Brett Wilzbach returns to Johns Hopkins to tackle “unfinished business”

For Brett Wilzbach, data and strategy are more than career tools—they're vehicles for impact. A current student in the Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence program at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Wilzbach is on track to graduate in May 2026. With a deep background in quantitative analysis and a passion for financial risk management, he exemplifies how technical skill, purpose, and continuous learning can come together to shape a fulfilling and forward-looking career.

“I work in Risk Management at Cannae Portfolio Advisors, focusing on evaluating and hedging downside risk in the firm’s portfolio. The goal is to spend a little to avoid a large drawdown,” he explains. Wilzbach’s macro-level, quantitative role balances market risk tolerance with firm-wide objectives—and, he said, “some of Carey’s Business Analytics optimizations have fit right in.”

His interest in the field stems from both intellectual curiosity and professional observation. Having always been drawn to math and statistics, Wilzbach witnessed how the collegial nature of trading floors seemed “vastly more exciting than cubicles.” He credits being surrounded by senior team members to learning a lot in a short time, and noted that the collaborative setting automatically expanded his network.

But beyond the data and the models, Wilzbach is motivated by the broader impact of his work. “Our investors include some well-known foundations that are performing some serious societal benefits. I like giving them as predictable a glide path to build resources as humanly possible.”
Looking ahead, Wilzbach sees significant change—and opportunity—on the horizon for the financial services industry.

“The democratization of investing is eliminating a lot of middlemen and old school network barriers to entry,” he said. “Those who can tap into the growing demand for financial education will find both a rewarding career and unbelievable opportunity.”

Wilzbach’s own educational path reflects a thoughtful return to unfinished goals. Years ago, he enrolled in a data science program at Johns Hopkins’ Whiting School of Engineering but didn’t complete it. That experience stayed with him and helped shape his decision to enroll at Carey.

“It had been a chip on my shoulder that I had not mastered programming,” he says. “When I read that Carey is pioneering ways to make coding as easy as working with an iPhone app, I knew I had unfinished business.”

What truly stood out to Wilzbach, however, was the Carey experience itself.

“I recalled how the digital infrastructure was top-notch, but what stood out more was how tangible they make everything. Dean Triantis was immediately available for virtual office hours, and the alumni network is active, even hosting current professors in cities across the country.”

For current and prospective students, Wilzbach emphasizes the value of relationships and professional development outside the classroom.

“I wish I were as thoughtful about building my network in my early 30s as I am now,” he reflects. “It is always mutually beneficial, and it promotes intelligence gathering and resource sharing. It always makes you smarter.”

As a working professional balancing family life with graduate school, Brett brings a unique perspective on the realities of online learning and staying technically agile.

“To do an online master’s, you have to be prepared to do a serious personal skill IT rehaul and have access to pretty much every medium of communication exchange,” he shares. “Luckily, I was already proficient at uploading YouTube videos from my son starting a train channel when he was five.”

Whether he’s optimizing risk strategies, building connections, or investing time in his family, Wilzbach embodies the kind of lifelong learner and purpose-driven leader Carey aims to cultivate. His story serves as a meaningful reminder: it’s never too late to pursue unfinished goals—and when you do, the impact can extend far beyond yourself.