The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in the D.C. Capital Region.
In addition, The D.C. Capital Region Dealmakers Hall of Fame recognized a class of dealmakers that has made an often-groundbreaking impact on their organizations, industries and the region over the course of decades in business.
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2024 class of winners September 26 at the D.C. Capital Region Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the D.C. Capital Region business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Steve Grem led Wise Consulting Associates, a company providing Human Capital Management and payroll support services. Wise Consulting was a 100 percent employee-owned company before its acquisition by RSM US, a subsidiary of H&R Block, on May 1, 2023. This acquisition enables RSM to deliver integrated workforce solutions, enhancing HR transformation and employee experience strategies for mid-market clients.
Stephen Krooth led Dominion Electric Supply Company, a distributor of commercial and residential lighting catering to the Mid-Atlantic market. Founded in 1940, Dominion Electric was acquired by Border States Electric on April 30, 2024, marking a significant transaction in the sector. Border States Electric, one of the largest ESOPs in the country with more than $4 billion in revenue, expanded its geographic presence on the East Coast through this acquisition. The partnership brings together two companies with a rich history and shared values.
Nasir Qadree founded Zeal Capital Partners, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage, tech-enabled companies in the sectors of health equity, financial technology, and the Future of Learning & Work. Over the past 24 months, Nasir has led numerous deals, including major investments in Humanly, Rising Team, ViuHealth, and Auxa Health. Combined, more than $49 million has been invested in those companies. His vision and leadership have helped shape innovative solutions in critical sectors.
As the CEO of Clarest Health, a provider of long-term care pharmacy services for patients in senior living facilities and homes, Hammad Shah has led the company through significant growth. He acquired CSS Health in 2022 to provide real-time insights for identifying vulnerable patients and ensuring medication adherence. Later that year, Clarest Health acquired Integrity Pharmacy, further expanding its services to help patients receive care at home. With 1,100 new hires in 2023 and the acquisition of Remedi SeniorCare in early 2024, Hammad has positioned Clarest Health as a leader in the post-acute care market.
Jeff White co-founded Gravy Analytics, a location-based customer intelligence platform that transforms location data into actionable intelligence for businesses. Earlier this year, on April 22, 2024, Gravy Analytics acquired Unacast, further strengthening their position as a leader in the industry. This acquisition enhances their offerings and positions Gravy Analytics for continued growth in the location intelligence space.
Social Impact Award Honorees
McKeever (Mac) Conwell II is the Founder and Managing Partner of RareBreed Ventures, a pre-seed fund focused on investing in exceptional founders, primarily outside of major tech ecosystems. Founded in 2020, RareBreed Ventures leads pre-seed startups, helping smaller companies grow and thrive. Mac's commitment to nurturing innovation is evident through his leadership roles at Femly and TEDCO, as well as his advisory work at Trailyn Ventures.
Lisa Friedlander is the Chief Revenue Officer at NEXT Law and co-founder of Citrine Angels, an angel group that provides capital to female founders across the country. A former attorney and entrepreneur, Lisa is also a strategic adviser to numerous startups and has co-founded My NEXT Raise, an investor readiness platform launching in Fall 2024. Lisa’s efforts extend beyond business, as she is a dedicated fundraiser for Children’s National Medical Center, raising over $2 million through her organizations.
Dahna Goldstein is an impact investor, serial social entrepreneur, and civic technologist. She co-founded Halcyon Venture Partners, a firm that invests in seed-stage ventures focused on climate, health, and equity. Dahna has made it her mission to increase access to capital for world-changing organizations, including her past role as Chief Investment Officer at Halcyon Incubator and founder of PhilanTech.
Andy Miller is Senior Vice President of Innovation and Product Development at AgeTech Collaborative. He leads innovation at AgeTech Collaborative from AARP, an accelerator dedicated to investing in cutting-edge sectors like health care technology, artificial intelligence, and digital health. With a mission to drive progress in the $45 trillion AgeTech global economy, Andy and his team have made over 40 investments in the last two years, fostering solutions that enhance the lives of aging populations.
Cee Smith is a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor who champions women and LGBTQ entrepreneurs. She is the CEO of Citrine Angels, the angel group that provides capital to female founders across the country, and Femme Fatale DC. Through Femme Fatale DC, which is an award-winning pop-up and retail incubator, Cee has supported countless ventures across tech, film, and retail, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame
Sujuan Ba is a Ph.D. and scientist turned CEO making an impact in cancer research worldwide today. She currently serves as the President & CEO of the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR), which provides scientists in the lab the critical seed funding they need to make game-changing discoveries in cancer detection, treatments and prevention, and ultimately, a cure for all cancers. Dr. Ba also co-founded the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund (AIM-HI) and has been its CEO since 2019. AIM-HI is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that provides oncology startups with the resources they need to drive innovative discoveries forward, out of the lab, to the clinics, and eventually to the people battling cancer. Since AIM-HI’s inception, almost two dozen oncology startups have received the critically needed seed investments. Dr. Ba also led the establishment of the AIM-HI Women’s Venture Competition in 2020, a first-of-its-kind program providing lifeline seed investment, critical coaching, and valuable networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Melisssa Bradley is the Founder and General Partner of 1863 Ventures, an accelerator firm that focuses on supporting businesses in sectors such as construction, food and beverages, retail, health care, and edtech. A serial entrepreneur and investor, Melissa’s expertise spans (impact) investing, social entrepreneurship, and venture capital, with a deep commitment to creating equitable opportunities for underrepresented founders. Beyond her work with 1863 Ventures, Melissa is also a professor, researcher, and a passionate advocate for social responsibility. She has made significant contributions to helping startups and emerging companies scale, while also serving as a board member and adviser to numerous organizations. Melissa’s dedication to empowering underserved communities through investment and mentorship is truly inspiring.
Tarrus Richardson is the Founder and CEO of IMB Partners, a private equity firm with a $1 billion portfolio across nine platform companies. With over two decades of private equity experience, Tarrus has invested more than $500 million in capital, completing over 20 platform buyouts and acquisitions. Tarrus is also known for his leadership in creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. He co-founded the Council of Urban Professionals, which fosters leadership development, and is the founding board chair of All-Star Code, a nonprofit focused on helping boys of color enter the technology industry. His dedication to investing not only in businesses but in people and communities makes him a trailblazer in both the private equity world and beyond.
Tien Wong is the CEO of Opus8 Inc., a private equity firm founded in 2002 that invests across sectors such as business process outsourcing, IT outsourcing, mobile technology, health care, and financial services. Tien is also recognized for his leadership in various ventures, including serving as Chairman of Tech2000 and CEO of Appnetic. Throughout his career, he has played an influential role in the tech investment community, serving on multiple investment advisory boards and supporting promising tech companies. Tien has been appointed to significant positions, such as the Maryland Venture Fund Authority, and serves as a guiding force behind several successful initiatives in technology and business services.
