Private Equity Fast Pitch

Pat Maciariello is Chief Operating Officer of Compass Group and a member of Compass Diversified’s Investment Committee, which is responsible for evaluating all of the organization’s investment opportunities. In this role, he manages Compass’s investment teams and is responsible for financial and strategic oversight of its subsidiaries.  Pat is currently a director and the Chairman of BOA and Lugano Diamonds. He is also a director of 5.11, Inc., ErgoBaby, Altor Solutions,  and the Sterno Group.  Pat joined Compass Diversified in 2005. Before that, he was with Bain & Company and Deutsche Banc Alex Brown. Pat is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Columbia Business School.   He lives in San Juan Capistrano, CA with his wife, his two daughters, and their dog and cat, Rocky and Adrian. In his free time. he loves horse racing, fantasy football, hiking and doing escape rooms with his family. When he was younger (and fitter) he was an avid runner and completed eight marathons. 

Jeff Jenkins is a Founder and Partner of BCP. He serves as a member of the Investment Committee, serves on the Portfolio Committee and is involved in all areas of the firm’s investment activities. Prior to founding BCP, Jeff spent ten years working for The Shaw Group where he served many vital positions. During his tenure at Shaw, Jeff served as Chief Operating Officer of Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, where he was responsible for operations and business development. Prior to this role, he served as President of the Commercial, State, and Local group within the Environmental and Infrastructure division. Before moving into his operating roles, Jeff served as Vice President of the Office of the Chairman where he led overall corporate development and placed a special emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and business development efforts. Prior to joining Shaw, Jeff was a Corporate and Securities Attorney at Vinson & Elkins LLP where his practice focused primarily on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital, and public securities work in a broad range of industries. Jeff received his B.A. from Louisiana State University and his J.D. from Louisiana State University after attending law school at the University of Texas.

Mark is a founding partner and President of Alpine. Mark also co-founded ASG, the firm’s vertical SaaS platform. He has been involved as board member in over 25 past and present Alpine investments. Prior to Alpine, Mark has served in several CEO roles for venture and PE-backed businesses and has over 30 years of experience as an investor and operator. Mark received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University, where he graduated with honors and served as a four-year letter winner and captain of the baseball team.

Paul W. Swaney III is the founder of Swaney Group Capital, a private equity firm focused on revitalizing and scaling industrial companies in the lower middle market. He applies a hands-on approach to value creation, emphasizing efficiency, process optimization, and growth initiatives. His career began with service in the US Navy, followed by key operations roles at ConocoPhillips, Amazon, and Total Oil, where he refined his expertise in performance improvement. He transitioned to management consulting at McKinsey and then spent seven years as an operating partner at Partners Group, contributing to operational transformations and serving on the investment committee. In 2022, he founded Swaney Group Capital, leveraging his extensive experience to build and grow industrial businesses.

Jack Purcell, Managing Partner – Jack is a Managing Partner and member of the Management and Investment Committees at Ridgemont Equity Partners. He is primarily responsible for general management of the firm and additionally focuses on the group’s investment activity in the Business & Tech-enabled Services and Industrial Growth sectors, serving on the boards of a number of Ridgemont’s portfolio companies.  Jack joined Banc of America Capital Investors, the in-house private equity arm of Bank of America and predecessor partnership to Ridgemont, in 2002 and led investments across a variety of industry sectors including industrials, business services, and healthcare. He worked in various other roles throughout his BACI tenure.  Jack earned his M.B.A. from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Finance and a B.A. in Economics from Davidson College.

  Steve Gord, Partner, Hidden River Strategic Capital Steve Gord has over 25 years of experience in the small company investment business. He is one of the co-founders of Hidden River Strategic Capital, a Radnor, PA-based SBIC fund that invests structured junior capital into owner-operator run small businesses. From 2008-2020, Steve was a co-founder and general partner in the first two funds at SBIC Boathouse Capital. Earlier in his career, Steve spent five years at BDC American Capital Strategies investing in junior capital transactions, in the consumer investment banking group at Robertson Stephens, in the M&A and private equity practices at Compass Partners and in the investment banking group at Furman Selz.   Steve obtained a BA in economics from Dartmouth and an MBA from Tuck.

Steve Young a Partner, the Chairman and Co-founder of HGGC Steve is a Partner, the Chairman and Co-founder of HGGC. Steve is a member of HGGC’s Management Committee, Investment Committee and Valuation Committee. He serves as Chairman of the Board of three HGGC portfolio companies: IDERA, Integrity and AutoAlert. Prior to their sales, he also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the firm’s exited investments in hybris Software, Dealer-FX, Serena Software and Sunquest Information Systems. Prior to the inception of HGGC, Steve's professional football career spanned more than fifteen years in the NFL, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers, where he received numerous accolades, including Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXIX, Sports Illustrated and Sporting News' Player of the Year from 1992 - 1994 and the NFL's Most Valuable Player for 1992 and 1994. In 2005, Steve was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first left-handed quarterback to be so honored. When he retired, Steve was the highest-rated quarterback in NFL history and has the distinction of being the only signal caller in league annals to win four consecutive NFL passing titles. Steve founded and chairs the Forever Young Foundation which is actively involved in children's charities worldwide and is currently the broadcast host as well as the former International Spokesperson for the Children's Miracle Network, which has raised over one billion dollars world-wide to benefit children's hospitals.

Sunaina Sinha Haldea is the Global Head of the Private Capital Advisory group. Prior to joining Raymond James, she was the founder and Managing Partner of Cebile Capital, a placement agent and secondaries advisor, which was acquired by Raymond James, a Fortune 500 and NYSE-listed company, in May 2021. Under her leadership, Cebile Capital quickly became one of the leading advisors to private funds sponsors globally. In her tenure, Sunaina has executed fundraises for leading private equity funds and completed over a hundred secondaries transactions for GPs and LPs alike, including multifarious complex liquidity solutions. Ms. Sinha Haldea was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Private Equity by Dow Jones Private Equity News for consecutive years in 2022 and 2023.  Ms. Sinha Haldea is also a prolific angel investor and Non-Executive Director. She served as Chairman of the Board of Mindful Chef (now Nestle), and Chairman of the Board of Barrecore (now United Fitness Brands). She currently serves on the Boards of SFC Energy AG, listed on the Stoxx, and Grana LLC. Ms. Sinha Haldea has also been a Guest Lecturer at Stanford University serves on the boards of the Stanford Institution for Economic Policy Research and the Stanford LEAD Council. She has written and published case studies for the Stanford Technology Ventures Program in the Stanford School of Engineering. Ms. Sinha Haldea is a regular contributor on the financial markets and private equity on CNBC, Bloomberg, BBC and is often quoted in the media on market insights and private capital advisory. She has won numerous awards and accolades for entrepreneurship and leadership. Sunaina is passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She often credits meditation as the key to her success and has shared her personal and professional journey on podcasts. Ms. Sinha Haldea obtained a BS in Management Science and Engineering and an MS in Chemical Engineering, both from Stanford University where she was also a Mayfield Fellow. She has an MBA from Harvard Business School. In her spare time, Ms. Sinha Haldea is a keen wine enthusiast, having qualified as a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Masters Sommeliers.

In this special episode of Northstar’s Private Equity Fast Pitch, we shine the spotlight on our usual host, Jeff Henningsen, as he steps out from behind the microphone to become the guest of honor. Join Greg and Charlie as they delve into the fascinating life and career of Jeff, President and CEO of Lockton Companies – Texas Series. From his early days as a starting quarterback at the University of Missouri—where he once tackled the legendary Brian Bosworth—to his rise as a dynamic entrepreneur and influential leader in insurance and M&A, Jeff’s journey is a testament to his versatility and drive. Known for his engaging storytelling and leadership prowess, Jeff maintains his composure through a lively discussion, even as they touch on the legendary “lost” first taping attempt of this episode. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into Jeff’s life, exploring his beginnings in Maryville, Missouri, his philosophy on kindness, and the origins of Northstar. Discover how Jeff transitioned from mowing lawns and selling a lawn care business to becoming a prominent figure in private equity and M&A. Tune in for an engaging and insightful chat that reveals the mindset behind Jeff’s success and the principles that guide him.

During his tenure at OEP, Mr. Belinfanti has worked on a number of investments in the healthcare and business services industries and has led many of OEP’s healthcare transactions. Mr. Belinfanti is a member of the Board of Directors of AdaptHealth, Alorica, Ernest Health, Infucare RX, Montgomery Transport, and Prime Time Healthcare and has previously been a member of the Board of Directors of Apollo Health Street, ArthroCare, Celltrion Healthcare, EGS, OneLink, PS Logistics, Prodigy, Simplura Health Group, ResultsCX and Systagenix.  Mr. Belinfanti is a member of the Board of Directors of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and is a Board Member of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).  Prior to joining OEP, Mr. Belinfanti served as a Vice President in the Investment Banking division of Lehman Brothers, specializing in Global Healthcare. Mr. Belinfanti received his B.A. in Politics from New York University and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Adam Feinstein is the Managing Partner of Vesey Street Capital Partners.  Mr. Feinstein has 30 years of investment experience exclusively in the healthcare services sector. Prior to founding Vesey Street Capital Partners in 2014, he was a Managing Director on Wall Street and a healthcare industry executive. He held the position of Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Strategic Investments, and Office of the Chief Executive Officer at LabCorp. Before his tenure at LabCorp, he spent 14 years as the Managing Director in Equity Research at Lehman Brothers/Barclays Capital. Mr. Feinstein is the Chairman of VSCP’s investment committee. He is also actively involved in working with portfolio company executives and sourcing new investment opportunities. At the same time, he oversees all of the firm’s investment activities and employees. Mr. Feinstein’s footprint in the industry is notable, as he is currently the Lead Director of AirSculpt Technologies (NASDAQ: AIRS), ScribeAmerica, Safecor Health, GastroMD, Inceptua, and PathGroup. Previously, Adam served on the board of QualityMetric, Imedex, and Surgery Partners (NASDAQ: SGRY). From his extensive experience at Lehman Brothers and LabCorp, Mr. Feinstein has cultivated invaluable relationships within the industry.  He achieved the top ranking in the Institutional Investor All-America Research Survey for the Health Care Facilities category for 8 consecutive years. Adam is a CFA charter holder with a B.S. in Business from the Smith School at the University of Maryland. Additionally, he was a member of the Inaugural Class of Nashville’s Healthcare Council Fellows program.

Brad is a Partner of LMP and a member of its Investment Committee. He joined the firm in 2009. Prior to LMP, Brad was part of the Financial Institutions Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he focused on M&A and capital raising transactions for the firm’s investment banking clients. Previously, Brad was an Assistant Vice President in Bank of America’s Finance Group. Brad began his career in a strategic advisory group within Wachovia Corporation.   Brad is currently a member of the Boards of Directors of ACU-Serve, Omni Healthcare Financial, Pathstone, S&S Health, SRS Acquiom and STP Investment Services, and previously served on the boards of Commercial Credit Inc., First Allied Holdings Inc. and LSQ Funding.   Brad received an M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance and Accounting from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Devon Kirk is Co-Head & Partner, Portage Capital Solutions at Portage and joined the firm in 2022. Devon is responsible for co-leading growth equity, structured equity and special situations investments in financial technology and financial services companies globally, as well as driving the fund’s overall strategy. She is based in Toronto, Canada. Prior to Portage, Devon spent over ten years at CPP Investments, a C$539 billion fund as of March 31, 2022. She was most recently Managing Director & Head of Capital Solutions, overseeing financials, special situations and esoteric investments, and a member of the Global Leadership Team. Previously, Devon was a Managing Director in the Direct Private Equity team, where she focused on the financials and TMT sectors. While at CPP Investments, Devon was on the Board of Wilton Re, a Board Observer for Altice USA and served on various firm investment committees. Prior to joining CPP Investments, Devon was in Corporate / M&A at Linklaters LLP, a London-based multinational law firm, and started her career in M&A at BMO Harris Nesbitt in Chicago. Devon received a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with Great Distinction, from McGill University and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. She is also a CFA Charterholder and Chair of the Bishop Strachan School.

Today's special episode isn't just about giving advice. It offers valuable insights into life's journey, including the highs and lows, shared by top professionals in private equity and investment banking. We've put together a video showcasing college photos of our speakers, linking their past experiences to the present. Join us as we explore their paths and discover what it takes to fulfill your dreams. Featured guests: Chris Sznewajs, Pacific Avenue Capital (4:57) Marc J. Leder, Sun Capital Partners (9:52) Neha Markle, Morgan Stanley (14:31) Michael Bego, Kline Hill Partners (17:54) Christiaan van der Kam, Schroders Capital (24:47) Mark Sotir, Equity Group Investments (26:27) Jeff Collins, Cloverlay (29:10) Chris Burbach, Fundamental Income (33:08) Rami Cassis, Parabellum Investments (34:40) Christopher Merrill, Harrison Street (36:50) Ross Jones, Berkshire Partners (39:58) Jeffrey Stevenson, VSS Capital Partners (44:34) Pardis Nasseri, Palm Tree LLC (46:40) Michael Butler, Cascadia Capital (49:12) Drew Maloney, American Investment Council (50:45) Ben Fraser, Aspen Funds (52:21) Anthony Maniscalco, Investcorp (54:43) John Garcia - Solyco Capital (59:33) John Block - Unity Partners (1:00:44) Jesse Serventi - Renovus Capital (1:01:47) Nate Wasson - Halbar Partners (1:03:20) Scott Reed, HighVista Strategies (1:06:19) Gregory Bondick - Windjammer Capital (1:07:28) Jeffrey Miehe - Windjammer Capital (1:11:16)      

Jeff is a Managing Principal at Windjammer Capital, where he co-leads the firm’s Management and Investment Committees.  Together with the other Managing Principals, Jeff is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the firm and management of the investment staff, diligence/operating protocols, the partnerships, and administrative functions. Jeff received his BS in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University.   Jeff joined Windjammer in 2007 and has significant experience in private equity investing and mergers & acquisitions with over 30 years of experience in working solely with niche-oriented, middle-market companies. Prior to Windjammer, Jeff was a principal at an industrial-oriented private equity, where he was also a member of the firm's investment committee and was a principal at a Los Angeles-based M&A boutique firm where he provided strategic and M&A advice to middle-market entrepreneurial companies. He currently serves on the boards of AXH, Paragon Energy Solutions, IPS Group, Compex Legal Services, Vital Records Control, Mission Critical Electronics and Flinn Scientific; previously, he served on the boards of JWC Environmental, Infinite RF Holdings, and BBB Industries on behalf of Windjammer. 

Greg is a Managing Principal at Windjammer Capital, where he co-leads the firm’s Management and Investment Committees. Greg has over 30 years investment experience including 24 years of private equity investing since joining Windjammer in 2000 to help establish the firm’s East Coast presence. In conjunction with Windjammer’s other Managing Principal, he is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the firm and management of the investment staff, diligence/operating protocols, the partnerships, and administrative functions. He currently serves on the boards of BioXCell, Radix Wire & Cable, Fecon, Hilco Vision, TRG, Component Hardware Group and Propel Health; he previously served on the boards of Hermetics Solutions Group, Parts Town, Heritage Food Service Group, Advanced Instruments, Protective Industries (“Caplugs”), S.T. Specialty Foods, Rotex Holdings and Maxcess International. Prior to joining Windjammer, Greg was with Prudential Capital's Corporate Finance Group in Dallas, Texas, where he was responsible for originating, structuring and managing private debt and equity investments in companies located in the Southwest United States. At Prudential, Greg was involved in transactions aggregating approximately $2 billion spanning a variety of industries. Greg received his BBA from The University of Texas at Austin and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Scott is a Partner at HighVista Strategies where he co-leads the firm’s Private Equity strategy and is a member of the Private Equity Investment Committee. He joined HighVista in 2023 as part of its acquisition the former FLAG Capital Management business from abrdn. Prior to joining FLAG in 2007, Scott was a Principal at Portico Capital LLC, and a Senior Associate at J.H. Whitney & Co. Previously, he worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. Scott received a BA from Colby College and an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.

Nate Wasson is Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of HalBar Partners. Based in Chicago, Nate leads strategic fund initiatives related to the research and development of HalBar Partners’ investment theses. He is responsible for investment management, impact strategy, and leadership of the firm. He also serves as a Co-founder and principal member of Alvearia* and Founding member of the Angel/VC group Keiretsu Forum Chicago. Nate’s prior experience includes consulting with JPMorgan, Principal and Managing Director for Bank of Montreal’s US Private Bank, developer of Capital Group’s Midwest family office practice, and Senior Managing Director with Silicon Valley Bank. During his tenure developing investment platforms, strategies and office practice, he served as a subject matter expert in private equity, secondaries, impact investment potential and portfolio construction. Nate holds an undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and an MBA from the Yale School of Management with a concentration in asset management, where he studied under Nobel Laureate Robert Schiller, David Swensen, and AJ Wasserman.

Jesse Serventi is a founding partner of Renovus Capital Partners.  Founded in 2010, Renovus is a lower middle-market private equity firm specializing in the Knowledge and Talent industries. From its base in the Philadelphia area, Renovus manages over $1.5 billion of assets across its several sector focused funds.  Mr. Serventi is actively involved in all areas of the firm, including strategy, investing, value creation, talent development, and limited partner relationships.  Prior to co-founding Renovus, Mr. Serventi was an investment professional at Leeds Equity Partners and Citigroup Private Equity.  Mr. Serventi graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University with a B.A. in economics.

John Block is the Co-Founder and CEO Unity Partners, a Dallas-based private equity firm that partners investors and operators to build better together.