NYAIR Episode 54
Post-Election Tax Considerations – 2020 & Beyond
Step into the frontlines of finance with the New York Alternative Investment Roundtable’s landmark episode on “Post-Election Tax Considerations: 2020 and Beyond.” Hosted by the NY-AIR podcast, this must-listen panel explores decisive changes affecting asset management, philanthropy, and the broader economic landscape. From regulatory shifts to actionable ESG leadership and scientific breakthrough in cancer research, our speakers unpack the strategies, trends, and stories shaping tomorrow’s markets.
Featured Guests
Martin Whittaker
CEO, JUST Capital
Martin Whittaker is a transformative force in sustainable investing, impact measurement, and stakeholder capitalism. As founding CEO of JUST Capital, Martin steers one of the most authoritative platforms for assessing corporate performance on the issues that matter most to Americans. His vision, forged at the intersection of global business, philanthropy, and investment, has been recognized by Forbes, Business Insider, and governance groups worldwide. Martin previously served as a founding partner at Sonen Capital, led private equity for MissionPoint Capital, and held board seats across multiple global organizations. With advanced degrees from the University of Edinburgh, University of London, and McGill University, Martin is at the forefront of redefining how business delivers value—to shareholders and society.
Dr. Lou De Gennaro
Past President & CEO, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Dr. Lou DeGennaro (“Dr. Lou”) is a globally regarded cancer research executive who transformed The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) into a $400M powerhouse at the vanguard of blood cancer cures. Over 18 years at LLS, Dr. Lou pioneered the Therapy Acceleration Program®, unlocking new potential for nonprofit-driven drug discovery and industry partnership. With a scientific pedigree spanning the Max Planck Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and more, Dr. Lou has stewarded initiatives yielding dozens of FDA approvals, lives saved, and improved access for patients and families everywhere. His legacy continues to inspire the sector’s advocacy, research, and patient care standards.
Scott Hardy
Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
Scott Hardy is a leading authority in U.S. and cross-border tax law, wielding decades of experience guiding publicly traded companies, PE funds, and tax-exempt organizations through strategic transactions, M&A, and controversy matters. He is repeatedly recognized by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in America for tax law, and his expertise in negotiation, compliance, and regulatory foresight sets industry standards.
Jonathan Traub
Managing Principal, Tax Policy Group, Deloitte Tax LLP
Jonathan Traub stands at the nexus of Washington policy and tax planning. As Managing Principal of Deloitte’s Tax Policy Group, he brings two decades of Capitol Hill experience, most recently as staff director for the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means. Jonathan’s insights drive strategic planning for Fortune 500s facing shifting tax landscapes, and his commentary is featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and industry events nationwide. He holds a JD from the University of Virginia and a BA from Haverford College.
Key Insights From This Episode
COVID Recovery Is Uneven and Long-Term
Despite a rebound, U.S. employment remains 10 million below pre-pandemic levels. Service sectors still lag, and it will take years to return to full labor market strength.
Vaccines Bring Optimism, But Uncertainty Remains
Vaccination is key to reopening, but variants and delayed rollouts may create additional economic bumps before sustained growth kicks in.
Fiscal Stimulus Fuels the Bounce—But the Hole Remains
Historic deficit spending has supported a faster recovery, but peak stimulus may already be behind us. Further packages will likely be smaller and require tough political compromise.
Inflation: More Bark Than Bite—For Now
COVID has produced temporary inflation patterns (goods up, travel/hospitality down), but overall core inflation remains tame. Real risk of runaway inflation is still several years out, not imminent.
Fed Policy Locks In “Lower for Longer”
Interest rates will stay near zero for the foreseeable future; the Fed wants to see sustained labor market recovery and a real inflation pickup—well above 2%—before tightening.
Markets Test New Highs on Optimism, Not Earnings
High stock valuations are justified by ultra-low rates and stimulus, but any reversal in Fed policy or earnings disappointment could quickly reverse sentiment.
Access the Full Conversation
Unlock the full episode audio and download the custom insights summary deck. Get straight talk on employment, the impact of stimulus, inflation drivers, and market signals from one of America’s most accurate forecasters—critical listening for investors, risk managers, and strategic leaders.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“The U.S. economy is still down 10 million jobs—even after 12 million bounced back. It’s a long road ahead for the labor market.”
— Jim O’Sullivan
“Don’t expect the Fed to flinch. They want to see real, sustained progress—on jobs and inflation—before even talking about tightening.”
— Jim O’Sullivan
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