Committee

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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’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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.​

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

At Sway Impact, Zaria specializes in connecting, building, and supporting startup founders from pre-seed to Series A stages. Zaria is a passionate ecosystem builder with a background in cloud technology and startup consulting. After college, she launched her career at Amazon Web Services as an Early Stage Startup Cloud Consultant.

This experience ignited her desire to create and nurture ecosystems that facilitate resource sharing within the tech industry. Zaria’s unique blend of technical knowledge and entrepreneurial insight drives her mission to foster innovation and collaboration in the startup world.

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 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 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 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.

Proven leader with 20+ years of demonstrated success in banking, management and marcomms - managing and leading cross functional/virtual teams to strategize, plan and execute a variety of programs and initiatives that are significant in scope, complexity and risk. Recognized leader within the banking segment; often sought out by teammates and senior leadership for launching strategic plans based on analytical/technical expertise, tactical problem solving perspective, and tenacious follow-through.