RoAnn Costin attained a bachelor of arts in government at Harvard University in 1974 and later earned a master of business administration (MBA) in business from Stanford University. She served as the president of the Stanford Graduate School of Business (Stanford GSB) Class of 1981 and belonged to the Stanford GSB Advisory Council. After she completed her MBA, RoAnn Costin spent six years as a portfolio manager at State Street Research & Management. There, she co-managed $200 million in pension fund accounts and the $40 million Capital Appreciation Fund.

Thereafter, Ms. Costin became the senior vice president of Putnam Investments, where she co-managed the US equity portion of its Putnam International Fund. A member of its Quality Growth Group as well, she shared responsibility for managing more than $1.5 billion in assets. She continues to work in private equity as the managing director of the Massachusetts-based Wilderness Point Investments. Ms. Costin has served in this role since 2005. Throughout her time at the company, she has invested in and maintained board positions with Lululemon Athletica, 2020 On-site, and Sara Campbell.

A passionate philanthropist, RoAnn Costin cofounded the Wilderness Point Foundation in 1993 and presided over it until 2018. She also supports several organizations and other nonprofits in capacities such as board membership with Cambridge Health Alliance, the American Repertory Theater, and the Perkins School for the Blind, among others.