David Alden

Vistage Chair
Vistage Worldwide

Dave spent the majority of his career in leadership positions at Ford Motor Company, including President of Southeast Asia & Japan and Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Service for Asia Pacific & Africa. He attributes his career progression to his lifelong learning ethic and growth mindset. After his 32 year career at Ford, Dave decided to challenge himself by taking a role in a startup operation as the head of the commercial efforts of CHEP Automotive Solutions in the Americas. Presently, Dave is a Vistage Chair for two groups of mid-market CEO/Business owners in Southeast Michigan. He works with members to build cultures of employee accountability and engagement. Dave's approach to professional development combines the personal and professional to create meaningful change with his leaders. He balances his professional life by spending time with his wife, four children, and as an avid golfer and car aficionado.

George Awad

General Counsel - CHRO
Ecosave LLC

George is dedicated to ensuring Ecosave’s legal framework supports its mission of delivering innovative and sustainable solutions. With a proven track record of providing strategic legal counsel for scalable growth, George leads Ecosave’s legal department, overseeing commercial contracting, company-wide compliance and risk management, corporate governance, and intellectual property. George also oversees Ecosave’s HR function, guiding talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development to foster a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture (“One Team Culture”). His guidance ensures that the company navigates complex legal landscapes with integrity and precision. George collaborates across the company’s various departments to safeguard Ecosave’s initiatives, enabling Ecosave’s customers to implement energy-saving measures seamlessly and responsibly.

Graham Bachman

Managing Director
Hidden River Strategic Capital

Graham Bachman is Managing Director and Head of Business Development for Hidden River. With over a decade of experience in investing private capital markets, he is responsible for leading origination efforts at the firm. Hidden River’s structured capital solutions provide flexible, non-control debt and equity capital in transactions that allow management to continue to own and operate their business. Graham previously held positions as Managing Director for Pennington Partners, a multi-family office and Director of Business Development for Context Business Lending. He resides in Villanova, PA with his wife and three children.

Matthew Barrett

Managing Director, Business Development
Aprio

Matthew Barrett is a Managing Director, Business Development Executive at Aprio where he leads the go-to-market strategy for the Private Equity strategy, the Transaction Advisory practice, and the Business Valuation practice. Matthew oversees the New York and Philadelphia markets locally while also covering business development efforts nationally for the practices he supports. Matthew obtained his bachelor's degree at Villanova University where he majored in finance in the Villanova School of Business.

Ray Bixler

CEO
Sonar Software

Ray Bixler is the CEO of Sonar Software, a leading SaaS provider serving 430+ internet service providers. With 30+ years in technology and telecom—including leadership at SkillSurvey, SkyTel, and RCN—Ray specializes in growth strategy, innovation, and operational excellence. He is passionate about expanding broadband access and closing the digital divide across North America.

David Bovenizer

CEO
Lionheart Industrial Group LLC

David Bovenizer is a co-founder that has built Lionheart Industrial Group into a global diversified group of industrial manufacturing business with three platforms in combustion systems; pneumatic valves; and precision aerospace and defense components. He has completed more than 30 transactions totaling over $2.0 billion in value including leveraged acquisitions, cross-border M&A, public debt offerings, joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures.

William Bowie

President & CEO
Empower Construction

William Bowie is the Founder, President & CEO of Empower Construction—a utility construction firm specializing in the installation of utility infrastructure around the United States. One of North America's leading utility construction companies, William leads the company's objectives, vision, and overall strategy.

Luke Cheatham

Founder & President
Diamond Client Group

Luke Cheatham is the Founder and President of Diamond Client Group, Good Bull Capital, and Diamond Client Consulting — an integrated platform serving private business owners and high-net-worth families. With over 15 years working alongside business owners on tax reduction, employee incentives, risk mitigation, and exit planning, Luke brings deep expertise and an entrepreneurial perspective to every client relationship.

David Chick

Market Executive
Bank of America

I currently serve as Market Executive for Bank of America’s Business Banking division, leading a team of nine Relationship Managers across the Philadelphia–Delaware market. Our team supports privately held businesses with annual revenues ranging from $1 million to $50 million, delivering strategic financial solutions and deep partner engagement across all lines of business.

Since joining Bank of America in 2015 as a Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, I’ve focused on helping lower middle market clients grow through tailored credit, deposit, and advisory services. I was promoted to Market Executive in 2024, where I now lead efforts to drive consistent client contact, market coverage, and team development.

Lisa Clifford

Managing Director, Business & Transaction Advisory
Callan Family Office

Lisa Clifford co-leads Callan Family Office’s Business and Transaction Advisory Practice, advising founders as they prepare for business transitions. As part of an independent multi-family office, she provides strategic guidance on transaction structuring, tax optimization, wealth transfer, and charitable planning to help maximize after-tax value and build enduring legacies across generations.

Jason Cunningham

Vice President, Business Development
Argosy Private Equity

Jason joined Argosy in 2019 as Vice President of Business Development. Mr. Cunningham leads the firm's transaction sourcing and origination activities, bringing more than 18 years of experience as an investment banker and private equity investor focused exclusively on middle market businesses. Throughout his career, Mr. Cunningham has advised middle market clients in across a broad range of industries on public and private company mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, private placements, strategic alternatives, succession planning and capital formation issues.

Denise L. Devine

Co-Founder and CFO
RTM Vital Signs, LLC

Andrew Donald

Director of Business Development
RAF Equity

Andrew is responsible for sourcing new acquisition opportunities and assisting with select operational initiatives across the RAF portfolio. He advises our portfolio companies on add-on acquisition opportunities and organic growth initiatives. Previously, Andrew was a senior manager in mergers and acquisitions at McKinsey & Company and an associate in the technology investment banking group at Jefferies. Andrew holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in Finance, with honors, from Vanderbilt University. RAF team member since 2023.

James Donnelly

President & CEO
ASL Transportation Group, Inc.

Jim Donnelly is President/CEO and owner of the ASL Companies, which include All Services Leasing and ASL Transportation Group. The companies operate in the truck transportation industry and have been in business since 1988. All Services Leasing is a full-service commercial truck and trailer rental and leasing company, which also offers fleet maintenance services. ASL Transportation Group provides turnkey logistics and dedicated transportation services to a wide array of industries. Prior to operating the transportation services company, Jim spent 8 years in the mortgage industry in investor accounting field.

Samantha Fugagli

General Counsel
Burnham Holdings, Inc.

Samantha Fugagli is General Counsel and Secretary at Burnham Holdings, Inc., where she leads legal, compliance, and risk management functions across a multi-entity manufacturing organization. She advises on a broad range of matters including corporate governance, M&A, employment law, and regulatory compliance, with a particular focus on multi-state legal strategy and operational risk.

Samantha is a strategic partner to executive leadership and plays a key role in navigating complex industry and policy developments affecting the manufacturing sector. She is actively engaged in industry advocacy and frequently participates in policy discussions and events related to energy, environmental regulation, and workforce issues.

Michael Gallagher

Managing Director, Finance
Bank of America/Merrill

As a Financial Advisor, Michael has assisted clients by managing their individual wealth through multiple and complex market cycles meeting their individual needs. Michael is a frequent and sought after speaker on investment planning for retirement which has been a primary business focus for Michael and his team for decades. Michael focuses on delivering a comprehensive approach to managing wealth that begins with listening to a client's needs and helps to ensure every strategy is grounded in understanding what each client wants to achieve.

Ryan Giacomarro

Managing Director - Mid Atlantic Market Head
J.P. Morgan Private Bank

Ryan Giacomarro is a Managing Director and the Head of the Mid-Atlantic Market for J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Ryan leads a team of Bankers and specialists in presenting wealth management strategies for many of the firm’s largest and most sophisticated clients. He is focused on representing J.P. Morgan throughout the state of Pennsylvania and overseeing the tremendous growth of the organization in the region.

Elisabeth Golden

Business Banking Market Executive, Senior Vice President
Bank of America

Elisabeth Golden is a Senior Vice President and Business Banking Market Executive for Eastern Pennsylvania in the Northeast Region. With over 25 years in finance and commercial banking, Elisabeth partners with mid-sized, privately held companies across Greater Philadelphia, guiding complex decisions and growth strategies while leading a 12-member team strongly focused on community investment, revenue growth, and exceptional client experience.

Patty Graver

Partner
Third Arch Investments

Patty is a Partner at Third Arch Investments, a Philadelphia-based investment firm making long-term investments in high quality small businesses. She has 15 years of investment, advisory, and portfolio oversight experience dedicated to lower middle market businesses across a variety of industries, including the media, consumer products and manufacturing sectors. Prior Third Arch, Patty was a Principal at Versa Capital Management. She began her career as a financial analyst at Rothschild Inc., where she focused on consumer M&A and restructuring.

Orim Graves

Chair of the Board
Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Orim Graves is a visionary leader and proven advisor, guide, and implementor of evolutionary growth and transformational change within investment organizations. As the Executive Director of the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP) for more than ten years, he revolutionized the organization while architecting the vision, strategy, and execution for NASP’s mission of promoting diversity, financial education, investment, and advocacy across the financial services sector. Currently Orim operates an independent consultancy to provide strategic and tactical investment advisory services, ESG integration, market strategy, and diversity equity and inclusion consulting to diverse clients across the global investment sector.

Mr. Graves has more than thirty years of experience in the investment, pension, banking and financial services industries. Recognized as a strategically and analytically effective leader with sound business and investment acumen, an extensive professional network, expert in diversity and inclusion, and the ability to develop and implement effective strategies.

Levar Haffoney

Principal
Foresfield

Levar Haffoney is the Principal of Foresfield, an acquisition and operating platform focused on founder-led businesses. The firm combines long-term ownership with financial, operational, and capital advisory capabilities to help businesses grow and transition ownership. He earned his B.S. from The State University of New York and an MBA from Eastern University. 

Michael Harrington

Partner
Duane Morris

Michael S. Harrington serves as a team lead of the firm's Life Sciences and Medical Technologies industry group. He represents early- and growth-stage companies in the technology, life sciences, healthcare and clean tech sectors. 

Mr. Harrington’s experience includes advising institutional, strategic and private investors on structuring, negotiating and managing investments; representing private equity funds in raising capital and advising on requisite disclosures and federal and state securities law compliance; assisting growth companies in investment banking, accounting, management, private investor and other critical financing relationships; negotiating and documenting corporate transactions such as equity and debt financing, acquisitions, joint ventures and employment compensation and benefit arrangements; leveraging a company’s intellectual property through licensing, joint venture or development relationships and establishing distribution channels or similar means; and advising early-stage companies and investors on the opportunities and complexities of equity crowdfunding enabled by the JOBS ACT.

Mr. Harrington is a graduate of Villanova University (LL.M., Taxation, 1995; J.D., 1994) and Niagara University (B.A., summa cum laude, 1991).

Kristi Heller

Director of Middle Market
Fulton Bank

Kristi’s career spans over 25 years in the banking industry, where she has consistently driven results through innovative approaches and client-focused strategies. She has held key leadership roles, guiding teams to exceed performance goals while developing people to grow and thrive in their careers. She has been with Fulton Bank for over 5 years and currently serves as the Middle Market Banking Executive leading a talented team of dedicated Relationship Managers in the Central PA region.

Douglass Henry

President
Henry Molded Plastics

Douglass Henry melded theater arts and an industrial career wherever possible. As a professional productions president and board member he has had experience in the live Jazz and Rock concert world with headliner talent. Co-producing numerous international ballet / musical theater tours and educational performing arts residencies (France, Rome, Venice, the Black Sea coast, Vienna, Lisbon, Budapest, Russia, Spain, Poland, etc., was preparation. These exposures reinforced a manufacturing business based in PA, SC, UK and Belgium.

Design and fabrication of sustainable products for industry and the entertainment business (movies, television and live theater such as the Hamilton Broadway productions are offered in North America and Europe) Douglass has rounded out these experiences with service on National and International business Boards along with various non-profits, chaired the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Business Board and became an International Fellow at the US Army War College.

A committed federal and state government engagement with independent business ownership advocacy is a priority involvement.

John D. Hernandez

Founding Partner
VerdeVista Partners

John D. Hernandez is the Founding Principal of VerdeVista Partners, an independent sponsor executing a disciplined regional consolidation of the landscaping, tree care, and snow services sectors across the Northeastern United States. Backed by a seasoned board of directors, he leads the firm’s vision, operations, and acquisition strategy.

James Hipolit

Partner
Troutman Pepper Locke

James Hipolit advises both buyers and sellers on strategic transactions, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. He takes a leading role in counseling buyers, sellers, and company owners in M&A transactions across a broad range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, food and beverage, health sciences, health care IT, financial services, insurance, home services, transportation, and construction. His clients also rely on him for advice and counsel related to corporate governance, structuring, and corporate finance matters.

David Horowitz

Partner
Everberg Capital

David Horowitz joined Everberg Capital in 2020 as a Partner and Member of the Investment Committee. Everberg provides flexible debt and non-control equity solutions to the middle market. Previously, he was a Managing Director in Macquarie Principal Finance, and a Vice President in Goldman Sachs' Special Situations Group. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University’s Schreyer Honors College.

Ralph Hromisin

CFO
Martz Bus

CPA with 30+ years’ experience, including CFO roles spanning 20+ years in high-growth, family -owned businesses with revenue ranging to $400M.

Significant experience with capital intensive industries, capital structure planning, and large financing and refinancing transactions.

Ralph has a BS degree in accounting from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Ryan Hurst

Partner
RKL LLP

Christine Jones

Managing Partner
Blue Highway Capital

Varun Karkhanis

Partner
Olive Tree GP

Varun has over 15 years of experience across investment banking and private investing, working closely with founders and management teams. He led investments and advised companies on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and capital formation across industries. Drawing on institutional experience and a partnership-oriented perspective, Varun brings disciplined judgment and a long-term focus to founder-led businesses. Prior to co-founding Olive Tree, Varun was at Goldman Sachs. Varun received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, with Business Honors, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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.

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. 

Matthew Lang

Senior Vice President– Private Wealth Management
The Archer-Lang Group at Morgan Stanley PWM

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Matt focuses primarily on delivering holistic wealth management advice to the team’s ultra high net worth clients. Working to create and implement comprehensive financial plans, Matt helps each client build a financial road map for their assets and liabilities and design an investment strategy that is aligned with their goals. Matt has been named as a Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

John Lee

Senior Managing Director
Griffin Financial Group

David Luk

EVP - Strategic Finance
Freedom Mortgage

At Freedom, I help oversee and manage all financial aspects related to investments, fundraising, and strategic planning. This includes the evaluation of potential investments and acquisitions, management of existing investments, capital raising and investment risk management.

Paul Mattaini

Partner
Barley Snyder LLP

Paul focuses his practice on business, concentrating in mergers and acquisitions, securities, banking, and corporations. His practice includes complex transactions. Among other recognitions, Paul maintains an "AV" Martindale Hubbell rating, he’s been ranked The Best Lawyers in America®, under the following categories, Banking and Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Securities and Capital Markets.

Andrew McBride

Chief Financial Officer
Resintech, Inc.

Andrew McBride is the Chief Financial Officer of ResinTech, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality ion-exchange media. Mr. McBride has more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and metal & mining.

Bob McCormack

Managing Partner
Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors

Bob is Managing Partner and Founding Partner of Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors, a boutique investment banking and corporate advisory firm in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. McCormack has more than 32 years of financial services experience, and focuses on providing advisory services related to business sales, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, business valuations, debt and equity financing, and select turnaround projects. He formed Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors in 2005. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun Bancorp, Inc., a $1 billion financial services holding company with bank branches and affiliates located throughout central Pennsylvania.

Patrick McGowan

Managing Director
Maximus Partners

Pat McGowan leads business development at Maximus Partners, a CFO advisory firm helping growth-stage and private equity-backed companies scale with confidence. He partners with referral sources and clients to identify opportunities where Maximus can deliver strategic finance leadership, operational insight, and transaction support, helping businesses navigate inflection points and maximize enterprise value.

Kevin McPhillips

Executive Director & CEO
Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership

Kevin McPhillips has enjoyed more than 30 years working in both nonprofit and private leadership. Before joining the PaCEO, McPhillips served as CEO of 1000 Museums, the leading online community destination for museums and exhibitions from around the world. Prior, he was President of The Princeton Companies, handpicked by the Governor’s Office as a model of NJ Business growth, served as President of Direct Group, one of the nation’s largest Direct Marketing firms, and spent 8 years leading non-profit centers for citizens with special needs. His experiences managing and owning businesses taught him that employee ownership and investment is good business. Kevin is a product of Northwestern University.​

Bob Mindick

Regional SVP
Northwest Bank

Robert Mindick is a highly experienced professional in the banking industry. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President at Northwest Bank, Robert focuses on business development and client management. Prior to this, Robert worked as a Senior Vice President at TD Bank Group and as a Senior Relationship Manager at Santander Bank, N.A. Robert holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in Finance from Bloomsburg University. Throughout their career, Robert has demonstrated expertise in leading and transforming loan portfolios, earning him the Philadelphia Business Journal "40 Under 40" Award for impactful contributions to the financial industry.

Deborah O'Brien

Market Executive
Bank of America

Deborah O'Brien is a market executive at Bank of America, leading operations and community partnerships across Greater Philadelphia and Delaware. She is a notable local banking leader dedicated to economic development and community engagement.

Peter Pangis

Managing Director & Private Bank Market Leader
Bank of America

Peter Pangis is a Managing Director and Market Leader for Bank of America Private Bank in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for the market and partners with teams across private banking, investments, and fiduciary capabilities to deliver an integrated, high-touch experience for clients and families with complex needs.

Drawing on more than three decades of fiduciary leadership experience, Peter brings a stewardship mindset to market strategy, talent development, and client engagement. He previously served as Market Trust Executive in Pennsylvania and Delaware and held the same role in the Private Bank’s Metro New York market for more than 15 years, advising on some of the firm’s largest and most complex trust, estate, and corporate fiduciary relationships.

Prior to joining the Private Bank in 2009 , Peter was Northeast Regional Trust Manager for Merrill Lynch Trust Company and ulti mately served as Chief Trust Officer. He earned a B.A. in Economics from Rutgers College, a JD. from Western Michigan Universi ty Cooley Law School, and an Executive M.B.A. from Rutgers Business School.

Peter is a member of the Selection Advisory Council for the Greenlight Fund Philadelphia and serves on the Executive Committee of the New York Bankers Association’s Trust & Investment Division. He is passionate about recruiting and mentoring talent-par ticularly through Rutgers University. He also serves on the Parish Council of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Westfield, New Jersey, and is active in coaching youth sports. Peter does not provide legal advice in his role at Bank of America Private Bank. 

Lee Peters

Senior Vice President - East Region
Vistage Worldwide

Jason Rabbino

Chief Executive Officer
Sila Services

Jason Rabbino, Sila's CEO since 2021, has grown the company from a small regional service provider to a $1 billion national leader in residential HVAC, plumbing & electrical services. Building the organization on a People First foundation, Jason has made Sila the employer of choice for top tradespeople. Sila is a portfolio company of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Jeanne Roman

Certified Business Performance Advisor
Insperity

Jeanne Roman is a Certified Business Performance Advisor with Insperity, where she partners with small and mid-sized businesses to strengthen their people strategy, optimize operations, and support scalable growth. She works closely with business leaders to navigate workforce challenges and build strong organizational foundations that enable long-term success.

Bill Rottschaefer

Vice President of Corporate Development
The Kelvin Group

Bill is a seasoned corporate development executive, who possesses more than 20 years of experience leading mergers & acquisitions as well as strategic growth initiatives. As Vice President, M&A and Corporate Development at Kelvin Group, Bill Rottschaefer leads the company’s inorganic growth initiatives including all mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and new market expansion efforts.

Prior to joining Kelvin Group, Bill led the M&A deal process for ImageFIRST, a private equity-backed healthcare services business, which resulted in the completion of more than 25 acquisitions over a 3-year period and the expansion of ImageFIRST from a regional to a national platform servicing the healthcare market. Preceding his tenure with ImageFIRST, Bill held similar leadership roles at Greene Tweed & Company, Trinseo, LLC, and TE Connectivity (formerly Tyco Electronics) where he created and implemented these organizations’ corporate development functions and oversaw their deal pipelines. Before these corporate development roles, Bill was a middle-market investment banker focused on mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings.

Bill holds an MBA in finance and strategic management from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in finance and international business from Pennsylvania State University.

Maddie Schwanz

Managing Director
STORE Capital

Maddie brings customer-centric solutions and enjoys helping customers’ growth and long-term strategies through STORE’s platform. Maddie joined STORE five years ago as a member of the Underwriting Department, where she was part of a team that evaluated over $1 billion in real estate investments. She was promoted to Senior Analyst and subsequently joined the Acquisitions Team as a Director serving the Central Territory and now is a Managing Director covering the Mid-Atlantic region. Maddie has found the greatest fulfillment throughout her career in building meaningful client relationships and supporting the continued success of their businesses.

She was previously an intern at STORE Capital within the Underwriting Department and had the opportunity to stay with the company. Through her experience at STORE, Maddie brings institutional knowledge of the firm’s platform and understanding of the net lease real estate industry, allowing her to provide thoughtful, strategic solutions to her clients. She graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing.

Steven A. Scolari

Partner
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young

Steven provides practical and strategic legal advice to executives and owners of both private and public businesses in connection with a variety of transactional matters. As co-chair of Stradley Ronon’s Closely Held & Family Owned Businesses practice, Steve’s business succession planning engagements encompass corporate, tax, estate planning and family issues, including complex intergenerational shareholder and voting trust agreements and numerous liquidity transactions.

Brian Sharkey

Director - Transaction Advisory Services
Kreischer Miller

Brian leads Kreischer Miller’s Business Advisory group, which offers an array of services including M&A/transaction advisory, business valuation, transition/exit planning, and ESOP consulting.

Brian is experienced in business valuations, transition planning, due diligence, and merger and acquisition activities. He helps his clients by actively working with them to solve issues, provide recommendations, and offer opportunities for success. Brian’s experience includes working with a variety of privately-held and family-owned businesses such as manufacturers, distributors, professional service companies, and internet-based organizations.

Chris Smith

Market Leader for Middle Market
KeyBank

Chris Smith is leader of Middle Market Banking and Treasury Management for KeyBank in the Eastern Pa and the South Jersey market. At KeyBank, our purpose is to help clients, colleagues, and communities thrive. Since 2017, Key has delivered nearly $65.5 billion through strategic lending, investments, grants, and volunteer efforts to support the revitalization and development of the places we call home.

Zaria Smith

Co-Founder & Managing Director
Wasabi Partners

Zaria Smith is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Wasabi Partners, a strategic advisory and consulting firm operating at the intersection of venture capital, private equity, and M&A. Wasabi Partners partners with founders, investors, and growth-stage companies to accelerate growth through strategic advisory, capital readiness, go-to-market strategy, operational excellence, due diligence support, strategic partnerships, and investor engagement. The firm helps bridge the gap between founder readiness and investor expectations, enabling companies to build scalable businesses, raise institutional capital, and create long-term enterprise value.

Zaria specializes in navigating the venture capital, private equity, and M&A ecosystem, working alongside founders, investors, family offices, corporate partners, and strategic acquirers to prepare companies for investment and growth. In addition to leading Wasabi Partners, she serves as a Deal Flow Partner across multiple investment firms, helping source, evaluate, and connect high-quality opportunities while fostering relationships that lead to successful investments and strategic transactions.

Previously, Zaria led accelerator and investment programs at Nex Cubed in partnership with Sway Capital, where she managed a $20 million venture fund, directed nationally recognized accelerator programs, partnered with General Partners on investment diligence and portfolio strategy, and supported the deployment of more than $50 million in capital through corporate and private investment partnerships.

Prior to venture investing, Zaria worked with AWS Startups at Amazon Web Services and Salesforce, advising high-growth startups on cloud adoption, commercialization, and go-to-market execution. During her time with AWS Startups, she generated more than $7 million in annual recurring revenue while helping founders build scalable technology companies. Her work earned her the AWS Startups Pathfinder Awardand recognition in Forbes.

Today, Zaria advises founders and investors on building with the end in mind—creating businesses that are prepared for institutional capital, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and long-term succession planning. She brings an operator's perspective to every engagement, helping companies increase enterprise value while aligning founders and investors around successful outcomes.

Chad Stender

Managing Partner
SeventySix Capital

Chad Stender is a Managing Partner at SeventySix Capital. Chad is known as an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, tireless networker and prioritizes giving back.

SeventySix Capital was founded in 1999 and invests in startup sports technology companies. SeventySix Capital was an early investor in Whistle Sports, a global sports media company (acquired by Eleven Sports), Philadelphia-based Nerd Street, a community of competitive and recreational video gamers that produce a series of esports tournaments, leagues, and casual gaming events, and VSiN (acquired by DraftKings), the first media network dedicated to delivering the news, data and expert analysis of the rapidly growing sports betting industry, co-founded by acclaimed sportscaster Brent Musburger.

Chad is a Board Member at FORTË, KYX World, NFTPro, Quintar and a Board Observer to collectID and Nerd Street. Additionally, Chad was the Board Member for Vigtory, a next-generation sports book that was acquired by fuboTV.

In addition, Chad is a Co-Founder of SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory and he played an integral role in solidifying SeventySix Capital’s partnership with Rubicon Talent, a leading sports marketing agency.

Prior to SeventySix Capital, Chad worked in the sports and entertainment industry for the Walt Disney Corporation, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Flyers and Comcast Spectacor.

Chad has been involved in non-profits and served on the boards of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Challah for Hunger and Tribe 12.

Chad was awarded the 2018 Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the 2018 Southern New Jersey Business People’s 40 Under 40.

Chad received his Bachelors in Business Administration from James Madison University and his Masters of Science in Sport Management from from East Stroudsburg University and studied abroad at the University of London.

Michael Swoyer

Partner
Blank Rome

Michael Swoyer concentrates his practice on general corporate and business matters. He has represented clients in connection with a wide range of corporate and commercial transactions.

As a Delaware State-barred attorney, Michael also regularly advises clients on issues related to the governance of Delaware corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. 

Prior to joining Blank Rome, Michael was an associate with a Delaware corporate transactional law firm. He also served as law clerk to former Justice Henry duPont Ridgely and Justice James T. Vaughn, Jr. of the Delaware Supreme Court. 

Michael has also published several articles on various issues regarding corporate and alternative entity law. 

Adam VeVerka

Managing Director
NewSpring Capital

Adam leads business development efforts for all of NewSpring's investment strategies. Before joining NewSpring, Adam was an Investment Banking Analyst at Credit Suisse where he assisted on several transactions in the financial services and financial technology sectors.  Adam is highly involved in the private equity and venture community with leadership roles in Mid-Atlantic ACG, PACT, AMAA the New Jersey Entrepreneur Network.

Michael Whitman

President & CEO
Micro Interventional Devices

Michael Whitman is the founder and CEO of Micro Interventional Devices, Inc. (MID). Michael has over 40 years of medical device experience at market leading firms including, Johnson and Johnson, Olympus, Synthes and Power Medical Interventions. He previously was the founder and CEO of Power Medical Interventions (NASDAQ; PMII), which was acquired by Covidien Ltd. in 2009. Prior to founding PMI, Michael served in numerous management positions at Johnson and Johnson during his 13-year tenure including Vice President of Sales, Director of Sales and Marketing, Product Development and Product Management. He is the named inventor on over 55 US and foreign patents. He received his A.B. in Business and Economics from Lafayette College and completed graduate work at Wharton, University of Michigan, Harvard Executive Education, and Rutgers University.