Committee

Belt Avenue founder David Allston has held senior business development roles at Harbour Group and MiddleGround Capital and has built deep relationships across investment banker, business broker, and trusted advisor networks. Belt Avenue is an outsourced business development firm that enables clients to leverage the firms deep relationships in the market to access deal flow without the requirement of bringing a full-time resource on board. Belt Avenue is currently sourcing opportunities across debt, manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, technology and software, services and consumer markets.

Jane Arnold serves as Co-Chair of Polsinelli’s Business Department. She focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions representing private equity sponsors, strategic purchasers and sellers extends across diverse industries with a primary focus on health care industry transactions. As a recognized advocate for women in the legal industry, Jane served as Chair for Polsinelli’s Women’s Empowerment Committee from 2015 through 2023.

Hunter is a Transaction Advisory Services Manager in CLA’s Specialized Advisory Services group. Hunter’s main area of focus is the Health Care & Life Sciences group, where he serves physician, dental, home health, clinical research organization, and med spa clients. Hunter has provided transactional, assurance, and consulting services to various health care clients throughout the continuum of care.

Alex is a strategic intelligence analyst, with a strong foundation in marketing, communications, and B2B business development. In his role as Director of Strategic Marketing for America’s Central Port, Alex is responsible for identifying new opportunities to further advance the mission of America’s Central Port, business attraction for the 1,200 acre industrial campus, and economic development for the Port's 200 square mile Port District.

Marilyn serves as the President of Bank of America St. Louis. As President, Marilyn is responsible for connecting the banking and investment resources offered through the eight lines of business to companies, families and individuals in St. Louis. She also leads the effort to deploy Bank of America’s resources to address social and economic concerns and build strong communities. Marilyn previously served as St. Louis Market Integration Executive before being named President of St. Louis.

Marilyn is the Business Banking Market Executive for the Gateway Market, serving private sector companies in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. In this role, she leads a team of relationship managers who deliver strategic financial advice and solutions to growth-oriented companies to improve cash flow, structure capital projects and manage debt, provide advice on international expansion and maximize company’s enterprise value. As a 37-year veteran of Bank of America, Marilyn has dedicated her career to delivering commercial banking services to both private and public sector.

With more than 30 years of experience and over $9 billion of value in successful M&A, capital raising and commercial finance transactions, Mike’s career has been dedicated to advancing innovation in agriculture where he now leads Cover Cress Inc., a St. Louis-based agribusiness developing a novel, climate-smart rotational winter oilseed crop called CoverCress®.

John is the President & CEO of PFI Holdings (d.b.a. PFI InStore), which owns and operates four manufacturing companies that produce in-store displays and fixtures for major retailers and brands. A portfolio company with over 350 employees in 5 different manufacturing facilities.  PFI InStore changed PE hands in August of 2023 with the exit of CFB and the investment of Merit Capital Partners and Onward Capital, both based in Chicago.  With a new capital infrastructure, PFI InStore has invested new facilities and equipment to increase capacity and efficiency.  John has built a reputation in turning around PE held companies in distress with sales focused leadership and rapid managerial development.

Andrew Fehlman joined Solarity in 2008 and leads the company today as CEO. Solarity’s mission is to make healthcare data accessible to all end users – The Provider, The Patient and The Payer. Solarity's artificial intelligence engine gives organizations across the healthcare spectrum the ability to find and make informed decisions from clinical information at scale. With innovations in artificial intelligence technology, we augment the ability to read, decipher, and understand patient information for more cost-effective and appropriate healthcare. Roughly 80% of healthcare data is unstructured and underused. Solarity helps organizations use all of their data for knowledge about patient health. This ultimately translates into more effective care delivery, lower costs, and streamlined processes.

Since 2008 Andrew's mission has been to earn the business of every healthcare system in America! Today Solarity is in use at (and endorsed by) many of the biggest names in healthcare.

Andrew graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and concentration in Entrepreneurship.

Rob is a Partner and fractional CMO with Chief Outsiders. He offers progressive global leadership experience and commercial awareness to create growth engines that drive profitability, improve productivity and focus on continuous improvement. Rob brings extensive experience with commercial equipment and consumer packaged goods manufacturers and wholesalers leading all aspects of business operations with focused leadership in marketing, new product development and omni-channel business development.

Linda Goldstein, Founder/CEO of Linda Goldstein Consulting LLC and former Mayor of Clayton, Missouri, is a trusted advisor to CEOs and executives. With over 20 years of leadership experience across private, public, and nonprofit sectors, she helps leaders grow. Recognized as a Most Influential St. Louisan, Linda holds degrees in Counseling Psychology and Public Relations.

Taylor Hall is Chief Legal Officer/Managing Director at Permanent Equity, a midwest-based private equity firm seeking long term investments in enduring companies with durable value propositions, strong leadership, and ambition for the future. At Permanent Equity, Taylor leads all transactions, from diligence to documentation to integration. Taylor also supports all portfolio companies with their legal and operational needs. Previously, Taylor was in private practice as a corporate attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions, with experience representing a broad array of buyers and sellers in a wide variety of both private and public transactions.

Keith was founder, chairman and president of Pretium Packaging, growing it into one of the largest plastic bottle manufacturers in North America. After selling it, he founded Alitus Partners, which provides small business owners with the capital and operating expertise to enhance growth and support infrastructure development. Alitus has a long-term strategy and invests in control positions in lower middle-market businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, industrial services and business services.

For 25 years Hal has worked with small and mid-market business owners helping them maximize their investment in people. He has experience working with early stage start-ups through multi-location mid-market operations. He has helped companies implement workforce development, streamline administration, improve compliance and contain the cost of benefits. His experience includes business ownership and management in publishing, advertising and telecommunications.

Since joining Cequel III in 2011, Mr. Haug has worked on corporate development, M&A, strategy, and finance initiatives for Cequel III and its past and present portfolio companies, including Suddenlink, TierPoint, StayLock, and the Cequel Family Office. In his current role for TierPoint, he also leads the product pricing team. Gus Haug serves on the board of directors of ATIS and previously served on the board of directors of DxContinuum, before its successful sale to ServiceNow in January 2016. Before joining Cequel III, Mr. Haug worked at U.S. Bank in the Media and Telecom lending group, then moved to the leveraged finance group. Mr. Haug earned a BSBA in Finance and MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. He continues to be involved with the institution, serving on the executive committee of the W Club, which supports school athletic programs, and guest lecturing in finance classes offered through the University’s Olin Business School.

Michael is a registered architect and CEO of HFW Companies. Michael is responsible for driving the company’s vision and culture, fostering big ideas, mapping the strategic plan, and removing obstacles that threaten to disrupt the company. He received a Bachelor of Architecture from City College of New York and a Master of Architecture from The Graduate Center, City University of New York.

Heath is a Principal at Broadview Group where he focuses on direct investments in private companies. Heath’s focus is leading the identification and execution of new private company investment opportunities. Once under management, Heath works with portfolio companies to provide the resources and guidance needed to achieve sustained, profitable growth.

As Chief Growth Officer at Anders CPAs + Advisors, Missy is responsible for strategy, business development and marketing. A Washington University MBA, she has a history of driving results in healthcare, consumer packaged goods, and civic non-profit organizations. She is passionate about St. Louis, specifically the revitalization of Downtown St. Louis.

Since joining Gilead Group in 2005, Kim has taken on increased responsibility and roles leading to her current position as Managing Director. Her work includes deal evaluation and execution, as well as working closely with portfolio company management teams in developing and executing their strategic plans. Kim also serves on the board of directors for two Gilead Group portfolio companies, Joink, and Realtime Results.

Prior to joining Gilead Group, Kim served as accounting manager at Reuters America. In this role, she provided communication cost support for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America markets. From 1999 to 2003, Kim served as a cable programming account manager at Charter Communications. In this role, she managed relationships with national cable programmers and conducted a variety of audit work.

She has a B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

With over three decades of experience in international tech investment, business scale-up and commercial real estate, Han Ko is a seasoned leader in the field. Leveraging his technology background, Han has successfully launched and managed multiple ventures in both the United States and Asia. His expertise spans venture capital investments in technology and innovation, as well as commercial real estate.

In recent years, Han and his company have solidified their presence in the global market, including significant $10M investment agreements with reputable high tech companies in various parts of the global market in high tech AI platform, visual image processing and ESG solutions, which were recognized by both the South Korean government and the U.S. market. Additionally, USAKO Group has invested in numerous high-tech companies specializing in AI, healthcare, biotech, fintech, blockchain and ecommerce.

As a second-generation commercial real estate investor, Han's background has equipped him to navigate and capitalize on strategic opportunities. USAKO Group, headquartered in the USA with an office in Seoul, South Korea, maintains a global partnership status and network, particularly in the South Korean market.

Driven by his passion for bridging the U.S. and South Korean markets, Han has spearheaded initiatives such as "Go Global with USAKO Group," in collaboration with the S. Korean Government, bringing multiple businesses to the Greater St. Louis market.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Han is deeply engaged in the economic development community and mentoring entrepreneurs, actively contributing to various EDO organizations and educational institutes. Currently, he serves as a board member of the St. Louis County Commission as a Commissioner, MO District of Export Council, Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and Southwest Illinois Investment and Trade Council. He has also served as a board member of a S. Korean presidential advisory council for the past 2 decades. In addition, he serves as a part-time faculty at a U.S. university in teaching and mentoring technology and investment. Through his dedication, Han continues to play a pivotal role in advancing regional economic growth, fostering international partnerships and grooming the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

Lee is managing partner of Smart Business Network Inc., a national events, media and marketing company founded in 1989, primarily responsible for expanding the company’s Aspire deal-making conference 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. 

Matthew LaMartina is a Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his career in the financial services industry in 1997 and joined Merrill® in 2004. Matt draws on nearly three decades of experience to help high-net-worth individuals and multiple generations of their families.

Brian Lord is co-founder and CEO at iSite Media. Brian leads the vision and growth of iSite's video signage network inside the most recognizable professional and D1 college sporting venues is the country. Previously, he worked for the world renown talent agency Creative Artist Agency (CAA) in their NFL devision and then followed that by a carrier as an entrepreneur, including a successful exit as co-founder of Chicago based Select Energy Partners.

Mark served as Chairman, President and CEO of Ansira from 2000 to 2017 where he led the business from a 50 person, $5.5M revenue stream to one of the three largest independently owned digital marketing businesses in America with more than 800 employees and approximately $130M in revenue. During that period, he led the Company’s transition through multiple recapitalizations, private equity partnerships and acquisitions. Prior to assuming control of Ansira, he was co-founder and principal in the St. Louis law firm of Behr, Mantovani, McCarter and Potter, P.C., where he advised clients on general corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and related matters. Most recently, he was a Senior Fellow in the Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative.  

A senior financial executive with 25 years of financial and accounting experience, Paul Martin was appointed chief financial officer at Perficient in August 2006. Prior to joining Perficient, Paul had most recently served as the interim chief financial officer at Charter Communications, Inc. Paul served as Charter’s principal accounting officer beginning in 2002, and has held senior executive finance roles at companies including Fort James Corporation, Rawlings Sporting Goods, and Arthur Andersen. Paul is responsible for all aspects of financial compliance, reporting and accounting at Perficient. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

Drew focuses on family owned businesses in the Midwest. He adds financial planning and succession planning depth to the team.

Drew had a successful career as a public accountant at Deloitte and Ernst & Young. Drew is a CEPA® (Certified Exit Planning Advisor^®) and a non-practicing CPA and with his broad background, he assists closely held businesses owners before, during, and after business transitions. This is often a multi-year process during which Drew and his clients build long lasting relationship.

Drew is married and has three kids. Drew and his wife Liz live in St. Louis and enjoy taking active roles in their community. They met at the University of Tulsa, where Liz played soccer and Drew was the captain of the football team and was recognized as a Verizon Academic All-American. Drew is passionate about building our nation’s next generation of leaders and does so by coaching youth football.

In 2011, Drew joined the finance committee of the Alzheimer’s Association of St. Louis and later joined the board. Alzheimer’s disease impacts both Drew and Liz’s extended families and they are hopeful to one day live in a world without Alzheimer’s.

Tom Meredith is a Partner at Brightstar and Member of the Investment Committee. He currently serves as Board Chair of ReMarkets, Vice Chair of Likewize and BrightCell, all Brightstar portfolio companies.

Tom’s career spans more than 35 years and includes extensive experience in corporate finance, manufacturing, finance operations, and global financial markets. Prior to joining Brightstar, Tom was Vice Board Chair of Likewize, which was sold to Softbank in 2014. He was a Co-founder and Chair of the Board of Managers of Meritage Capital, an investment management firm specializing in multi-manager hedge funds.

Prior to establishing Meritage in 2003, Tom served in various senior positions at Dell, including CFO, SVP of Business Development and Strategy, and Managing Director of Dell Ventures. Prior to joining Dell, he was VP and Treasurer for Sun Microsystems and Co-Founder and GM of Amdahl Capital Corporation.

Bill currently owns and operates a turn-key provider of systems integration services and distributor of process equipment in the Midwest. Prior to PCS, he purchased the assets of a distressed St. Louis based manufacturing company which he later sold after a complete turn-around. Additionally, Bill was a senior executive for a diversified, privately held middle market manufacturing company having key roles in Corporate Operations and serving on the Executive Staff of various business units within the portfolio. He has an MBA from the University of California and has been a board member for multiple businesses.

Jack serves as a Managing Director at Thompson Street Capital Partners, a St. Louis-based private equity firm focused on investing in founder-led middle market businesses in the Healthcare & Life Science Services, Software & Technology Services and Business Services & Engineered Products sectors. He leads the firm’s Deal Origination and Portfolio Support teams. Prior to joining Thompson Street, Jack served in the United States Army as an Infantry officer in Ranger, Airborne, and Mechanized units. He also subsequently managed a regional service sales force with Cintas Corporation, a national facilities service provider. Jack is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned his MBA from the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis.

Kumar Srinivasan, Ph.D., MBA, in his most recent role served as executive vice president and chief business officer at Turning Point Therapeutics with responsibility for corporate strategy and business development, including collaborations and alliances where he successfully lead the sale of the company to Bristol Myers Squibb for $ 4.1 billion.

Dr. Srinivasan has over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, most recently as vice president and global head of business development for the BioPharmaceutical business unit of AstraZeneca.

During his 9+-year tenure at AstraZeneca, Dr. Srinivasan was responsible for all in- and out-licensing, business development and alliance management activities within several therapeutic areas. During the pandemic Dr. Srinivasan lead the licensing and global supply agreements for the AstraZeneca’s vaccine and mAb cocktails and contributed significantly to the success of both these programs which made a tremendous impact on global health.

Earlier in his career Dr. Srinivasan held senior business development roles at Wyeth; Vivoryon (formerly known as Probiodrug), a publicly traded biotech based in Germany; and Torrey Pines Therapeutics.

He has a Ph.D from Case Western University in chemistry, did his postdoctoral work at Caltech and has an MBA with a concentration in finance and strategy from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Jake Sturdy is co-founder of ArchStar Capital. ArchStar takes a long-term, patient approach to building industry-leading companies, with a focus on long- term value creation rather than short-term, IRR-driven results. The founders of ArchStar work alongside our management teams to drive results and create sustained, durable growth over an extended period. Since 2004, Jake has dedicated his career to private equity investing and portfolio company operations.

Alan Taxman and his team bring you their financial knowledge in addition to the global investment capabilities of Merrill. With over 29 years in the financial services industry, Alan joined Merrill in 1996 and has been recognized industry wide including Forbes magazine. Along with individualized wealth management, Alan has experience with corporate benefit programs, including equity compensation, defined benefit, defined contribution and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also follows the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in our community.

Katie Thompson is co-founder and chief operating officer at Elemental Enzymes, founded in 2011. Elemental Enzymes develops sustainable biochemistries to address agricultural challenges such as drought, heat stress, disease mitigation, and fertilizer use efficiency. Katie leads the cultural vision and has performed several key roles as the company has grown including running the day-to-day operations, building of the team and facilities and investor and partnership establishment.

Paul Tibbitt is the chief executive officer at Ansira, the leading marketing platform for brands that operate in distributed ecosystems. Previously, Paul served as Global President at CJ, where he aided in the sale of the business to Publicis Groupe in 2019. Paul graduated from Clark University with a BA in Psychology, followed by an MBA in Marketing.

Brian Viehmann is CEO and a third generation owner of Gateway Dredging and Contracting. Gateway produces sand for the Construction Industry in the St. Louis area. They also provide Marine Support. This includes Boat Services, Rentals, and Dock Maintenance. Gateway has a sister company, Kimaterials, Inc. They supply sand and gravel to St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren Counties in Missouri. Brian has decades of experience managing the companies' generational transition.

Doug Wilber is the Chief Strategy Officer at Capacity, an AI-powered support automation platform. Wilber is an experienced AI and social media thought leader, skilled at guiding brands through digital transformation that preserves the authentic relationships core to many industries.