John Burford: Senior Vice President and Investment Portfolio Manager at The International Bank of Miami, N.A.

John Burford grew up on a farm in Lindsay, OK, but it didn’t take him long to realize that he preferred working in an air-conditioned office to working out in the fields. In fact, on one of his family’s visits to the bank in town to get cash, he became friends with one of the bankers and started up a conversation about interest rates and savings accounts. That conversation sparked an early interest in economics.

After he graduated from high school, Burford went to the University of Oklahoma to study the subject more intensely and found that he was extremely interested in the area of savings and interest rates.

"This was relevant to me because my dad was a big saver," Burford said. "All farmers are because their income is uncertain from year to year."



After a short stint in medical school following the completion of his bachelor's degree, Burford went back to the University of Oklahoma and earned his master's degree in economics. These days, he is a senior vice president and investment portfolio manager for The International Bank of Miami (TIBOM), where his main responsibility is ensuring that TIBOM has liquidity for loans through its investment portfolio. He also is responsible for staying on top of interest-rate trends and composing newsletters to keep the bank staff and customers informed on interest-rate trends as well as other economic trends.

"I most enjoy getting money invested and seeing the market value of those investments go up—ultimately seeing the bank's balance sheet correctly prevail against current interest rates," Burford said.

When asked if there was anyone who had influenced his career path, Burford said, "My current big boss, Al Valdes, has had a tremendous impact on my life and career. I still remember a lot of what he used to say when we were both working together many years ago in Atlanta. He definitely has had a big influence on how I handle credit because he was so careful about it."

Burford's advice to people looking to go into the field of economics is to combine an education in economics with an education in accounting.

Q. What do you like to do outside of work? A. I love to walk and do strength training. I also am a passionate reader. I avoid all high-risk sports! Q. What CD is in your CD player right now? A. Grieg's "Morning Mood." Q. What is the last magazine you read? A. Barron's magazine. Q. Who is your role model? A. For years and years, it was Henry Kaufman before he retired. Now it is Warren Buffett.

"Basic keys to success in finance are first, economics and second, accounting," he said. "Economics gives you the lay of the land, and accounting is the way that all the information is conveyed about the various investments you may buy and how companies reflect their profits and status. Emphasize both aspects because even if a company is having financial trouble, they are still going to need accountants to report the losses. You always get the job!"