Jacob Babcock

CEO
NuCurrent Inc.

Jacob Babcock is CEO and Founder of NuCurrent, a wireless power technology leader. He holds 30+ patents and has driven innovations across consumer, automotive, medical, and industrial markets. A former attorney and Teach For America educator, he earned his JD from Northwestern University and BA from Indiana University.

Doug Bawel

Chairman & CEO
Jasper Holdings Inc.

1976 joined JASPER-sales trainee, advertising manager, sales manager, vice president. Purchased company 1987 and elected president. 1991 NASCAR owner, 2001 teamed with Roger Penske for Penske Jasper Engines, 2003, Penske Jasper Racing. 2009 sold to Penske to focus on NASCAR Transmissions. 100% ESOP in 2009. Through 2023, have distributed $609 Million in stock. Chairman/CEO of Jasper Holdings with 4600+ Associates, $1.1 Billion+ in Revenue. Motto –“Do It Right and Have Fun…”

Tim Bosslet

CFO
Chomps

Tim Bosslet is the Chief Financial Officer of Chomps. Chomps is the fastest-growing snack brand and food brand in the U.S., with products made from the highest-quality proteins and no harmful ingredients. All Chomps sticks are made with grass-fed and finished beef, venison, or antibiotic-free turkey. Available in original size (1.15oz) and a mini-size stick (0.5oz), Chomps have 0g sugar and never contain soy, dairy, artificial preservatives or colors, MSG, or artificial nitrates or nitrites. Additionally, Chomps is Whole30-approved, certified gluten-free, and allergy-friendly.

Tim previously spent nearly 10 years in the investment banking divisions of J.P. Morgan, Greenhill, and Houlihan Lokey. In 2019, Tim joined Chomps and is currently serving as CFO.

Bradley Bostic

Founder, Chairman & CEO
hc1

Bradley Bostic brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare technology, entrepreneurship, and investment. He is the founder, Chairman, and CEO of hc1, a global leader in AI-powered lab insights, and Managing Director of Health Cloud Capital. Bostic has launched and scaled multiple healthtech ventures, advancing personalized healthcare and transforming how data informs decisions across the healthcare ecosystem.

Aaron Byrd

Managing Partner
Urbane Venture Partners

Experienced Founder and leader with a demonstrated history of working with tech startups and in venture capital. Skilled in Creative Innovation, Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Strategic Development, Organizational Management, Asset Based Community Development, Workforce and Economic Development, Grassroots Organizing, Community Organizing, Social Justice, and Social Media, Strong entrepreneurship professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Sociology and Psychology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale which allows me to better understand human behavior and how to manage people, and how investment decisions are made. Completed my MBA at Babson which is the number one-ranked Graduate School for Entrepreneurship (US News and World Report).

Paul Carlisle

COO, Market Head – Commercial Banking
Wintrust Financial

Paul Carlisle is Chief Operating Officer and Market Head of Wintrust Commercial Banking, where he is responsible for leading and coordinating middle market banking across all of the Wintrust Banks. Paul has spent his entire career serving middle market organizations in the greater Chicago area. He joined Wintrust in 2010 and prior to that spent over 25 years with JPMorgan Chase and its predecessor banks, American National and Bank One.

Harry Cendrowski

Partner
Prosperity Partners

Harry has worked in the family office space for over 35 years on complex tax planning and governance. These attributes combined with his certifications in financial forensics, business valuation, and fraud, give him extensive industry expertise. He has also written and co-authored several renowned books on the topics of fraud, private equity, and risk management.

Jacob Clayton

CEO
SAGINT

Jacob Clayton, M.S., LtCol (USMCR), is CEO of SAGINT, developing digital asset infrastructure for economic value chains. With 18 years in the Marine Corps Reserve, he advanced USMC electric vehicle projects and ensured security and compliance for the U.S. State Department across 22 Indo-Pacific embassies. He holds degrees from USC and Marine Corps University.

Eric Cohen

CEO
Merchant Advocate

A veteran of the finance industry, Eric Cohen founded Merchant Advocate in 2006. After his extensive experience in the merchant services industry, he was determined to create a fair value proposition and transparency for merchants with their credit card processors. He established Merchant Advocate to act as a trusted advisor on behalf of all size and categories of businesses. As the CEO and founder of Merchant Advocate, Eric leads the team with passion that comes from saving merchants over $300MM. He is always striving to help business owners save money. His unique vision has driven the development of an entirely new industry of Advocacy in Merchants Services.

Prior to founding Merchant Advocate, Eric held various sales and training positions in the industry, gearing up for the formation of his own organization as an independent advocate for merchants. Eric earned his undergraduate degree in Communications from Rutgers College and his MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. Eric lives in New Jersey with his beautiful wife and three adorable daughters.

Francisco Connell

Chief Legal Officer
Fernandez Holdings, Inc.

In over 15 years of private practice, Francisco (Cisco) Connell established himself as a highly respected practitioner, with vast experience in litigation and transactional matters. Having transitioned to in-house CLO, he applies that experience and skillset to grow and improve the Fernandez Holdings’ multi-billion-dollar portfolio of companies by providing informed advice and measured guidance.

Jordon Cooper

Vice President
The Edgewater Funds

Jordon Cooper is a Vice President with The Edgewater Funds, a Chicago-based private equity firm with over $4 billion of capital commitments raised since 2001. Prior to joining Edgewater, Jordon was an Associate at Pelican Energy Partners LP in Houston, Texas, where he focused on evaluating, executing and monitoring investments in the energy service and equipment sector. Prior to Pelican, Jordon served as the Senior Analyst for Halliburton Company’s in-house M&A and Corporate Development group. While at Halliburton, Jordon worked on a number of acquisitions and divestitures in the oilfield service and technology sector and supported corporate strategy efforts. Jordon holds a B.S.M. in Finance from Tulane University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Paul Couston

Co-Founder & CEO
Ascent Integrated Tech

Paul is a second-time founder with a background in scaling government technology. He co-founded Optivolt Labs, raised over $10M in venture deals, and secured more than $5M in defense contracts. Now at Ascent, Paul focuses on enhancing firefighter and warfighter safety through innovative technology. He hold an engineering degree from UIUC and also been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30.

Allison Cummins

CEO
Blue Outcomes

Allison Cummins is the founder and CEO of Blue Outcomes, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in Project and Change Management. Her methodical, analytic approach to technology and processes inspired her to launch Blue Outcomes in 2018. Allison is a trusted advisor for growing companies and is known for bringing transparency and accountability to business transformations.

Chuck Dushman

Managing Partner
Chief Outsiders

Chuck Dushman works with CEOs to identify their most urgent business challenges and connect them with the right CMOs and CSOs to drive transformative growth. He plays a vital role in shaping the future of business leadership through his involvement with two premier organizations. As a member of the Membership and Health Committees for ACG Chicago, he helps guide strategic initiatives that support the growth of middle-market companies and M&A professionals across the region. Simultaneously, as a Vistage Speaker and Speaker Ambassador, Chuck delivers hands-on, high-impact workshops that equip CEOs with actionable strategies to harness AI, elevate their brands, and drive market-focused growth. His work across both platforms reflects his ongoing commitment to helping leaders unlock their potential and achieve transformative business results.

Yelena Edelstein

Deal Partner
Blackmore Partners

As Deal Partner of Blackmore Partners, a Chicago-based independent investment firm that specializes in "EXECUTIVE-1ST " investment strategies, Edelstein leads all deal activities with the objective to generate returns above 3x MOIC.

Chris Fils

Managing Director-Complex Manager
Raymond James

Chris, is responsible for all aspects of branch profitability and growth for the Chicagoland market.

Prior to his move to Chicago, Chris managed the Florida Suncoast Complex for Raymond James. Chris joined Raymond James in 2018 after working with Morgan Stanley as the manager of their Los Gatos branch in California.

In addition to his role as Complex Manager, Chris works with professional athletes, entrepreneurs and affluent families, helping them manage complex financial matters – personally and professionally.

A graduate of the University of South Florida, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and earned his MBA from Saint Leo University.

Chris, is responsible for all aspects of branch profitability and growth in the Chicagoland market.

Prior to his move to Chicago in 2022, Chris managed the Florida Suncoast Complex for Raymond James. Chris joined Raymond James in 2018 after working with Morgan Stanley as the manager of their Los Gatos branch in California.  In addition to his role as Complex Manager, Chris works with professional athletes, entrepreneurs and affluent families, helping them manage complex financial matters – personally and professionally.

A graduate of the University of South Florida, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and earned his MBA from Saint Leo University. He has also completed the rigorous requirements to earn his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.

Mike Flint

Co-Founder & Sr. Managing Director
LV2 Equity Partners

Mike is an executive with strong leadership skills and extensive manufacturing management experience. He has held leadership positions of President and Vice President in companies with revenues of $80 million to $250 million. He has demonstrated the ability to increase profits while leading and driving continuous improvement throughout an organization. Mike holds a MBA from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan where he graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan.

Matthew Gurwin

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor
Graystone Consulting

Matthew Gurwin is a Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) for Graystone Consulting at Morgan Stanley. He specializes in advising business owners and families considering substantial liquidity events due to the sale of a privately held business. A veteran of the financial services industry, Matt draws on his 25 years of experience, helping entrepreneurs maximize the value of their business, take their personal and personal financial plans to the next level, and be prepared for what adventure comes next after transitioning their current company.

Robert Johnson

Managing Partner
The Solomon Group LLC

Robert Johnson is the Managing Partner of the Solomon Group, a social enterprise management consulting company and the co-founder of The Collective, a social impact business incubator that raises capital for social enterprises.

Thomas (Ted) Keim, Jr.

Partner
Venable LLP

Ted Keim's practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, investment and venture capital transactions, private equity, corporate reorganizations and restructurings, and complex joint venture/company representation matters. Ted's clients include a broad range of public and privately held companies, both in the United States and overseas, across a wide spectrum of industries, including healthcare and life sciences/medical devices, food and beverage, financial and technology services, industrials, automotive, aerospace and defense, retail, and hospitality

Payal Keshvani

Partner
Taft Law

Payal focuses on general corporate and transactional matters. She represents clients from inception to exit, including matters of corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, private equity transactions, minority investments, secured financing, and debt and equity issuances.

Mike King

Senior Director, Financial Institutions Group
Old National Bank

Mike is an accomplished and customer service focused commercial banking professional with extensive experience in developing long-lasting relationships with financial services clientele.

He enjoys using his 20+ years of expertise and industry knowledge to help financial services firms seeking financing, depository, and service solutions for their business. He leads Old National's Financial Institutions Group serving financial markets participants, providing financing, liquidity, and ancillary solutions for regulated and non-regulated financial institutions (including CFTC Reg 1.20 CSEG, Reg 30.7 CSEC, and SEC Rule 15c3-3 depository clients).

Mike received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in March 2014 and received his BA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2004.

Jeffrey Kolke

Partner
Franklin Hill Capital

Prior to becoming a partner at Franklin Hill Capital, Jeff Kolke was a managing director at Gladstone Capital and Monroe Capital, leading lower middle market debt and equity funds. He was responsible for originating and leading deal teams in closing senior unitranche, split lien term loan B’s, second lien and minority equity transactions; completing 16 transactions with a combined transaction value of over $800 million. In addition, Mr. Kolke had previously worked for GE Capital as a senior vice president, and closed over $1.5 billion in transactions.

Mr. Kolke has extensive experience in structuring and managing transactions for multiple corporate strategies including firms undergoing mergers and acquisitions, management buy outs, recapitalizations, growth capital, refinancing and turnarounds. His career began in the chemical and plastics industries working with GE Plastics, Nalco Chemical, and National Starch and Chemical. Additionally, Mr. Kolke is a certified Six Sigma Blackbelt.

Mr. Kolke received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and a Master in Business Administration from Wayne State University.

Peter C. Kotz

Managing Partner
Old Town Equity, LLC

Mr. Kotz serves as Managing Partner of Old Town Equity. Mr. Kotz has 25+ years of experience in private equity, investment banking and the futures industry. Before Old Town Equity, his private equity experience includes leading the Chicago office as Managing Director for Gladstone Investment, a division of The Gladstone Companies, Principal with Gridiron Capital and Senior Associate at Altus Capital Partners. Mr. Kotz received an MBA with honors from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelors Degree from Boston College, Carroll School of Management. Active investments include Diamond Fulfillment Solutions and Challenger Breadware.

Lee M. Koury

Managing Partner
Smart Business Network Inc.

Lee is managing partner of Smart Business Network Inc., a national events, media and marketing company founded in 1989, primarily responsible for expanding the company’s Aspire deal-making conference throughout the U.S. He plays a key role in establishing corporate policies and developing long-term strategy and growth plans. Previously, he founded and chaired the Growth Group at national law firm Arter & Hadden LLP (now Tucker, Ellis & West), which focused on working with middle-market and high-growth technology companies. 

Scott Lamerand

CEO
Inter-Med, Inc. dba Vista Apex and Perio Protect

Scott Lamerand is the CEO of Inter-Med, a private equity owned, platform company providing innovative dental materials and solutions into preventative, restorative and endodontic procedures Worldwide. Scott has led his organization since March of 2020, guiding the organization through the challenges of Covid and the post-Covid World. Prior to his role as CEO at Inter-Med, Scott founded Apex Dental Materials and led that organization for 15 years prior to a successful sale to Inter-Med.

Melissa Lederer

Chief Experience Officer
mHub

Melissa Lederer, chief experience officer, is focused on leading teams to design solutions that drive engagement, collaboration and success for mHUB corporate partners and startups. A seasoned business professional with more than 20 years of broad experience in both corporate and agency settings, Melissa has served a variety of technology-based businesses of all sizes and has a special passion for supporting high-growth startups on brand formation and scaling into new markets.

Over the past 10 years, Melissa has been an active force in helping to build Chicago’s robust entrepreneurial community. Melissa was a member of the founding team of 1871, Chicago’s innovation hub recognized by UBI Global as the #1 university-affiliated incubator in the world and served as its chief marketing officer for more than two years. Following 1871, Melissa helped found Chicago’s healthcare incubator and innovation center MATTER, where she was responsible for defining and building the MATTER brand and managing all areas of the company’s marketing, communications and events. Melissa continues to support MATTER strategic initiatives and special projects.

Prior to her years focused on driving civic entrepreneurship, Melissa served as the SVP of marketing for Q Interactive (formerly CoolSavings) where she oversaw all marketing, communications and creative functions and served on the company’s senior leadership team. Melissa was recognized in 2019 and 2020 in the Crain’s Chicago Business “Notable Women in Manufacturing”.

David Lesser

Managing Partner
Klarian Capital Group

Klarian is a boutique Entrepreneurial Advisory firm, focusing on strategic, operating and financial needs of passionate entrepreneurs and the legacy of the companies and families they lead. We deliver great value by leveraging a deep understanding of the dynamics of growing businesses, as well as substantial transactional experience and relationships.

After a highly successful 17-year career as a commercial lawyer, including first chairing public company mergers, David has dedicated the second chapter of his professional life to building a deep and unique understanding of how passionate entrepreneurs influence strategic, operational, financial and transactional paths in ways that determine either entrepreneurial challenge or success.

Tony Lorenz

Global Head of Corporate Development
rEvolution

Tony is the Global Head of Corporate Development and a founding investor at the industry leading sports marketing firm, rEvolution. Tony recently led the Event Solutions business at Apollo backed, Notified. As CEO of PRA (PRA), Tony transformed the business through 19 acquisitions to lead its sector in the Americas. Tony is a graduate of Harvard Business School – Owner/President Management program, and holds a BS in Accounting from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Matthew Manning

Executive Vice President - Commercial Market President
Busey Bank

Matt Manning serves as Executive Vice President & Commercial Market President at Busey Bank, where he leads a dynamic team focused on supporting middle market businesses in the Chicagoland and regional market. Since joining Busey Bank in 2016, Matt has built a reputation for combining financial expertise with a relationship driven approach, helping businesses grow and thrive. He partners closely with business owners and community leaders to understand their goals, provide tailored financial solutions, and support growth that strengthens the entire region. Whether its helping family-owned businesses expand, guiding entrepreneurs through new opportunities, or connecting clients with resources, Matt and his team pride themselves on being trusted advisors as much as bankers.

Behzad Mansouri

Division Executive
Charles Schwab & Co.

Behzad Mansouri is a Division Executive at Charles Schwab where he helps lead the growth of the firm's UHNW and Institutional client business, across all asset classes. He serves on the Board of a VC Fund and clean energy company, complimenting his background in capital markets and investment management. An alumni of Columbia University and Harvard Business School, he has previously worked for both US and International firms including Merrill Lynch, Barclays Captial, BNY Mellon and Credit Agricole.

William McComas

Co-Founder
Jensen McComas

Recognized as one of the region's leading technology attorneys and ranked by Chambers for his corporate expertise, he represents clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies on commercial transactional matters. His practice focuses on helping businesses improve their core functions through legal counsel in areas including financing, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, and general corporate matters.

Bill has established himself as an expert in managing and developing commercial technology strategies, providing representation on complex business transactions such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, electronic commerce, outsourcing, and intellectual property management. His unique value stems from his executive business and technology management background, having worked for one of North America's largest book manufacturers and a major global ocean carrier before becoming an attorney, where he developed software and managed major vendor contracts.

A cum laude graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law with a B.A. in Computer Science from Brown University, Bill has received numerous professional recognitions including being named Lawyer of the Year for Information Technology Law in Baltimore multiple times (2019-2022) and for Copyright Law in 2024. He is a frequent business and technology law columnist for publications including the Legal Times, National Law Journal, Baltimore Business Journal, and The Daily Record.

John McNulty

Co-Founder & CEO
Didgebridge, LLC

John is CEO & Co-Founder of Didgebridge Labs. This is a Venture Studio Portfolio development and launch company, specializing in Digital Cyber-Security. John is also a Managing Partner of the $200.0 million emerging MEXUS Fund, whose mission is to help solve “Societally Important Challenges within the sectors of Healthtech, Deeptech, and Digital-Data-PRIVACY.

Julia Monfrini Peev

Managing Partner
PACE Healthcare Capital

Julia Monfrini Peev is the Founder and Managing Partner of PACE Healthcare Capital, a venture capital firm investing in digital health and healthcare technologies based in Chicago, IL. As a seasoned institutional VC/PE investor, Julia has deployed $1B of capital in successful and transformative healthcare businesses, with a demonstrated track record.

Ira Moreland

Managing Partner
EQ Equity Partners

Michelle Moreno

Managing Partner
VentureDNA

Michelle Moreno leads the investment banking activities of VentureDNA, which provides capital raising, M&A, and strategic advisory services primarily to growth companies across sectors, with a focus on Technology and Life Sciences. Previously, Michelle worked with companies ranging from the largest public companies to established emerging growth companies. She is past president of CFA Chicago and Chicago Finance Exchange and also served as Alderman and Head of the Audit Committee for the City of Lake Forest.

David Morris

Managing Director, Merger Integration and Carve-out Services
CohnReznick

As a Managing Director in the Merger Integration and Carve-out Services practice, David Morris has more than two decades of leadership experience in mergers, integrations and separations, corporate restructuring, transaction due diligence, and synergy realization for both private equity and corporate clients. He specializes in leading clients through carve-outs and integrations from pre-deal operational diligence through Day 1 and the development and negotiation of Transitional Service Agreements (TSA).

Neal Nath

Founder & Managing Partner
N3 Capital Management, LLC

Neal Nath is the Founder and Managing Partner of N3 Capital Management, LLC, a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on making majority and minority investments in lower middle market companies. Mr. Nath has two decades of institutional investing, transaction, and operational experience. Mr. Nath has led successful investments in various industries including industrial, consumer, business services, and real estate.

Prior to founding N3, Mr. Nath was a Managing Director at Aves Capital Management, L.P., where he originated, structured, and executed bespoke middle market debt and equity financing transactions. Mr. Nath also served as a member of the firm’s Investment Committee and Valuation Committee.  

Previously Mr. Nath was a Managing Director and senior member of the private equity investment team at Z Capital Group, where he made control private equity investments and oversaw value creation initiatives across several middle market portfolio companies.  Mr. Nath was also an investment banker with Houlihan Lokey and a management consultant with The Keystone Group.

Mr. Nath received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.  He is a member of the board of Advance Switchboard Distribution and previously served on the boards of Factor75, Premier Thermal Solutions, Twin-Star International and Carillon Miami Wellness Resort.

Dan Needham

Operating Partner
Wynnchurch Capital

Michael Nolan

Development Director
Sales Xceleration

Michael Nolan is the Development Director – Private Equity and Quality of Sales at Sales Xceleration. He is responsible for building relationships with private equity sponsors and helping their portfolio companies grow their topline performance to build value creation and accelerate performance. Michael and his team leverage a collective of 110 sales leaders with portfolio company experience to help their companies grow 32% in year 1, resulting in $1.7B in revenue growth. Their focus is to drive significant growth through strategy formulation, process development, and effective execution in pre-acquisition due diligence, value acceleration during the hold period, and value maximization to support successful exits.

Dan Novaes

Founder & CEO
Mode Mobile

Dan Novaes is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mode Mobile, where he’s redefining how people engage with technology through the company’s “Earn As You Go” model. Under his leadership, Mode has helped millions generate passive income from their smartphones and achieved 32,481% revenue growth from 2019 to 2022, ranking #1 in Software on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500. A lifelong entrepreneur, Dan launched ventures in e-commerce, consumer goods, and media, collectively approaching $100M in revenue.

A graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, he was one of the youngest members of YPO and the Chicago Economic Club. Today, he also leads Mode’s strategic M&A and roll-up model in the mobile app space, acquiring and scaling profitable apps like AppLock and integrating them into the EarnOS ecosystem to maximize user reach, monetization, and long-term growth.

Tom Parro

Founder and Senior Managing Director
MERK Capital Corporation

Mr. Parro is an operationally focused professional with recognized expertise in optimizing and expanding company enterprise values throughout investment lifecycles and macroeconomic cycles. He has 27+ years of experience in C-level management, private equity, family office, and institutional investing and portfolio management. In addition, Mr. Parro has considerable expertise in the strategic development and integration of both start-ups and acquired companies both domestically and internationally.

For the past 10 years Mr. Parro has owned and operated an independent sponsor private equity investment group. In that 10 years has invested in 5 platform companies and several add on acquisitions. He has develop an extensive network of investment bankers, brokers, lawyers, accountants and consultants that provide the opportunity to review over 700 investment opportunities a year in various industries and platforms.

Prior to MERK, Mr. Parro led the mergers & acquisitions effort at Globe Union Industrial Inc. (“Globe Union”). He was instrumental in growing Globe Union from a private label $125 million single product line company to a $750 million branded broad based product line company over a five year period with operations that included North America, Europe, Taiwan, and China. Mr. Parro also led the mergers & acquisitions effort for Field Container Co. (“Field Container”). He was instrumental in acquiring numerous companies that help grow Field Container from $350 million to $500 million over a five year period. His primary responsibilities were integration of the companies in all facets of the operations including, manufacturing, sales and marketing, administrative services, and IT. While at the financial services division of GE Capital for approximately eight years, Mr. Parro managed numerous strategies that led to the growth of various companies through both organic as well as acquisitions.

Luca Pescarini

Transaction Advisory Manager
ORBA

Luca is a Transaction Advisory Manager in ORBA’s Tax Group. He is responsible for the direction of the client services and has worked for an array of clients in various industries, including closely held businesses, manufacturing, distribution, financial services, technology and construction. Luca has focused his last several years on executing deals in the small-market and middle-market for a variety of buy-side and sell-side transactions. Luca possesses a diverse set of skills which allows him to effectively navigate the complexities of transaction-related services for our clients. He is expert in thoroughly conducting the due diligence necessary to identify and analyze the potential risks, legal issues and other factors impacting transactions. His years of project management experience ensures that deadlines are met and tasks are executed efficiently.

Neil Sheehan

Principal
Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects: a Woolpert Company

Neil Sheehan is the founder of Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects in Chicago. The firm provides mission critical design services for data center and advanced manufacturing clients around the globe with a team of about 300 design professionals located in London, Chicago, Johannesburg, and Sydney, Australia. The team provides architecture design services, along with planning, strategic consulting, and design for manufacturing and assembly, for projects with technically challenging design requirements. Neil expertly evaluates clients’ service needs to best support their businesses through design.

Raymond Siffel

CEO / Managing Partner
Calibr Merchant Solutions

Almost two decades of experience in the B2B credit card processing / integrated solutions space. He has worked closely with the C-Suite at midsize firms all the way up to Global Fortune 500 organizations. Having studied opera and theater at Northwestern, he built a strong understanding of the value that collaboration and thinking "outside of the box” and brings that to his approach to client relationships. Raymond leads Calibr’s external partnerships as well as architecting and delivering solutions and saving proposals to clients.

Michael Simon

Managing Principal
Traverse Pointe Partners

Michael is the Managing Principal and Founder of Traverse Pointe Partners. He is responsible for investment sourcing, valuation, transaction structuring, fundraising and administrative activities on behalf of the firm. Michael is the Chairman of Integrated Health Systems, Small Miracles, The Hope House and Soma Therapy, each of which are Traverse Pointe portfolio companies.

Marne Smiley

CEO
Bumper Lanes

Marne Smiley is the founder and CEO of Bumper Lanes, a full-service marketing firm specializing in branding and digital strategy for organizations undergoing mergers and acquisitions. Marne works closely with executive teams and investor relations to ensure both sides of the deal are aligned—guiding brand positioning, communication strategy, and digital infrastructure to support seamless transactions and long-term value creation. Her focus is on reducing risk and ensuring that the companies she works with don’t become part of the 50% that fail post-merger.

Marne is also a sought-after speaker, presenting regularly to startup accelerators, executive groups, and law students on branding, business growth, and career transformation. A proud member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, she serves on the board of the Lyric Opera, is a former board member of the Union League Club of Chicago, and was named 2025 Rotary One Woman of the Year. She is active in advancing civic leadership and Native representation.

Danielle Solomon

Managing Partner
Forvis Mazars, LLP

Danielle is the managing partner of the Chicago office for Forvis Mazars where she leads a team of dedicated partners and team members in all service lines and industries to help clients unlock their full potential and deliver unmatched client service. Danielle has been in the healthcare industry her entire career and served as the National Industry Partner for the Healthcare Practice for five years before taking the role as Chicago Managing Partner.

As the industry leader, she lead the firmwide practice of more than 1,000 dedicated healthcare professionals with a goal of innovative growth and expansion of services and locations. She has more than 25 years of experience working with large integrated health providers as well as physician practices, children’s hospitals, and private equity groups.

She has worked with hospitals to develop growth strategies and partnerships, performance improvement solutions, and data-centric risk-based analysis;and to coordinate related initiatives with value-based care, telehealth, and the opioid crisis. She has been involved in multimillion-dollar exempt bond offerings and coordinated large integrated health system audits.

She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Missouri Society of CPAs, Illinois CPA Society, Healthcare Financial Management Association, and Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.

Danielle is a 1996 honors graduate of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a B.S. degree in accounting.

Rob Stepen

Business Performance Advisor
Insperity

I apply decades of experience as a business owner to work with Small to Mid-size businesses to realize their company goals by improving their efficiency, accelerating growth and driving revenue.

Daniel Steyn

Chief Development Officer
Sales Xceleration

Daniel Steyn serves as the Chief Development Officer at Sales Xceleration, where he also co-heads the company's Private Equity practice. Before joining Sales Xceleration, Daniel was a key member of the leadership team for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, where he focused on driving market expansion and growth strategies.

Sales Xceleration helps PE Firms and their PortCo's create repeatable, scalable, profitable revenue growth by implementing and executing a defined sales strategy, process and methodology. With over 6k client engagements, and increasing client revenue by an average of 32% in the first year, Sales Xceleration’s results speak for themselves.

Steve Subar

Founder & CEO
MatFresher

Steve Subar is a founder, technology executive, and entrepreneur with 25+ years experience in software, cybersecurity, and fitnesstech. He has led several successful exits and is chairman of Cyber Threat Intelligence Network, a partner at TechCXO, and the inventor and CEO of MatFresher, the world's first automated yoga mat cleaning machine for gyms and exercise studios.

Ugo Udeogu

Managing Partner
MSix Capital Group

Ugo Udeogu is the Managing Partner at MSix Capital Group, a lower middle market private equity fund. With a promising stint in American football, including a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts, he demonstrated early on his dedication and physical capabilities. An unforeseen injury redirected his path from the field to the world of business and technology, where he has since amassed extensive experience in operations and strategy.

Building on his experience in athletics, he co-founded and ran a venture-backed startup, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship and demonstrating his capacity for leadership and innovation. His journey through the startup ecosystem honed his skills in strategic decision-making, operations, and resource allocation, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

He holds an MBA/MA from the renowned Wharton School and Lauder Institute, complemented by a Bachelor's in Computer Science, grounding him in both technical and managerial aspects of business. His career spans diverse operational roles across established enterprises and startups, encompassing strategic implementation and efficiency improvements.

Ben Van Vlerah

Illinois Market President, Regional Commercial Leader Illinois & Northern Indiana
KeyBank

With over 25 years of banking experience, Ben has built multiple teams and client portfolios working with a variety of privately owned companies, non-profits, family offices and private equity firms. His teams take a unique approach to deeply understand the 5-year strategy of a management team while identifying key challenges, mitigation of risks, and key connectivity opportunities. This allows him to drive value to executives by enhancing business strategies, identifying and advising strategic acquisitions, constructing complex capital solutions, providing new client introductions and guiding succession planning.

Ben is the Illinois Market President and Commercial Regional Leader supporting Illinois and Northern Indiana at KeyBank. Previously, he served as Commercial Regional Manager of Commercial Banking in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa at Huntington Bank/FirstMerit Bank for 14 years. Prior to this experience, Ben was the Illinois Commercial Banking Group Manager at Banco Popular North America. Prior to joining BPNA, Ben began his career at American National Bank.

Ben is active in the local community where he is a board member of Facing Forward to End Homelessness and member of the Finance Committee for 5 years. He is the current Chapter Chair of the YPO Chicagoland Chapter with over 8 years of board roles, and he is a member of the Veteran’s Committee at Rosecrance Behavioral Health.

Jonathan Webb

Co-Managing Partner
National Christian Foundation

Jonathan Webb is a Co-Managing Partner at the National Christian Foundation (“NCF”) and has 30+ years of finance experience from a career in investment banking and private equity. He has extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, principal investing, strategic planning, and business development.

At NCF, a leading advisor of donor advised funds, Jonathan is a member of the Mergers & Acquisitions team, which focuses on originating and structuring non-cash gift strategies for the granting of public equities and alternative assets (closely held business interest, real estate, and intellectual property). As the industry’s recognized leader in complex gifts, in 2023 NCF executed $1.2 billion in transactions.

Prior to joining NCF, Jonathan was a co-founder of Legacy Acquisition Corporation (“Legacy”), a $300 million Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) which successfully executed its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. Other experience includes working at Duff & Phelps as a Managing Director in Mergers & Acquisitions, a Vice President at Lehman Brothers, and in various other roles at Oppenheimer & Company, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Oppenheimer, and Loop Capital Principal Investments.

Jonathan studied finance at Morehouse College and holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School. He serves on boards for both non-profit and for-profit entities and enjoys a variety of hobbies and mission work.

Justin Weber

Corporate Development Officer
Family Office

I buy and grow lower middle market businesses—bringing flexible deal structures, operational support, and a long-term mindset. I work directly with owners who want to transition on their terms, preserve what they’ve built, and see their business thrive in the next chapter. With deep experience across M&A, strategy, and business development, I provide the capital and capabilities to scale what’s already working while unlocking new growth opportunities.

Mike Wilson

Partner, Private Equity Team Leader
Sheppard, Mullin, Richert & Hampton LLP

Mike is an experienced dealmaker, having successfully guided clients to closing hundreds of transactions. As a Leader of Sheppard’s Private Equity Team, Mike handles mergers and acquisitions, debt finance transactions, venture capital transactions and general corporate matters. He works with private equity funds and venture capital funds, startups and entrepreneurs, banks and non-bank lenders, and other public and private businesses.

Nicole Wolter

President & CEO
HM Manufacturing

Nicole is a second-generation manufacturer and the president and CEO of HM Manufacturing. As a skilled and seasoned leader, she is invested in supporting the next generation of manufacturing leaders in addition to advancing the manufacturing industry as a whole.

She sits on the board of directors of numerous associations such as the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA), and mHUB. Nicole also serves as the current chairman of the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA).

Atif Zafar

CEO
Mexus Fund

Dr. Atif Zafar is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful companies in the medical device, deep tech and other spaces. In addition he is the CEO of a newly formed fund called Mexus that plans to invest in disruptive health tech and deep tech companies. He is also a professor at indiana university school of medicine and practices as a hospitalist at a level 1 trauma center in downtown indianapolis.