People and M&A: Navigating Human Capital for Deal Success
Presented By: Armstrong Teasdale / Insperity
In any merger or acquisition, the success of the deal hinges on more than just financials—it’s about people. This panel will dive into the critical role that human capital plays in both pre- and post-deal phases, covering everything from leadership alignment and cultural integration to employee retention and HR strategy. Join experts from the fields of M&A, human resources, and organizational development as they explore key people-related issues that can make or break a deal. Learn how to manage the human side of M&A to ensure a smooth transition, preserve talent, and maximize long-term value.
Moderator:
Private Capital Development Director
Insperity
As the Private Capital Development Director for Insperity, Dannie leads business development efforts focused on the private equity, middle market, and mergers and acquisitions ecosystems. Insperity's focused human capital strategy helps companies protect their bottom line and grow top line revenue.
Panelists:
VP of Administration
Zavanna Energy, LLC
Carissa Berres has a passion for supporting people and creating culture. She has worked in administration, operations, and management, and seeks to build an environment where employees are encouraged to grow. Carissa began her time at Zavanna Energy in 2014 and has grown to her current position as VP of Administration. With this role, she has enjoyed the challenge of bringing all aspects of People Operations in house. She is currently working towards an M.S. in Human Resources Management.
Partner
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Jeremy Brenner is an experienced employment attorney and leader of the firm’s U.S. Employment and Labor practice area. He has served as a strategic business partner to employers for approximately 15 years, both as an HR consultant and as an employment attorney. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law - Management, was recognized as a Rising Star in Employment and Labor Law by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers® consecutively from 2014 to 2022, was selected for Missouri Lawyers Weekly's 2024 Power List for Employment Law, and was named an Up & Coming Lawyer by Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2017.
As a former co-leader of the firm’s national wage and hour/Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) practice, a substantial portion of Jeremy’s practice is devoted to wage and hour law. He has successfully handled many Department of Labor investigations around the country and litigated numerous misclassification, overtime, and minimum wage collective and class actions under the FLSA and other similar state laws. He has defended wage cases in state and federal courts across the country, including Missouri, Colorado, Florida, Tennessee, California, Arkansas and Texas. His experience also includes a variety of industries and employees, such as auto repair technicians, retail and restaurant managers, cable/satellite installers, health care workers, software engineers, manufacturing plant workers, and oil and gas workers.
CEO
Tensitron
I have over three decades of B2B experience and PE investment. I currently lead KTC Instruments and I am an Operating Partner in a private equity firm. My board tenure spans multiple organizations, focusing on audit and compensation committees. I write on value-based management, executive compensation, and strategy alignment, championing sustainable growth
Managing Partner
Black Lake Capital
Chad brings two decades of experience investing in private and public businesses. Prior to founding Black Lake, he was at leading private equity firms HIG Capital and AEA Investors, which manage over $60B collectively. He also invested in long/short global equities with SAC Capital and Tiger Cub, Fox Point Capital. Chad began his career as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company. He earned an MBA with Honors from the Wharton School and a BS in Chemical Engineering with Distinction from the University of Wisconsin.