ Advisory Committee to Nevada Secretary of State, and trustee on the board of Sierra Nevada College.

In the 1990s, William represented two large family trusts where in addition to counseling on fiduciary issues, he began to review and assist in the administration of the trust’s real estate and private equity portfolios. 

William served on numerous for-profit boards, including Strategic Hotel & Resorts (NYSE-REIT) where he served as chair during the Great Financial Crisis (2007–2010).

His love of the visual arts led to him serving on the Trustees Council for the National Gallery of Art and the Nevada Museum of Art.

William graduated from the University of Southern California and the Georgetown Law Center. In addition to the joys of being a grandfather, he enjoys the camaraderie of golf, writing and directing musical variety shows, and staying plugged into the world of politics and public affairs. He lives in San Francisco.

William Prezant serves on the following committee:

• Chair – Investment Committee