Member Spotlight

Spotlighting members from across NIRI SF reflects the dynamic mix of our membership and profiles of active members, seasoned professionals and those new to the field. All participants in Member Spotlight are recommended for inclusion by other NIRI SF members.

 

Tamara Bakarian

Nick Tooker

Expensify 
Head of Investor Relations

How long have you been a NIRI SF member? Why did you join NIRI?
I've been a NIRI member for almost 3 years. I decided to join because I wanted to be part of a community of professionals that were passionate about advancing their impact within investor relations.

How has NIRI supported you professionally or personally?
NIRI has helped me a ton! I've been able to network with amazing IRO's and Finance professionals and gain valuable insight that I've put to use at Expensify. Coming to Investor Relations from more of a Corp. Development role, it's been helpful both professionally and personally to hear from others within Investor Relations dealing with similar topics as me. It's nice to know you're not alone!

What do you like best about IR? What was the biggest surprise when you initially got into IR?
The biggest surprise when I initially got into IR was the complexity and interconnectedness of everything that goes into IR. From the nuances of what the company decides to put into the quarterly release to the management of a diverse group of buy and sell side personalities - immediate attention to detail really matters.

I recently attended a NIRI SF panel with Catherine Baun from Asana. She said, "Investor Relations is the product marketing arm of the company's equity product" and I think that speaks to what I like most about IR. A solid IR strategy can impact the company in a substantial way.

What's your favorite moment or highlight of your IR career so far?
My favorite highlight from my IR career so far was managing our IPO Roadshow in 2021. The excitement of hosting investor meetings, and receiving orders in the lead-up to a successful listing day can't really be described. My family got to see me ringing the closing bell with Expensify on CNBC, which is something I'll never forget. It felt amazing to contribute to such a big milestone for the company.

What's your career advice to a new potential IR professional?
Jump in with both feet and don't be afraid to ask for guidance. The Investor Relations community is a tight-knit group of people that are extremely willing to help each other. My experience has been that this group comes from many different backgrounds on their journey to IR. I've been fortunate enough to get to know a ton of IR leaders that are now mentors, simply because I was willing to ask for their advice.

What's your favorite thing to do when not working?
When I am not working, I love to cook - especially for my wife Tarah. I'm also a huge sports fan so there is usually a game of some form on while I'm in the kitchen.

What's your most frequently visited website or your favorite tweet?
Shameless plug. I frequent new.expensify.com all throughout my day. Our new platform is where I communicate with co-workers & customers, send money to friends, and manage all my personal and business expenses. We even have a public chat room specifically for retail investor engagement.