The Human Element in M&A:  Navigating Financial and Psychological Impacts

Renee Milyiori is a Banker and Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Columbus, Ohio where she specializes in wealth management and exit planning, offering tailored financial strategies to high-net-worth clients. Her over 20 years of experience in financial services and deep understanding of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) allow her to provide strategic advice for business owners considering succession planning.

Renee's ability to connect complex financial concepts with practical strategies makes her an invaluable resource for her clients, ensuring their financial goals are met with precision and care.She has a strong focus on working with and connecting family members and professional advisors to ensure comprehensive and cohesive financial planning.

Renee holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Miami University.  She also holds multiple certifications, including CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), CPWA® (Certified Private Wealth Advisor), and CEPA® (Certified Exit Planning Advisor), which attest to her expertise and dedication to professional excellence.

Renee was elected President of ACG Columbus in 2024 and is the co-founder of the ACG’s Women in Transactions (WiT) group.  She has also been active in the ESOP Association and isan active member of the Conway Family Business Center, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the business community.

Dr. M founded her businesses in 2015 to teach clients the life changing skill of psychological flexibility. Last August she partnered in the opening of MiNDSET Ketamine Care to continue this mission using a psychedelic modality. Ask her about it! She started her career working with trauma survivors, now she works with business owners and their families. The same psychological flexibility skills that bring people back from the brink, helps leaders build companies and cultures that thrive.

Marc C. Elberson, Vice President at Stonehenge Partners, is responsible for negotiating transaction terms, performing due diligence, and providing analytical support for Stonehenge transactions and, for existing investments, working with Portfolio Company management teams, and monitoring Portfolio Company performance. Stonehenge Partners is an Ohio‐based private equity firm that focuses exclusively on the lower middle market. Stonehenge was founded in 1999 and has raised over $1.3 billion across six institutional funds.

Prior to joining Stonehenge Partners in January 2019, Mr. Elberson was a Transaction Advisory Senior Consultant with Plant Moran. Prior to this experience, Mr. Elberson was an Assurance Senior with Ernst & Young. Mr. Elberson graduated summa cum laude from Miami University where he received his B.S. in Accounting and Finance. Mr. Elberson also holds a CPA license (active status).

Jeff has worked with Insperity for 6 years and has been in the HCM industry for 11 years.   He was recently promoted to District Manager and is a Certified Business Performance Advisor, specializing in small and mid-size business growth, risk mitigation and revenue protection. Jeff Mers was previously a small business owner and insurance agent for 26 years; specializing in employer sponsored benefits and contribution strategies. He served 29 years in the Ohio Air National Guard and the United States Air Force as an aircraft maintainer and Senior First Sergeant. His tours of duty included, Desert Shield, Storm and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

His training as a First Sergeant in the Air Force and experience as a business owner affords him a strong blend of insight and expertise to help business executives align their people strategy with their organizational strategy - ultimately helping businesses run better, grow faster and make more money.

Jeff works closely within his community as a volunteer with many Veteran Service Organizations to assist with employment mentorship and business development opportunities.