Collin Abert

Managing Director
RF Investment Partners

Collin joined RF Investment Partners, LLC as a Managing Director based in our Chicago office. Collin is responsible for identifying new investment opportunities, evaluating and structuring new transactions, and working alongside RF’s management team partners to drive growth.

Prior to joining RF, Collin was a Principal with Lake Capital where he was responsible for originating and evaluating potential investments, structuring transactions, leading due diligence, negotiating agreements and working with existing portfolio companies. Prior to joining Lake Capital Collin worked in the investment banking division of J.P. Morgan where he focused on mergers and acquisitions, equity offerings and debt financings in diversified industrials, consumer, and building products industries.

Collin graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a BS in Accountancy with a concentration in Finance. He is a CFA Charterholder.

John Alfonsi

Partner
Prosperity Partners

John Alfonsi is a partner at Prosperity LLC and business valuation practice group leader where he brings over 40 years of experience in tax and advisory services. He focuses his practice on business valuation and tax planning and consulting for closely-held business owners and family offices.

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 of the Board
Jasper Holdings Inc.

Chairman/CEO of Jasper Holdings with 4600+ Associates, $1.2 B in Revenue.  In 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 2025, have distributed $891M of stock.   Currently 8 companies including: automotive and heave truck remanufacturing and parts, electrification, rotational molding and plumbing.

Motto –“Do It Right and Have Fun…”

Laurence Birch

CEO
Prendio and BioProcure

Larry is currently Chief Executive Officer of Prendio and BioProcure, where he is leading the evolution of the business into a network-driven procurement, payments, and data platform serving emerging and mid-sized biotechnology companies. The platform manages billions in annual spend, helping biotech innovators improve financial visibility, extend runway, and operate more efficiently in an increasingly capital-constrained environment.

Over a 30+ year career, Larry has held senior leadership roles across a range of public and private companies, including Baxter Healthcare, EDS, Aksys (home dialysis), NeoPharm (biotech), Datatrak (clinical data management). And Anju Software, Inc. (Clinical data management, medical affairs query and publication management and clinical data science applications) His roles have spanned general management and finance, with a consistent focus on linking strategy, operations, and financial performance.

Callie Blankenau

Head of BD, Principal
Unity Partners

Callie leads sourcing and origination for Unity Partners, supporting both new platforms and existing portfolio companies. She works closely with external partners and the broader Unity team to Build Better Together.

Prior to joining Unity, Callie was Vice President of Business Development at The Stephens Group, where she focused on deal sourcing and origination. Earlier in her career, she was an Investment Associate at ORIX Private Equity Solutions and Tribune Capital and began her career as an Investment Analyst at the OSU Foundation. Callie earned a BSBA in Finance from Oklahoma State University.

Matt Briggs

Director, PE and M&A Practice
DYOPATH

Matt Briggs leads DYOPATH's Private Equity and M&A Practice, leveraging 27 years of IT and cybersecurity experience, including 22 years with DYOPATH. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, DYOPATH is a founder owned and operated provider of IT advisory, managed services, and cybersecurity solutions. DYOPATH partners with private equity firms and their portfolio companies to support pre-close IT and cybersecurity due diligence, post-close integrations and carve outs, and ongoing value creation initiatives through a comprehensive suite of technology and security services.

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.

Bob Carlson

Partner
Start Something Ventures

Accomplished technology and healthcare executive with over twenty years of experience building and managing organizations to deliver long-term revenue and profit growth. High energy results oriented leader who lead or played a key role on multiple executive teams that successfully translated market needs into corporate strategy and then executed on the product, sales, marketing and client support initiatives needed to drive quantifiable business success.

Luke Cheatham

Founder & CEO
Diamond Client Group & Good Bull Capital

Luke is the Founder and CEO of Good Bull Capital and Diamond Client Group. He is also a founding partner of Diamond Client Consulting. These three companies form a full-service integrated model that caters to the needs of private business owners and high-net-worth families.

For over 15 years, Luke has worked alongside business owners, providing strategic insights on reducing taxes, incentivizing employees, mitigating risk, and preparing for successful exits. Immersed in entrepreneurship from an early age, he understands not just how business owners think, but what it takes for them to thrive. His success in the advisory space led to the formation of Diamond Client Group, LLC in 2016 where he has built a team of advisers with a significant following.

Recognizing a gap in the market, Luke took his practice independent, registering Diamond Client Group as an Investment Advisory firm while launching Good Bull Capital and Diamond Client Consulting in 2021. Good Bull Capital provides private credit and private equity opportunities to accredited investors. Diamond Client Consulting offers world-class operational due diligence, consulting, and accounting services for small to mid-sized enterprises, and Diamond Client Group continues to provide strategic financial planning for business owners and high-net-worth families.

Jessica Clemence

Principal
Green Mountain Capital

Jessica Clemence is a Principal on Green Mill Capital’s investment team and leads the firm’s business development efforts including sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities. Jessica brings more than 15 years of experience leading the origination and business development efforts of lower middle market private equity funds, most recently as Director at The Edgewater Funds and JZ Partners.

She began her career in corporate lending at Bank of America and transitioned into investment banking when she joined Wells Fargo’s Corporate Finance team in 2001.

Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

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.

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.

Diego Cuevas

Managing Partner
Pinnacle Capital Partners LLC

Diego Cuevas is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pinnacle Capital Partners. His military experience from the Marine Corps continues to play a significant role in the board Member shaping the way his firm operates. With professional experience roots at Grant Thornton an DWS, the combination of institutional knowledge and entrepreneurial execution, has built a pipeline exceeding $200M.

Reed Dailey

Managing Director, Business Development
Aprio

Reed Dailey is a results-driven growth executive with proven success in scaling revenue, building high-performing commercial teams, and driving enterprise value creation across industries. As a client relationship executive at CohnReznick, Reed partners with boards, CEOs, and private equity sponsors to design and execute revenue acceleration strategies, optimize go-to-market models, and unlock sustainable EBITDA growth.

With a career spanning commercial strategy, revenue operations, M&A, and digital transformation, Reed is recognized as a trusted advisor to the C-Suite. He has led clients through market expansion, customer acquisition strategies, pricing and monetization optimization, post-merger integrations, and divestitures—delivering measurable results and competitive advantage.

Yelena Edelstein

President
E1st Investments

Yelena Edelstein is President of E1st Investments - an independent investment firm specializing in the EXECUTIVE-1ST investment strategy. We pursue investments in partnership with senior operating executives who step into the CEO or another key executive role post-transaction. The competitive advantage of our model lies in our focus on investments where our executive partners bring a proven track record, industry expertise, and market relationships to take the business to the next level of growth and value.

Lisa Farrar

Chief Marketing Officer
Safeguard Global

Lisa leads Safeguard Global’s marketing team with a demonstrated ability to create enterprise value and revenue growth through quick wins and sustainable advances. She relies heavily on metrics to identify ways to boost revenue, expand margins, and optimize investments.

Before joining Safeguard, Lisa built high-performing, engaged marketing teams at Sphera, Everspring, and Cars.com. She earned an MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, a Bachelor of Business Administration at the College of William & Mary, and is a long-tenured board member at Advocations.

Ryan Ferris

Senior Vice President
KeyBank

Ryan serves as a commercial leader with over 12 years of banking experience working with a variety of businesses, family offices and financial sponsors throughout the Midwest to provide financial services.

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.

Roeder Fletcher

U.S. M&A Lead
Reply

Roeder Fletcher is the innovation success lead for some of the world's most recognized organizations at Reply, helping business leaders use the power of proprietary data to optimize decision-making and foster long-term innovation for revenue growth. With over a decade of experience bridging the gap between executive leadership and technical teams, Roe specializes in guiding customers through AI investments to increase competitive advantage and overall margin while aligning technical roadmaps to business strategy for continuous growth.

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.

Todj Gozdeck

Partner, Transaction Advisory Services
Citrin Cooperman

Thaddeus (Todj) Gozdeck is a Partner in Citrin Cooperman’s Transaction Advisory Services practice with more than 25 years of financial advisory experience. He advises financial sponsors and strategic buyers and sellers on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, growth acquisitions, strategic mergers, and carve-outs. Previously, he held similar roles at Deloitte and other advisory firms before joining Citrin Cooperman.

Kyle Griffith

Managing Director
Patriot Capital

Kyle Griffith joined Patriot Capital in 2018. Mr. Griffith is responsible for origination, deal execution, and portfolio management. Prior to Patriot, Mr. Griffith worked at CIBC and The PrivateBank in the Sponsor Coverage Group providing lending and funding services to private equity firms.

Jim Groth

Member
Clark Hill

James “Jim” Groth brings more than 34 years of experience advising public and private companies on a broad range of corporate, transactional, and strategic matters, with a core focus on securities and capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and complex financial transactions. Over the course of his career, Jim has devoted his practice to corporate and transactional work, developing deep experience in representing companies and their leadership teams through critical growth, financing, and operational milestones.

A distinguishing aspect of Jim’s practice is his dual perspective as both a lawyer and a business leader. Having operated a business and spent decades engaged in strategic planning and executive-level decision-making, Jim offers clients practical, business-oriented counsel that goes beyond traditional legal advice. This perspective enables him to serve as a trusted advisor to business owners, executives, and boards navigating legal and business challenges and opportunities.

Jim is the leader of the firm’s Capital Markets and Securities team, in addition to regularly serving as outside corporate counsel to public and private companies, advising on corporate governance, securities compliance, capital markets transactions, and day-to-day legal needs. He has significant experience representing public companies in securities offerings and other capital markets activities, as well as guiding private companies through capital raises, restructurings, and liquidity events. His practice also includes leading and negotiating mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions, as well as structuring complex financial arrangements that support business growth.

In addition to his transactional practice, Jim assists clients in resolving shareholder, partner, and intra-enterprise disputes, often achieving successful outcomes while avoiding costly litigation. Earlier in his career, Jim was involved in a wide range of complex corporate initiatives, including equity-based incentive compensation programs, commercial agreements, real estate transactions, and technology-related matters, further contributing to the breadth of his experience.

Jim’s longstanding involvement with Vistage, a global peer advisory and executive coaching organization designed for CEOs and business owners, spans more than 20 years and underscores his dedication to leadership development and strategic insight. Through this experience, he continues to deepen his understanding of the challenges facing today’s business leaders, further enhancing the value he brings to his clients.

Matthew Gurwin

First Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor
Graystone Consulting

Matthew Gurwin is a First Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) for Graystone Consulting at Morgan Stanley. He specializes in advising wealthy business owners and families, especially those considering substantial liquidity events due to the sale or recapitalization of a privately held business. A veteran of the financial services industry, Matt draws on his 25 years of experience, helping entrepreneurs and private business owners 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. He draws on his 20 years of experience in the field to collaborate with professionals in a range of industries, build relationships with existing and prospective clients, and enhance internal operations to improve our clients' experience.

Matt earned both his BBA and his MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Prior to joining Graystone Consulting - Chicago, Matt was a Principal at Doeren Mayhew leading their firm’s business development efforts. Earlier in his career, Matt worked at Telemus Capital Partners, LLC, as a managing director and as an Investment Banker for Deloitte Corporate Finance.

Outside the office, Matt enjoys spending quality time with his spouse and their four children.

Joe Hargrove

Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
Merrill Private Wealth (HNH Group)

Joe is a Vice President and Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works with families to help grow, preserve and transition assets to the next generation. Joe works with each client to build a personalized plan based on their needs and priorities.

Prior to joining Merrill Joe built a wealth management practice at Charles Schwab where he worked for eleven years. Before Schwab he worked in wholesaling and institutional sales with Bond Wave and First Trust portfolios. He has been in the business for more than eighteen years.

Joe received a B.A. in Finance and Investment Consulting from DePaul University. Joe and his family live in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago.

Jon Hicks

Managing Director
The Heico Companies, L.L.C.

Jon Hicks has pursued M&A for The Heico Companies since March 2000. Heico is a privately held holding company with a portfolio of over 50 middle market industrial companies. At Heico Jon has responsibility for origination, analysis, negotiation and execution of acquisition opportunities. Jon holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and a Masters in Management from Northwestern University.

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

Sean Kelley

Managing Director, Business Development
Gridiron Capital

At Gridiron Capital, Sean focuses on developing new business partnerships, marketing, communicating with business owners, and managing investment sourcing and exit planning. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Sean served as vice president at BB&T Capital Markets in Richmond, Virginia. His responsibilities at BB&T included executing mergers and acquisitions advisory for middle-market businesses, as well as establishing and strengthening business development relationships with middle-market investors. Earlier in his career, Sean worked at Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank.

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 Director
Smart Business Network LLC

Lee is managing director of Smart Business Network LLC, a national events, media and marketing company founded in 1989, primarily responsible for expanding the company’s Dealmakers Conferences 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

Board Member & Former CEO, VistaApex Solutions
Board Member, Valkyrie BioScience

Scott Lamerand brings nearly 30 years of executive leadership and technical expertise in chemistry and dental materials to the Valkyrie board. His appointment aligns with Valkyrie’s mission to deliver future-ready imaging tools that bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment.

During his time at VistaApex, Lamerand was instrumental in shifting the company’s focus toward "total tooth" care solutions and fostering an innovation-first culture. Prior to becoming CEO, he founded Apex Dental Materials, which he grew into a premier industry player over 14 years. His career also includes leadership roles at US Can, Alcan Packaging and Loparex, where he managed technical R&D and commercial strategies.

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”.

Tony Lorenz

Founder
Headsail

As a Founder, CEO, Board Director, Investor, and Growth Advisor, I have spent over 30 years building, scaling, acquiring, and exiting category-defining companies in global tech-enabled event and marketing services.

I am committed to life long learning, strategy, empathetic leadership, and impact through inflection points. I have led operational transformations that deliver sustained profitability and positive EBITDA across both founder-led and private equity-backed businesses.

My experience spans more than 36 buy-side and sell-side acquisitions and strategic partnerships, generating over $900M in enterprise value and expanding global reach across the US, UK, Europe, APAC, and the Middle East.

Today, I continue to guide organizations through inflection points as the founder of HeadSail, a consultancy which supports founders, CEO's, brands, investors, and boards.

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.

Tom McDonough

Founder & Managing Partner
TJM Capital Partners

Tom McDonough, based in Chicago, IL, US, is currently a Founder and Managing Partner at TJM Capital Partners. Tom McDonough brings experience from previous roles at American FINCO Financial Services, CES Companies, AWTP, LLC and BMO Capital Markets.

Tom holds a JD/MBA in Law/Finance at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. With a robust skill set that includes Customer Service, Public Speaking, Negotiation, Strategic Planning, Business Development and more.

John McNulty

CEO
Didgebridge, LLC

John is the GP/Managing Partner of the $200 million emerging MEXUS Fund. He is also CEO/Co-Founder of Didgebridge, Labs, one of the proposed portfolio companies within the MEXUS Fund. Here at Didgebridge Labs, we incubate start-ups, while helping them to GROWTH-accelerate, including raising capital. Over my 25+ year career, “growth acceleration” has become my calling card—involving Fortune 1000 companies, mid-market companies & now even VC-backed, start-ups. 

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.

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.

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.

Meet Patel

Founder, CEO & Managing Partner
DHOL Capital

Meet Patel is the Founder and CEO of Dhol Capital, an investment and advisory platform focused on capital strategy, M&A, and business growth. He advises founders, executives, and investors on scaling companies, structuring opportunities, and creating long-term value. Meet brings experience across finance, operations, and entrepreneurship, helping businesses navigate growth, transformation, and strategic expansion.

Lori Pedelty

Vistage Chair
Vistage

Lori Pedelty is a Vistage Chair leading two CEO boards and one Key Executive board, and is Co-Best Practice Chair for Chicagoland’s 41 Vistage Chairs. Drawing on 46 years of experience with Arthur Andersen, Pedelty Enterprises, and Vistage, Lori helps CEOs navigate growth, acquisitions, successful sales, leadership alignment, strategic transformation, and execution.

Rob Schultz

Executive, Director – Corporate Banking and Family Office Services
Old National Bank

Rob Schultz is an Executive Director of Old National Bank who leverages a 35+ year career in relationship lending and private business consultation to help corporate clients and family offices achieve their financial and strategic objectives. He assists his clients with a range of services to provide holistic and customized banking solutions for clients and their families.

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.

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.

Jen Sweeney

Market Leader
Vistage Worldwide

Jen Sweeney brings over 20 years of marketing and business development with Executive Peer groups. As a Regional VP and Business Development Partner for Vistage Worldwide, Inc, she coaches and strategizes with seasoned executives to build private advisory board groups of CEOs, Presidents, and business owners. Jen's passion is in Building relationships and connecting leader to uncover the challenges and issues facing small to medium-sized businesses. Vistage is committed to helping business leaders grow professionally and personally through peer to peer development, one to one executive coaching and education.

Chris Terzich

Managing Director & Group Head - Middle Market Banking
CIBC

Throughout my career in commercial banking, I have assisted small to mid size companies achieve their financial goals through a tailored relationship banking approach.

Specialties include:
Commercial banking, Treasury Management, ESOP lending, Cash flow lending, Management Buyout, and Asset Based Lending.

Industry knowledge includes manufacturing, technology, food / beverage, transportation and distribution.

Mary Ann K. Travers

Office Managing Partner
Crowe LLP

Mary Ann Travers is the Office Managing Partner of Crowe's Chicago headquarters (and Oak Brook) offices, as well as serves as the national Valuation Services practice leader. With over 35 years of experience as an economic consultant, investment banker and valuation professional, Mary Ann serves clients across a broad-base of industries, with a focus on PE-backed entities, performing valuations for financial reporting, tax and consultative matters. She assists clients in pre-deal target analyses, strategic planning, deal structuring, post-close purchase price allocation and all matters across the M&A value chain in her role on the Advisory management team at Crowe. Mary Ann founded and served as the chair of Women Leading@Crowe, held roles on the CEO Strategic Task Force, CEO Advisory Council, Partner Nominating Committee and Partner Screening Committee in her tenure to date. Mary Ann is an active member of The Chicago Network, The Economic Club of Chicago and The Commercial Club of Chicago, as well as serves on the Board, Executive Committee and chair of the Audit Committee for Junior Achievement of Chicago. A lifelong Chicagoan, Mary Ann and her family split their time between Downers Grove and Old Town.

Mike Wallach

Head of Alternative Investments
Levy Family Partners

Michael Wallach serves as Head of Alternative Investments at Levy Family Partners, the family office of Larry Levy, founder and former CEO of Levy Restaurants. In this role, Michael oversees the family’s venture capital and private equity strategies. In this capacity, he is responsible for global deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management. Michael helped the family execute the transaction taking Del Taco (NASDAQ: TACO) public via a SPAC. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for mHub, as a Board Observer for Aura Frames, and on the LP Advisory Board for Impact Engine and Promus Capital. Michael earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

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.

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).

Shawn Woods

Vistage Chair
Vistage Worldwide

I’ve been driven to turn obstacles into opportunities and find possible in the impossible throughout my career. As a previous homicide detective, and now, as Licensed Private Detective, CEO and President of my own Real Estate Investing Company, Professional Development firm and Vistage Chair, I’ve always held the mindset for success. Compelled to provide leaders and organizations with a piece of the pie, my vision is to make a significant difference— helping individuals’ become better leaders, make better decisions, deliver better results resulting in fulfilled lives.

At Shawn K. Woods & Associates, our mantra is “to transform people, processes and organizations to unleash their full potential.” Specializing in over 60 soft skill topics, I have spoken in 49 states and ten countries, sharing powerful insight that engages and motivates corporate, government, and private agencies. Motivational speaking is just the start of what I provide. Through additional mentoring, training, and leadership development workshops, along with executive, life, and career coaching, my clients have the tools, strategies, and guidance to revolutionize people, processes, and organizations.

Working with leaders of all levels, I’ve successfully provided advisory services, business coaching, and business development consultation to propel executives, business owners, and their organizations to the next level.

As a Vistage Chair, I look to facilitate an environment where CEOs and business owners can feel promoted, inspired and empowered to outperform their competitors. Leaders in my peer advisory groups resemble a board of directors, equipped with the necessary resources, relationships, and guidance to overcome challenges they’re facing, reach their peak performance, and make a positive, lasting impact on their business, family, and community.

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.

Marc Zaslavsky

Partner
Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC

Marc Zaslavsky is a partner in Levenfeld Pearlstein’s Corporate Practice Group, advising middle-market companies, private equity funds, and sponsors on complex M&A transactions across the U.S. He leads cross-disciplinary teams to structure and close deals and also serves as outside general counsel, providing strategic, business-focused guidance to clients.