S&P’s policies made Robin Prunty’s career possible

If it weren’t for S&P’s policies — and the ability to go part-time when her children were young — Robin Prunty says she wouldn’t have had the career she had.

Even after spending 17 years as a part-time analyst, she was able to return as a manager in 2009 and lead analyst — and would eventually ascend to chief analytical officer, the position she retired from on Oct. 31.

As she leaves, she again ascends, having been appointed to S&P’s Global Ratings U.S. board effective Sept. 1.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity,” Prunty said in an interview. “When I heard it was open and available, I wanted to find out more about it. I just really enjoyed who I met in the interview process and I thought it was the right opportunity at the right time.

After the 2008 financial crash, when people with institutional knowledge about ratings were needed to step into more senior roles, she stepped up.

“I came back in 2009 and took on a management and lead analytical role covering states, health care and higher education,” Prunty said.

From there, she expanded coverage to all the U.S. and international public finance.

“Throughout my career I have appreciated S&P Global’s people first approach, which has enabled continuous learning opportunities and the flexibility to balance my career while raising my family,” Prunty said in a LinkedIn post in early August.

What kept her at S&P through the years, were the people.

“I am grateful for the colleagues and friends I have had the privilege to work with at S&P Global and within the broader public finance community,” Prunty said. “The collaboration, collegiality, professionalism, and intellect of this group of people has inspired me every day.”

Prunty entered public finance directly, unlike some long-time members of muniland, who fall into it early on and stay.

She had a concentration in public finance when she was working toward her master’s in public administration. Her internship was with the New York State Division of Budget.

“I was working on capital planning and there was a lot going on with municipal bonds,” Prunty said. A steady stream of investment bankers and financial advisors were coming through the office, and it piqued her interest.

She chose credit analysis and stayed because she loves digging into financials and debt structure and how it bakes in knowledge of the economy.

“I started out on the government side but moved over to enterprise and not-for-profits,” Prunty said. “I liked the ability to fly around the country meeting with issuers.”

“It was something that nicely melded with my interest in public policy,” she said.