*Designates employees of Graham Partners Operating Company (GPOC). GPOC coordinates the operations consulting services provided by operations executives and outside firms to the Graham Partners portfolio companies and funds. All other individuals are 3rd party contractors. For further information regarding GPOC, please refer to Part 2A of Graham Partners, Inc.’s Form ADV, available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.
Meet the team.

Elizabeth Atwood
Analyst
Elizabeth Atwood
Analyst
Elizabeth joined Graham Partners in 2020. At Graham, Elizabeth works on portfolio analytics and plays a key role in managing Graham Partners’ communications with its investors and other external relationships.
Elizabeth earned her B.B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in finance and strategy from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where she graduated with distinction.
A native from the Philadelphia area, Elizabeth enjoys rooting for Philly sports teams, spending time with family and friends, and trying new restaurants when not working.

Megan Barsella
Senior Associate
Megan Barsella
Senior Associate
Megan joined Graham Partners in 2018. At Graham, Megan sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Megan is closely involved with Graham Partners’ investments in Teamvantage and VPET. Her past and present board directorships include Medbio and Teamvantage.
Megan earned her B.S.B.A. in Finance and her B.A. in Economics from the University of Richmond, where she minored in Mathematics and graduated magna cum laude. As an undergraduate, Megan participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from Hudson, OH, Megan enjoys spending time with her friends and family, running, cycling, traveling, and cheering on Cleveland sports teams.

John Brennan
Analyst
John Brennan
Analyst
John joined Graham Partners in 2020. At Graham, John sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
John earned his B.S. in Finance with a secondary concentration in Alternative Investments from Fordham University, where he graduated cum laude. As an undergraduate, John participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from the Philadelphia area, John enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, playing soccer, traveling, and rooting for Philly sports teams.

Eric Ciarlante
Managing Director, Administration
Eric Ciarlante
Managing Director, Administration
Eric joined Graham Partners in 2013. At Graham, Eric oversees certain aspects of the firm’s operations, works on portfolio analytics and plays a key role in managing Graham Partners’ communications with its investors and other external relationships.
Eric’s past and present board directorships include Creative Mines.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Eric worked for Hamilton Lane. Previous to Hamilton Lane, he worked for InterBay Funding.
Eric earned his B.A. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh, and his M.B.A. from Villanova University. Eric also holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation.
A native of the Philadelphia area, Eric enjoys spending time with his family, and playing golf and baseball when not working.

Jason Crowl
Principal
Jason Crowl
Principal
Jason joined Graham Partners in 2013. At Graham, Jason sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Jason is closely involved with Graham Partners’ investments in Myers EPS, OptConnect, and VPET. His past and present board directorships include Abrisa, BrightPet, Comar, Gatekeeper, HemaSource, Mercer, Myers EPS, OptConnect, and VPET.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Jason worked for Paine & Partners. Previous to Paine & Partners, he worked for Credit Suisse in its Investment Banking Division.
Jason earned his B.S. in Mathematics with a Specialization in Economics from the University of Chicago, and his M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where he graduated as an Edward Tuck Scholar with High Distinction. As a graduate student, Jason participated in the Graham Partners Investment Theme Program, joining the firm full-time following graduation.
Originally from New Jersey, Jason enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Dennis Dunegan
Managing Principal, Growth
Dennis Dunegan
Managing Principal, Growth
Dennis joined Graham Partners in 2014. At Graham, Dennis sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Dennis is closely involved with Graham Partners’ investments in Desser, DTI, and EasyPak. His past and present board directorships include Acme, Desser, DTI, EasyPak, Tidel, and Universal Pure.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Dennis worked for Newstone Capital Partners. Previous to Newstone Capital Partners, he worked for Lehman Brothers in its Investment Banking Division.
Dennis earned his B.A. in English with a concentration in Information Science from Cornell University, and his M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where he graduated as an Edward Tuck Scholar. As a graduate student, Dennis participated in the Graham Partners M.B.A. internship program.
Originally from Florida, Dennis enjoys spending time with his wife and four children when not working.

Steven Graham
Chief Executive Officer

Steven Graham
Chief Executive Officer
Steven C. Graham founded Graham Partners in 1988 and serves as Chief Executive Officer. He oversees all of the activities of the private investment firm, including investment sourcing, evaluating, monitoring, and divesting. Steve serves on the boards of numerous portfolio companies of Graham Partners and on the firm’s Investment and Valuation Committees.
Prior to founding Graham Partners, Steve worked for Goldman, Sachs & Co. in its Investment Banking Division, and for the RAF Group. For the first decade after founding Graham Partners, Steve and his team oversaw corporate finance activities relating to operating interests associated with The Graham Group, managing merger, acquisition, and joint venture transactions for The Graham Group that were completed in Italy, France, Canada, The United Kingdom, Poland, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as major financings and the divestiture of a controlling interest in Graham Packaging Company to a Blackstone Group-controlled fund in 1998. During this period, Steve served as a member of both the Investment Committee and Advisory Board of The Graham Group, as an officer, board member, and Management Committee member of numerous Graham Group operating and investment entities, and as the Graham family trustee for trusts which owned direct or indirect interests in various Graham Group entities, a role he continues to serve in today.
Steve supports numerous causes philanthropically in the arts, athletics, dance, education and health care, including various scholarship programs for underprivileged youth. He also serves on the Advisory Boards of certain unaffiliated private investment funds managed by other general partners.
Steve earned his B.A. with a double major in Philosophy and English from Williams College in 1982, and his M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in 1986. While at Williams College, Steve was a three-sport varsity athlete (tennis, track, and skiing), and captain of the downhill ski team. Steve is still active in skiing, tennis, and other sports today.

Joe Heinmiller
Managing Principal
Joe Heinmiller
Managing Principal
Joe joined Graham Partners in 2007. Joe, along with the other Managing Principals, shares responsibility for all major aspects of Graham Partners’ investment process, including investment sourcing, structuring, and exiting, as well as working closely with portfolio companies to build lasting value. He also serves on Graham Partners’ Investment Committee.
Joe has primary oversight responsibility for Teamvantage. He also has coverage responsibility for the healthcare industry sector. His past and present board directorships include BrightPet, Desser, HemaSource, Infiltrator, Medbio, Mercer, Teamvantage, and Universal Pure.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Joe worked for Banc of America Securities in its Healthcare Investment Banking Group.
Joe earned his B.S. in Accountancy from Villanova University, summa cum laude. Joe graduated at the top of the business school class at Villanova and was his high school’s valedictorian.
Originally from Minnesota, Joe spends time with his wife and six kids when not working. Having been a collegiate football player at Villanova, Joe enjoys watching, coaching, and participating in all types of sports. He attempts not to get too excited at his children’s athletic activities.

Will Hesterberg
Associate
Will Hesterberg
Associate
Will joined Graham Partners in 2019. At Graham, Will sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Will earned his B.S. in Finance from The Pennsylvania State University with a Minor in History. As an undergraduate, Will participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from West Windsor, NJ, Will enjoys hiking and camping, traveling, and following Penn State football.

Cari Hills
Vice President, Talent Management
Cari Hills
Vice President, Talent Management
Bio in progress.

Krista Kissell
Analyst
Krista Kissell
Analyst
Krista joined Graham Partners in 2021. At Graham, Krista sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Krista earned her B.A. in Economics from Lafayette College, where she minored in Data Science and graduated summa cum laude. While at Lafayette, Krista was a member of the women’s soccer team. As an undergraduate, Krista participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from the northeastern Pennsylvania, Krista enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, playing soccer, traveling, and rooting for Philly sports teams.

Ismael Lahlou
Vice President, Growth
Ismael Lahlou
Vice President, Growth
Ismael joined Graham Partners in 2016. At Graham, Ismael sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Ismael earned his B.A. in Economics with minors in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated summa cum laude and as a Dean’s List student.
In his spare time, Ismael enjoys playing racquet sports and traveling with his wife. While at the University of Pennsylvania, Ismael was on the varsity tennis team. Ismael also competed on the professional tennis tour and was a member of the Moroccan Davis Cup team in 2011.

Chris Lawler
Managing Principal
Chris Lawler
Managing Principal
Chris joined Graham Partners in 1999. Chris, along with the other Managing Principals, shares responsibility for all major aspects of Graham Partners’ investment process, including investment sourcing, structuring, and exiting, as well as working closely with portfolio companies to build lasting value. He also serves on Graham Partners’ Investment Committee.
Chris has primary oversight responsibility for DTI and Desser. He also has coverage responsibility for the aerospace/defense industry sector. His past and present board directorships include Atlas, Desser, DTI, Dynojet, Schneller, Strata, and Western.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Chris worked for NationsBanc Montgomery Securities (now Bank of America Merrill Lynch) in its Financial Sponsors Group. Previous to NationsBank, he worked for First Fidelity Bank (now Wells Fargo) and for Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation in its Commercial Banking Group.
Chris earned his B.S. from the University of Richmond, cum laude, and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated as a Director’s List student.
Chris is originally from Cherry Hill, NJ. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two sons and two daughters.

Michael Limongelli
Analyst
Michael Limongelli
Analyst
Mike joined Graham Partners in 2021. At Graham, Mike sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Mike earned his B.B.A. in Finance with a minor in Philosophy from the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond, where he graduated summa cum laude. As an undergraduate, Mike participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from the Philadelphia area, Mike is an avid golfer who enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing guitar, traveling, and exercising.

Brittany Martin (Ek)
Director, Sourcing & Operations, Growth
Brittany Martin (Ek)
Director, Sourcing & Operations, Growth
Brittany joined Graham Partners in 2014. As a member of Graham’s Growth Equity team, Brittany is focused on sourcing new investment opportunities and working closely with companies to build value creation. Prior to this role, Brittany was a member of the Firm’s Operations Team, evaluating the portfolio company marketing presence and capabilities, and implementing strategies and process improvements to drive topline growth. Earlier in her career at Graham Partners, Brittany served on the Graham Partners Investment Team where she focused on investor relations and reporting.
Brittany earned her B.S. in Business Administration with a double major in Economics and International Business from Villanova University, where she graduated magna cum laude and as a Dean’s List student. As an undergraduate, Brittany participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from LA, Brittany recently relocated to Denver and enjoys traveling, skiing, and exploring the city with her husband and dog in her spare time.

Bill McKee
Chief Operating Officer
Bill McKee
Chief Operating Officer
Bill joined Graham Partners in 1990, serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, and is a member of Graham Partners’ Investment Committee, Gating Committee, and Valuation Committee.
Bill’s past and present board directorships include Abrisa, Dynojet, Eldorado, HB&G, NDS, and Schneller.
Prior to the formation of Graham I, Bill was integrally involved with corporate development activities relating to operating interests held by entities associated with The Graham Group – working on M&A transactions completed in Italy, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Poland, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as major financings, risk assessment and negotiation of many operating contracts and joint venture agreements. Bill also played a key role in the negotiation and structuring of the divestiture of a controlling interest in Graham Packaging Company to Blackstone.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Bill worked for Bear Stearns in its Investment Banking Division.
Bill attended Drexel University and Oxford University (Corpus Christi College) and earned his B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, magna cum laude.
A native of the Philadelphia area, Bill is a big Flyers, Eagles, and Phillies supporter, an avid golfer, and is on the Board of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia.

Christina Morin
Managing Principal, Investor Relations
Christina Morin
Managing Principal, Investor Relations
Christina joined Graham Partners’ investment team in 1998. She is a member of Graham Partners’ Investment and Valuation Committees, leads many initiatives at the firm, and serves on the boards of certain portfolio companies. Christina’s past and present board directorships include Abrisa, BrightPet, Eldorado, HB&G, Henry, Mercer, and Universal Pure.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Christina worked for W.Y. Campbell & Company, a division of Comerica. Previous to W.Y. Campbell & Company, she worked for Borders, Inc. in its Strategic and Financial Planning Division and for Goldman, Sachs & Co. in its Investment Banking Division.
Christina earned her B.A. with honors from the University of Virginia, where she was an Echols Scholar and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and her M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated as a Director’s List student.
A native of the Philadelphia area, Christina enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and horseback riding when not working. While at the University of Virginia, Christina was on the varsity polo team.

Rob Newbold
Managing Principal
Rob Newbold
Managing Principal
Rob joined Graham Partners in 1998. Rob, along with the other Managing Principals, shares responsibility for all major aspects of Graham Partners’ investment process, including investment sourcing, structuring, and exiting, as well as working closely with portfolio companies to build lasting value. He also serves on Graham Partners’ Investment Committee.
Rob has primary oversight responsibility for BrightSign, Gatekeeper, Myers EPS, and OptConnect. He also has coverage responsibility for the industrial technology industry sector. His past and present board directorships include B+B, BrightSign, Chelsea, Dynojet, Eberle, Eldorado, Gatekeeper, HB&G, Henry, Infiltrator, Myers EPS, NDS, OptConnect, SP Industries, Tidel, and TransAxle.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Rob worked for Investcorp in its Private Equity Group. Previous to Investcorp, he worked for Goldman, Sachs & Co. in its Investment Banking Division, and also previously worked at McKinsey & Co.
Rob earned his B.S. and his M.A. in Accounting, with honors, from the University of Texas, and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Ford Fellow, first-year co-valedictorian, and graduated as a Palmer Scholar.
Born in England and raised in Illinois, Rob enjoys spending time with his three children and has competed in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Rob’s philanthropic involvement includes Autism Speaks. He is also Co-Chairman of Wharton Private Equity Partners and previously served as Chairman of the Wharton Alumni Executive Board.

Alyssa Norton
Vice President
Alyssa Norton
Vice President
Alyssa joined Graham Partners in 2017. At Graham, Alyssa works on portfolio analytics and plays a key role in managing Graham Partners’ communications with its investors and other external relationships. Prior to Graham, Alyssa worked at Permit Capital Advisors as an associate on its client services team.
Alyssa earned her B.S. in Business & Enterprise Management with a concentration in Business Law and a minor in Political & International Affairs from Wake Forest University, where she graduated magna cum laude. As an undergraduate, Alyssa participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
A native of the Philadelphia area, Alyssa enjoys playing tennis, reading, and hiking with her dog when not working.

Daniel O’Sullivan
Analyst
Daniel O’Sullivan
Analyst
Dan joined Graham Partners in 2021. At Graham, Dan sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Dan earned his B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated summa cum laude. As an undergraduate, Dan participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from the New Jersey suburbs, Dan enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, working out, singing, reading, and watching NBA basketball.

Mitchell Parrott
Associate
Mitchell Parrott
Associate
Mitchell joined Graham Partners in 2019. At Graham, Mitchell sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Mitchell earned his B.S.B.A. with a double major in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance and a minor in Integrated Technology from the University of South Carolina, where he graduated summa cum laude. As an undergraduate, Mitchell participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from Maryland, Mitchell enjoys spending time with his friends and family, slalom water skiing, traveling, and fishing.

Nish Patel
Associate
Nish Patel
Associate
Nish joined Graham Partners in 2021. At Graham, Nish sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Nish served as an Investment Banking Senior Associate at PNC Bank.
Nish earned his B.S. in Finance from Penn State University with a minor in International Business.
Originally from India, Nish enjoys golfing, powerlifting, rooting for Philly sports teams, and making travel YouTube videos.

Adam Piatkowski
Managing Principal, Growth
Adam Piatkowski
Managing Principal, Growth
Adam joined Graham Partners in 2004. Adam, along with the other Managing Principals, shares responsibility for all major aspects of Graham Partners’ investment process, including investment sourcing, structuring, and exiting, as well as working closely with portfolio companies to build lasting value. He also serves on Graham Partners’ Investment and Gating Committees.
Adam has primary oversight responsibility for VPET and EasyPak. He also has coverage responsibility for the packaging industry sector. His past and present board directorships include ABX, Comar, EasyPak, The Masonry Group, Mitten, Schneller, Tidel, and VPET.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Adam worked for Monitor Asset Management and for Monitor Group.
Adam earned his B.A. with honors in Economics from Williams College.
Outside of the office, Adam enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and mountain biking on the trails of Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Park. While at Williams College, Adam was captain of the rugby team.

Josh Pompan
Senior Associate
Josh Pompan
Senior Associate
Josh joined Graham Partners in 2018. At Graham, Josh sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Josh’s past and present board directorships include HB&G and Woodland Foods.
Josh earned his B.S. in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Health Care Management and Policy from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated magna cum laude. As an undergraduate, Josh participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from the central coast of California, Josh was a two-time captain of the University of Pennsylvania varsity tennis team. He is an avid sports fan, and enjoys playing tennis and golf.

Courtland Scaccetti
Director of Business Development
Courtland Scaccetti
Director of Business Development
Courtland joined Graham Partners in 2013. At Graham, Courtland sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies. His present board directorships include Giraffe and VPET.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Courtland worked for Sixpoint Partners, LLC.
Courtland earned his B.S. with a double major in Finance and Economics and a minor in History from Arizona State University, where he graduated magna cum laude and as a Dean’s List student.
A native of the Philadelphia area, Courtland enjoys traveling, fishing, playing sports, and spending time with his family when not working.

Michael Sheridan
Analyst
Michael Sheridan
Analyst
Michael joined Graham Partners in 2021. At Graham, Michael sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Michael earned his B.B.A. with a concentration in Finance from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he graduated summa cum laude. As an undergraduate, Michael participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from the Philadelphia area, Michael enjoys spending time with family and friends, mountain biking, traveling, and hiking.

Max Schieferdecker
Analyst
Max Schieferdecker
Analyst
Bio in progress.

Andrew Snyder
Managing Principal
Andrew Snyder
Managing Principal
Andrew joined Graham Partners in 2007. Andrew, along with the other Managing Principals, shares responsibility for all major aspects of Graham Partners’ investment process, including investment sourcing, structuring, and exiting, as well as working closely with portfolio companies to build lasting value. He also serves on Graham Partners’ Investment Committee.
Andrew has primary oversight responsibility for Woodland Foods. He also has coverage responsibility for the consumer / food technology industry sector. His past and present board directorships include B+B, BrightPet, EasyPak, Eberle, Giraffe, Mercer, TransAxle, Universal Pure, and Woodland Foods.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Andrew worked in private equity for Concert Capital Partners and in investment banking for Adams Harkness, Inc.
Andrew earned his B.A. in Political Science from Amherst College, and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. As a graduate student, Andrew participated in the Graham Partners M.B.A. internship program.
A native of the Philadelphia area, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys, and playing golf and squash when not working. While at Amherst College, Andrew was on the varsity squash and lacrosse teams.

Michael Stewart
Vice President
Michael Stewart
Vice President
Mike joined Graham Partners in 2015. At Graham, Mike sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
His past and present board directorships include Acme, BrightSign, DTI and Gatekeeper.
Mike earned his B.A. in Political Science from Swarthmore College. As an undergraduate, Mike participated in the Graham Partners internship program for two summers.
Originally from the Philadelphia area, Mike enjoys spending his spare time playing soccer and reading. While at Swarthmore College, Mike was on the varsity soccer team.

William Timmerman
Managing Principal
William Timmerman
Managing Principal
William joined Graham Partners in 2008. William, along with the other Managing Principals, shares responsibility for all major aspects of Graham Partners’ investment process, including investment sourcing, structuring, and exiting, as well as working closely with portfolio companies to build lasting value.
William has primary oversight for ABX and is closely involved with Graham Partners’ investment in HB&G. He also has coverage responsibility for the advanced building materials and power management industry sectors. His past and present board directorships include Abrisa, ABX, Chelsea, Comar, Creative Mines, HB&G, Henry, SP Industries, and Supreme Corq.
Prior to joining Graham, William worked for UBS Securities in its Mergers and Acquisitions Group.
William earned his B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Vanderbilt University.
Originally from South Carolina, William enjoys spending time with his family and golfing when not working.

Luke Vargo
Analyst
Luke Vargo
Analyst
Luke joined Graham Partners in 2020. At Graham, Luke sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and also provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Luke earned his B.S. in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Ohio State University. As an undergraduate, Luke participated in the Graham Partners internship program.
Originally from Dublin, OH, Luke enjoys golfing, reading, and spending time with his family and friends when not working.

Josh Wilson
Managing Principal
Josh Wilson
Managing Principal
Josh joined Graham Partners in 1999. Josh, along with the other Managing Principals, shares responsibility for all major aspects of Graham Partners’ investment process, including investment sourcing, structuring, and exiting, as well as working closely with portfolio companies to build lasting value. He also serves on Graham Partners’ Investment and Gating Committees.
Josh has joint coverage responsibility for the healthcare and life sciences subsector. His past and present board directorships include Acme Cryogenics, Dynojet, EasyPak, Exteria, HemaSource, Infiltrator, Line-X/IXS, Medbio, Strata and Teamvantage.
Prior to joining Graham Partners, Josh worked for Chase Securities, Inc. in its Global Investment Banking Division.
Josh earned his B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University, cum laude.
A native of the Philadelphia area, Josh enjoys spending time with his family, serving on the Nether Providence Soccer board, and golfing.

Stephen Wittmann
Senior Associate
Stephen Wittmann
Senior Associate
Steve joined Graham Partners in 2021. At Graham, Steve sources and evaluates new investment opportunities and provides ongoing support and oversight for a number of Graham Partners’ current portfolio companies.
Previously, Steve served as a Senior Associate at Fort Point Capital. Prior to that, he spent two years in investment banking as an analyst at Stephens, Inc.
Steve earned his B.A. in Accounting from the University of Mississippi and went on to earn his M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
Originally from Mississippi, Steve enjoys spending time with his family and indulging his passion for cars through Cars & Coffee and performance driving events.
*Designates employees of Graham Partners Operating Company, LLC (GPOC). GPOC employs certain personnel who provide fund accounting, reporting, IT, and valuation services. All others are employees of Graham Partners, Inc. For further information regarding GPOC, please refer to Part 2A of Graham Partners, Inc.'s Form ADV, available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.
*Designates 3rd party contractor, not an employee of Graham Partners, Inc.
*Designates employees of Graham Partners Operating Company, LLC (GPOC). All others are employees of Graham Partners, Inc. For further information regarding GPOC, please refer to Part 2A of Graham Partners, Inc.’s Form ADV, available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.
Senior Industry Advisors
Peter Dachowski
Peter Dachowski
Senior Advisor / Industry Specialist - Building Products
Peter is a senior financial and global management executive with over 25 years of experience in the building products sector. Peter spent much of his career at CertainTeed Corporation, where he most recently served as Chairman and CEO. CertainTeed Corporation, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, is North America’s leading manufacturer of exterior residential and building envelope construction products.
As CEO of CertainTeed, Peter led key initiatives focused on innovation, quality, and distribution channel strategies. He directed significant expansion into Canada, established an industry-first building science team, and launched a continuing stream of product innovations. Previously, Peter served as President of Saint-Gobain’s worldwide insulation business, based in Paris. In this role, Peter launched a number of key strategic and business development initiatives, specifically: to expand the business footprint particularly in Eastern Europe and Russia, expand the suspended ceilings business, restore the profitability of the stone wool business, develop a common global brand identity and consolidate the company’s world leadership position in these product areas. Prior to joining CertainTeed, Peter worked with Exxon in its Treasurer’s department and the Boston Consulting Group.
Peter currently serves on the boards of directors of Masonite International (NYSE-DOOR), PE-backed Barrette Outdoor Living, family-owned Ball Horticultural Company, and the Foreign Relations Policy Institute. He has served on the executive committee of the advisory council to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the advisory council to the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, and the board of directors of the National Building Material Distributors Association (NBMDA) and is an emeritus board director of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association. He is a long-time member of YPO/YPO Gold.
Peter earned a First-Class Honors degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge in the U.K. and his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, where he received the Wall Street Journal Award for Excellence in Finance.
Donald Graham
Donald Graham
Senior Advisor / Industry Specialist -
Packaging, Building Products and Capital Equipment
Don is the founder of The Graham Group, an alliance of industrial businesses and investment management firms, each of which traces its roots to a design engineering firm founded in Central Pennsylvania by Don in 1960 in the basement of his York County farmhouse.
The Graham Group’s three legacy industrial businesses, Graham Packaging, Graham Engineering, and Graham Architectural, operate globally and collectively generate several billion dollars in annual revenue. The Graham Group has also spawned multiple independent investment businesses which today manage several billion dollars in internal capital for Graham and 3rd party capital for external institutional investors. Graham Capital manages an endowment-style portfolio of investments in marketable securities and alternative investment funds for The Graham Group, while also overseeing Graham Engineering and Graham Architectural. Graham Partners and Inverness Graham are independent Registered Investment Advisors, managing committed capital under private equity structures for institutional investors, including leading university endowments, charitable foundations and pension funds. Graham Software Development and Striker Partners manage internal Graham Group capital and make direct investments in a variety of sectors, including software development/information technology, healthcare, education and sports.
Don earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering & Business Management from the University of Michigan, where he remains actively involved on a philanthropic and volunteer basis. Don was inducted into the University of Michigan Engineering Honorary Societies; Pi Tau Sigma and Sigma Rho Tau. Don currently serves on the President’s Advisory Group for the University, founded the University’s Graham Sustainability Institute, and serves as an active volunteer in several areas including the University’s College of Engineering and Athletic Department. He has also received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from both York College of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan and is an Honorary Penn State Alumnus.
A committed supporter of educational, community, cultural and environmental projects, Don has funded programs at many other institutions, including Dartmouth College and York College of Pennsylvania (including the Graham Business School and the Graham Innovation Scholars Program), Penn State York (including the Graham Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Studies), the University of Pennsylvania (including the Penn Museum), the York YMCA’s Graham Aquatic Center, and Burke Mountain Academy (including the Graham Family Endowment).
Don has been active in many professional groups including the Young Presidents Organization, Chief Executive Officers, World Business Council, American Business Council, and the Recycling Advisory Council, and has served on numerous corporate and philanthropic boards including chair of the Board of Trustees of the Mpala Foundation in Kenya, which is involved in a health clinic, school, research center, ranch, and wildlife conservancy. He is a member of the Plastics Hall of Fame and recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Plastics Engineers.
Don is married with five children and seventeen grandchildren.
Thomas Portland
Thomas Portland
Senior Advisor / Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Tom is a Senior Advisor and industrial technology specialist with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of general management, business development, sales and marketing, applied research and development, strategic planning, and business transformation on an international scale.
Tom spent most of his career with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., an international supplier of industrial gases, chemicals, and related equipment with annual sales of approximately $10 billion, operations in 35 countries, and 20,000 employees. Most recently, Tom served as Vice President and General Manager of Air Products’ $1.4 billion Bulk Gases Division, where he had P&L responsibility and led the development and implementation of a new business model for the division. He also served as head of marketing for the company’s $5 billion global gases business, spanning 35 countries with 12,000 employees and 250,000 customers. Prior to this role, Tom worked for five years as Vice President and General Manager for Air Products’ global $1 billion General Industries and Metals Division. Prior to that, Tom spent several years in different leadership roles at Air Products, including managing its $300 million European Onsites, Equipment, and Energy Division in London; its $200 million Global Equipment Group; and its $150 million Texas Gases Group.
Tom’s past Graham Partners board directorships include IXS.
Tom received his B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University and has taken several advanced business courses at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, and the University of Chicago.
Fred Thiel
Fred Thiel
Fred is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of operating experience leading companies in the technology, data communications, Internet, M2M, automation, Big Data, digital media and software industries. He has repeatedly driven rapid growth and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in shareholder value. Fred is a respected expert and frequent speaker on the Internet of Things (IoT) and the digital transformations of companies and industries, providing deep technology industry expertise and strategic advice on transformational value creation – the process of generating growth and shareholder value. He has served in various roles, including public/private company CEO, board member, strategic advisor, private equity firm principal and senior advisor/operating partner.
Fred has been an advisor to Graham Partners since 2008 and has served as Executive Chairman of B+B SmartWorx, a formerly-owned Graham Partners portfolio company. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Graham Partners portfolio company OptConnect. Fred is a member of the Gold Pacific Region’s Young President’s Organization (YPO) and incoming chair to the YPO Technology Network. He has also taught as a guest lecturer at the University of San Diego Business School, the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, and the Merage Foundation. Fred attended classes at the Stockholm School of Economics and executive classes at Harvard Business School and is fluent in English, Spanish, Swedish and French.
Industry Specialists
Industrial Technology
Glen Allmendinger
Glen Allmendinger
Industry Specialist - Internet of Things
Glen is the founder and President of Harbor Research, a management consulting firm with offices in San Francisco, Boston, and London. Harbor Research focuses on the strategic issues faced by suppliers and adopters of high technology products and services. Since the firm’s inception in 1983, Glen has worked closely with a broad spectrum of telecommunications, information systems, electronics, and automation companies in North America, Europe, and the Far East. Glen co-authored what is considered to be one of the most influential thought leadership pieces on the subject of smart services in the Harvard Business Review, October 2005, titled “Four Strategies in the Age of Smart Services.”
Glen received his B.A. from New York University and completed graduate studies at M.I.T.’s Center for Advanced Media Studies (forerunner of the Media Lab). He was a key participant in the planning and development of the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, has worked extensively with the SEMATECH consortia, and has consulted to the National Research Council on technology and competitiveness.
Stan Borowiec
Stan Borowiec
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
With over 30 years of experience, Stan brings his extensive knowledge of industrial gases to the Graham Partners portfolio companies. Currently with SPB Group, LLC, he provides sales and marketing consulting services to global companies. Stan serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Acme.
Previously, Stan held various management positions over a 30-year career at Linde Group, a $20 billion global industrial gas company, including Director, Helium; Vice President, Compressed Gases; and most recently, Vice President, Strategic Product Management.
Stan received his B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University School of Engineering. He also received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School with distinction. Stan serves on the board of directors for the United Way of Greater Union County and previously served on the School of Engineering & Applied Science’s Board of Visitors at Columbia University. He is also on the board of trustees for Caldwell University.
Bill Cerami
Bill Cerami
Industry Specialist - Aerospace
Bio in progress.
Brand Elverston
Brand Elverston
Industry Specialist - Technology
Brand brings over 20 years of experience in the asset protection space and served for over 11 years as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. He currently serves as a Senior Consultant for PERFORM Alliance, a retail strategy consulting firm, as well as a Principal at Elverston Consulting, LLC. He also currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Gatekeeper.
Previously, Brand spent 21 years working for Walmart, where he held various loss prevention and asset protection roles. Over the years Brand has presented at countless conferences around the world on topics ranging from corporate strategy and technology to leadership principles and industry trends.
Brand earned his B.A. in criminal justice from the University of Alabama and went on to earn his M.B.A. from Oklahoma State University.
Bill Foley
Bill Foley
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Bill is a creative executive leader with over 25 years of lighting and electrical industry experience and a track record of success in business turnaround and optimization. He is recognized as an industry expert and known for his strategic vision, marketing acumen, product development, and application expertise. Bill currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Myers EPS.
Throughout his career, Bill has held leadership positions with major lighting conglomerates such as Cree, Eaton/Cooper and Hubbell. His roles have encompassed full functional P&L responsibility, as well as marketing, brand management, product development, customer service and business development functions. Bill is founder and President of Creative Epicenter, a business services consultancy catering primarily to the lighting and electrical industry.
Bill holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Architectural Engineering and Architecture from The University of Kansas with an emphasis in illumination and electrical systems. In his free time, Bill supports philanthropies including Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Habitat for Humanity, the University of Kansas department of Architectural Engineering, and the Duke University Career Center.
David Galuska
David Galuska
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Bio in progress.
Scott Glickman
Scott Glickman
Industry Specialist - Aerospace
Scott brings over 25 years of operational experience to Graham’s portfolio companies. He has served as a Senior Operating Partner with Graham Partners for a number of years, most recently serving on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Desser.
Scott is a co-founder of Ardent Investors, and prior to his work with Graham Partners served as a Director on TPG Capital’s operations team where he was involved in all aspects of the investment cycle inclusive of due diligence, operational transformations, merger integrations, and the coaching of portfolio management teams. Previous to TPG, Scott was an Executive at Pratt & Whitney (a United Technologies Company) where he held a variety of roles including General Manager of multiple aftermarket companies in Singapore and the Director of Worldwide Quality for the multi-billion dollar commercial engine business. Scott has extensive training in and experience with implementing the Toyota Production System, the Danaher Business System and United Technologies’ ACE program.
Scott earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and BA with honors from the University of Pennsylvania where he was a Benjamin Franklin Scholar.
Grant Hintze
Grant Hintze
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Bio in progress.
John C. Horn
John C. Horn
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
John is a proven Internet of Things (IoT) Executive and Leader. Having built successful companies and teams for over 18 years in the Connected Ecosystem, John has been recognized as an M2M Pioneer, a Most Admired CEO, and by INC. Magazine as a top ten speaker: “Who Will Wow Your Crowd.” Currently, John sits on multiple company and community boards and enjoys being able to help others reach their goals. John serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, OptConnect.
Previously, John served as President of RacoWireless and CEO of Ingenu. John believes that the right group of people build profitable companies and has been able to maintain a core team of leaders through different companies for nearly two decades. Whether it was building the first IoT Team at T-Mobile, growing RacoWireless to a highly respected industry leader, or building a new global brand, creating the right culture and empowering the right people is what makes the difference.
John received his B.A. in Political Science from University of California, Davis.
Kevin Hunter
Kevin Hunter
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Bio in progress.
Michael Lamb
Michael Lamb
Industry Specialist - Retail / Loss Prevention
Bio in progress.
Gary Landry
Gary Landry
Industry Specialist – Technology
Gary has over 28 years of technology industry experience. Most recently Gary served as the President and CEO of Tidel, a former Graham Partner’s portfolio company that provides secure cash management and loss prevention solutions to the retail industry. During his five year tenure at Tidel, he led two successful Private Equity sales transactions. He also currently serves on the Advisory Council for two Graham Partners portfolio companies — Gatekeeper and OptConnect.
Previously, Gary was President of Brink’s – U.S., a worldwide leader of secure logistics and cash management solutions for over 22 years. The last four years at Brink’s, he served as Executive Vice President – International, where he led acquisition teams and negotiated joint ventures across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Karl Langhorst
Karl Langhorst
Industry Specialist - Technology
Karl brings 40 years of experience in retail crime and loss prevention. He currently works as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Cincinnati’s School of Criminal Justice, where he instructs on retail loss prevention and corporate security. He currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Gatekeeper.
Karl also currently serves as a Senior Advisor at Alto USA, where he worked previously as Executive Vice President and Vice President of Innovation. Karl has also held senior loss prevention-related roles for The Kroger Co. and Safeway. Prior to Safeway, he served as Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Constable for the County of Dallas, Texas.
Karl earned his B.A. in Political Science from The University of Texas at Arlington and went on to earn his master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is board certified as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) by the American Society of Industrial Security a Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI) awarded by the Center for Interviewer Standards & Assessments and Loss Prevention Certified (LPC) by the Loss Prevention Foundation.
Michael Lawler
Michael Lawler
Industry Specialist - Retail / Loss Prevention
Bio in progress.
Thomas Lichtenberger
Thomas Lichtenberger
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Thomas has over 25 years of experience as a strategic advisor and senior management executive. He has a strong 15-year track record of generating sustainable sales growth in the dynamic, global automation technology marketplace. Thomas is the owner and President of Bluestrive LLC, a management consulting firm, and currently serves as Partner of Executive Business Leadership for Altix Consulting, a boutique management consulting firm that helps small and middle-market industrial companies compete globally. Thomas also currently advises Graham Partners on its investment in Kinova, a manufacturer of collaborative robotic arms.
Previously, Thomas served as CEO of Festo Didactic Inc., a leading provider of advanced solutions for technical and industrial education, where he was responsible for all market and sales activities in North America. Prior to Festo Didactic, Thomas served as President and CEO of Festo Canada, where he oversaw all business activities of the automation market. Thomas also held several executive management positions in Festo’s headquarters in Germany before relocating to Canada
Thomas holds an executive M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business Administration in Zurich, Switzerland; a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Applied Science in Karlsruhe, Germany; and a B.S. in Business Engineering from the University of Applied Science in Esslingen, Germany.
Peter Linneman
Peter Linneman
Industry Specialist - Building Products
Dr. Peter Linneman is the founding Principal of Linneman Associates, KL Realty and American Land Funds and is the Albert Sussman Emeritus Professor of Real Estate, Finance and Business Public Policy at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of Wharton’s faculty for 35 years, founding Wharton’s Real Estate Department and the Zell-Lurie Real Estate Center. He is the founding co-editor of The Wharton Real Estate Review and has published over 100 articles during his career.
Dr. Linneman is widely recognized as a leading strategic thinker and investor, and has been cited as one of the 25 most influential people in real estate by Realtor Magazine, as well as one of the 100 most powerful people in New York real estate by the New York Observer. He is a highly sought-after speaker, appearing as the keynote speaker at numerous major industry conferences.
His quarterly research publication, The Linneman Letter, has been perhaps the most highly regarded publication in the real estate industry for over a decade. His book, Real Estate Finance and Investments: Risks and Opportunities, has been adopted at over 150 leading universities and is the leading primary reference source in real estate finance and investment.
He has served as Senior Managing Director of Equity International Properties, Vice Chairman of Amerimar Realty and the Chairman of the Board of Rockefeller Center Properties. In this latter capacity, he led the process of foreclosing on its Japanese owners and the successful sale of Rockefeller Center in 1995. He also served on the board of directors of public and private companies.
Dr. Linneman holds both Masters and Doctorate degrees in Economics from the University of Chicago.
Jeff Matthews
Jeff Matthews
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Jeff has nearly 35 years of experience in the fintech industry, including 20 years in Senior executive positions with two leading global corporations. He also serves as the Chairman of Grant Victor Cares, a non-profit organization working to improve education in Kenya, Africa. Currently, Jeff is the CEO for Grant Victor LLC, one of the largest providers of financial self-service kiosks in the country. He also serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, OptConnect – a business that he helped start.
Prior to his current positions, Jeff served as Chief Customer Officer (Sales & Account Manager) for Consona Software Solutions, a global technology company based in Seattle Washington. He began his career in fintech at American Express, where he led a number of initiatives around electronic payments.
eff earned his B.A. in Accounting from Weber State University. He and his wife Rachel reside in Holladay, Utah.
Thomas Portland
Thomas Portland
Senior Advisor / Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Tom is a Senior Advisor and industrial technology specialist with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of general management, business development, sales and marketing, applied research and development, strategic planning, and business transformation on an international scale.
Tom spent most of his career with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., an international supplier of industrial gases, chemicals, and related equipment with annual sales of approximately $10 billion, operations in 35 countries, and 20,000 employees. Most recently, Tom served as Vice President and General Manager of Air Products’ $1.4 billion Bulk Gases Division, where he had P&L responsibility and led the development and implementation of a new business model for the division. He also served as head of marketing for the company’s $5 billion global gases business, spanning 35 countries with 12,000 employees and 250,000 customers. Prior to this role, Tom worked for five years as Vice President and General Manager for Air Products’ global $1 billion General Industries and Metals Division. Prior to that, Tom spent several years in different leadership roles at Air Products, including managing its $300 million European Onsites, Equipment, and Energy Division in London; its $200 million Global Equipment Group; and its $150 million Texas Gases Group.
Tom’s past Graham Partners board directorships include IXS.
Tom received his B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University and has taken several advanced business courses at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, and the University of Chicago.
Fred Purches
Fred Purches
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Fred brings over 14 years of experience to Graham Partners portfolio companies. Fred previously served as an Advisory Council member for former Graham Partners portfolio company, Tidel, and currently serves on the Advisory Council for portfolio company, OptConnect. He is also the Head of Product at EnergyBot, a Dallas-based tech start-up.
Fred began his career at Brink’s, where he grew from the U.S. General Manager to the Global Vice President for Products and Technology Solutions. While there he was responsible for implementing new procedures that lead to a 20% annual growth and 30% improvement of operating margins, and later a 200%+ revenue increase from $97 million to $200 million. Fred then moved on to Vice President of Product Management at MoneyGram International and Head of Product at Solera, Inc.
Fred earned his B.S. in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University, and his M.B.A. in Finance and International Business from the NYU Stern School of Business.
Joel Rood
Joel Rood
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Bio in progress.
Pat Sheridan
Pat Sheridan
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Bio in progress.
Terry Sullivan
Terry Sullivan
Industry Specialist - Technology
Terry brings over 30 years of experience in the loss prevention space. He currently serves as President of The Loss Prevention Foundation, a non-profit that provides educational resources to companies within the loss prevention industry. Terry also currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Gatekeeper, and the Board of Advisors for the Loss prevention Research Council.
Previously, Terry spent 15 years as a Director with Lowe’s, where he held various loss prevention roles. During his time at Lowe’s, Terry was responsible for leading several hundred Loss Prevention associates and served in all aspects of Loss Prevention Operations, assisted in new store design, and utilized advanced software and hardware to better prevent losses. Prior to Lowe’s, he served as Divisional Loss Prevention Manager at Albertsons / Sav-On Drugs.
Terry earned his associate degree in criminal justice from Massasoit Community College.
Al Uszynski
Al Uszynski
Industry Specialist - Industrial Technology
Al is an experienced executive with over 25 years of experience in the lighting industry. He is the Principal of inside.lighting, an online media company that provides valuable resources to lighting industry professionals. Additionally, Al offers strategy consulting for select clients, and currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Myers EPS.
Al has held several management roles with leading lighting companies including CEO of Traxon Technologies, a division of Osram; Area Vice President at Cooper Lighting Solutions; and VP of Sales and Marketing at NICOR, Inc. Al also served as an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University, instructing courses on Professional Selling and Public Speaking.
Al earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University and went on to earn his M.B.A. in Management from Hofstra University.
Consumer & Food
David Noland
David Noland
Industry Specialist - Consumer & Food Technology
Bio in progress.
Marco Barbier
Marco Barbier
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Marco is a seasoned professional in the packaging industry with over 30 years of experience. Marco co-founded EasyPak, a current Graham Partners portfolio company, in 2004, and most recently served as CCO of the company from 2017 – 2019. Marco currently serves on the Advisory Council for EasyPak.
Previously, Marco served as a member of the Board of Advisors of Lion-Cao Asset Management. Prior to that, he served as CFO/CCO of Imperial Bag and Paper Co., and CEO of Phoenix Capital Limited before that. Marco also served as CEO of Selva for 13 years. He has lived and worked in South America, Europe and the United States.
Marco earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, and went on to earn his M.B.A from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Danny Beard
Danny Beard
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Danny has over 25 years of experience in the packaging space and currently serves as President of Packaging Specialists, a private consulting business focused on flexible packaging for hard to hold products. He currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, ABX.
Previously, Danny served as Commercial Director at Schoelle Corp, Business Manager at American Packaging Corporation, and Account Manager at Printpak. Danny frequently presents and moderates at various industry-related events such as Global Pouch Forum, Aseptipak, PET Strategies, FISPAL, and Food Packaging Technology Summit, and has authored several industry-focused publications.
Danny earned his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Bill Burke
Bill Burke
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Bio in progress.
Tom Coffman
Tom Coffman
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Tom brings over 30 years of experience in the packaging space. He is currently the Managing Director at Polaris Packaging Group where he provides consulting and film development services to the flexible packaging industry, and also has experience in the sales, service, upgrade, and repair of multilayer coextrusion lines for blown and cast films. Tom currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, ABX.
Tom has held numerous relevant senior and executive positions throughout his career at packaging companies including Handgards, Inteplast, Winpak, Sealed Air, and Alcan Packaging. He is intimately familiar with ABX management and operations, having assisted in the selection and installation of ABX’s equipment as well as having assisted in the development of ABX’s film portfolio since shortly after its founding.
Tom earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Mathematics from Michigan State University, and also received his master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from Nuclear Power School at the Division of Naval Reactors. Tom also holds a master’s degree in International Relations (Soviet/Eastern European Affairs) from the University of Maryland.
Jim DePietro
Jim DePietro
Industry Specialist - Food Technology
Jim is a senior operating executive with extensive and successful C-Level leadership and general management experience in the consumer products industry. His expertise ranges across business functions, with a particular focus on strategy, brand, and business development. Jim’s extensive network in the consumer products industry provides senior executives with assistance in business plan development and execution.
Jim is currently Principal of The DePietro Group, Inc., where he provides advising and consulting services to investors and portfolio companies in the food and beverage industries. Jim’s prior experience over his 30+ year career includes senior level management roles with companies such as Hain BluePrint, Inc., The Healthy Beverage Company, Ideal Snacks, and Unilever.
Jim earned his B.B.A. in Marketing and Management from Temple University and an Executive Management Certificate from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Dan Donahue
Dan Donahue
Industry Specialist - Food Technology
Dan has over 40 years of leadership experience in the food technology space at the plant, operational, and staff levels at a number of prominent food and beverage companies. His experience spans both domestic and international assignments. His areas of expertise include research and development, quality, food safety, processing, packaging, purchasing, consumer services, acquisition diligence / integration and business productivity. Dan is currently the Founding Partner of Celtic Hill Advisors and serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Giraffe.
Most recently, Dan served as Senior Vice President of Research and Development at TreeHouse Foods for four years. Prior to TreeHouse, Dan served in senior research and development, productivity, and quality roles at a variety of other leading food and beverage companies including Continental Mills, Campbell Soup Company, Quaker Oats, Sara Lee, Pillsbury, and Miller Brewing Company.
Dan earned his B.S. in Biology / Chemistry from Marquette University, and his M.S. in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University.
Hector Echaniz
Hector Echaniz
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Bio in progress.
Jonathan Gardner
Jonathan Gardner
Industry Specialist - Consumer & Food Technology
Jonathan is a proven expert in global sourcing and supply chain management, with almost 20 years of experience. He currently serves as Principal and Founder of J. Gardner Group, a boutique consultancy dedicated to growing EBITDA for middle market businesses through better deal-making, strategy, resilience, and relationships. Jonathan also currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Mercer.
Previously, Jonathan served as Chief Procurement Officer for Albertson’s Companies. Prior to this, he spent nine years at Starbucks, where he worked his way up to Vice President of Global Sourcing. Jonathan also served as Global Sourcing Manager for Dell for almost seven years, and served as Senior Manager of Sourcing for General Motors for five years before that.
Jonathan earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Carolina, where he graduated cum laude. He went on to earn his J.D. and International M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina with concentrations in Corporate Law, Business Associations, Tax, Portuguese language, and International Business.
Erwin Hettervik
Erwin Hettervik
Industry Specialist - Food Technology
Erwin has over four decades of global food manufacturing experience and brings an extensive background in all areas of manufacturing operations and procedures to Graham Partners’ portfolio companies. His expertise includes production, procurement, supply chain, and capital expansion project management. Currently, Erwin serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Mercer.
In 2016, Erwin retired from Sunrise Growers after 17 years as Vice President of Operations. He was instrumental in growing the business from a single processing facility to the largest USA frozen fruit processing business, growing sales from $35 million to $350 million. Prior to Sunrise Growers, Erwin was the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations for Calavo Growers. There, he implemented a new retail packaging line for guacamole and negotiated a number of contracts for packaging and ingredients, lowering costs by over $500,000 annually. Prior to Calavo Growers, Erwin was the Vice President of Operations for Con Agra and Knott’s Berry Farm. During his time at Knott’s Berry Farm, he reengineered the manufacturing operation, resulting in significantly lower manufacturing cost while improving product quality. Before Knott’s Berry Farm, Erwin was the Plant Manager for the J.M. Smucker Co. where, in addition to managing all the manufacturing and shipping activities, he managed a facility expansion project that doubled the size of the operation. Erwin began his career with the H.J. Heinz Co. where he held several production and warehousing supervisory positions.
Erwin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Stanislaus. Erwin has served on the Board of the IJPA (International Jelly & Preserves Association) and the PSAB (Processing Strawberry Advisory Board).
Brien Kumbalek
Brien Kumbalek
Industry Specialist - Food Technology
Brien brings over 25 years of food manufacturing experience in engineering, operations management, and continuous improvement. He currently serves as the President of BK Engineering and Consulting, a firm that helps food manufacturing and food packaging companies support growth initiatives while reducing costs and improving processes.
Prior to BK Engineering and Consulting, Brien spent 12 years at Bay Valley Foods, serving as Plant Manager, Engineering Director, Senior Director of Operations, and Senior Director of Engineering, respectively.
Brien earned his B.S. in Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Peter Martin
Peter Martin
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Peter is a senior operating executive with years of broad-based executive, M&A, sales & marketing, operations, and financial management experience. Peter has a demonstrated history of leadership in strategy development, market share growth, and strategic acquisitions. He is the Founder of Fair Meadow Consulting and brings extensive industry expertise to Graham Partners’ portfolio companies. He currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, VPET.
Previously, Peter served as the President and CEO of Cosmetic Essence Innovations, a leading contract manufacturing solutions provider for the beauty care market. Prior to that, Peter served as President and CEO of Captive Plastics, a manufacturer of blow-molded and injection-molded plastic products for the food, health care, spirits, and personal care markets, where he led the firm in several strategic acquisitions and integrations. Peter began his career with Continental Can Company where he held several positions in sales & marketing in the company’s metal can and plastics operations.
Peter earned his B.A. from Colgate University.
Beth Muscato
Beth Muscato
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Beth has over 30 years of experience leading manufacturing organizations in the packaging space. She currently serves as Board Director and Advisor for Unipharma LLC and PPC Flexible Packaging. Beth also currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, VPET.
Previously, Beth served as President and CEO for Plastic Industries, Inc. for over eight years. She has held several other senior leadership positions throughout her career at Graphic Packaging International, Associated Packaging Technologies (part of Sunoco Products), and Sweetheart Cup Company (part of Dart Container).
Beth earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University.
Ari Powell
Ari Powell
Industry Specialist - Consumer & Food Technology
Bio in progress.
David Randall
David Randall
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Dave has over 20 years of experience in the plastic packaging industry. Most recently, Dave served as CEO of D&W Fine Pack, where he led the integration and consolidation of seven regional packaging companies into a large, nationwide packaging leader. Prior to Dave’s retirement in 2016, D&W Fine Pack was awarded Turnaround of the Year by the Turnaround Management Association. Dave currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio companies, EasyPak and VPET.
Dave began his packaging career in 1992 as CFO of Liquid Container LP, a manufacturer of plastic containers for the food and consumer products industries. He became President and CEO in 2006 and remained in that role until Liquid Container was sold to Graham Packaging in 2010. Prior to Liquid Container, Dave was a Senior Manager in the Chicago office of Arthur Andersen & Co. where he provided audit, tax and consulting services to mid-sized businesses in a variety of industries.
Dave earned a B.S. in Agriculture and Accounting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). He currently resides in suburban Chicago.
Bruce Rosa
Bruce Rosa
Industry Specialist - Food Technology
Bruce is an experienced food technology expert who formerly served as the President of the T. Marzetti Company, a specialty food group of the Lancaster Colony Corporation. His specialties include profit and loss management, cross- functional team leadership, supply chain, inventory management, food safety, and product development. Bruce currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Giraffe.
While at T. Marzetti, the company grew from ~$16 million of annual revenue to more than $1.2 billion through organic growth initiatives and a number of strategic acquisitions. Previously, Bruce served as the Vice President of Development for Lancaster Colony Corporation.
Bruce earned his B.B.A. from Ohio University, M.B.A. from Xavier University, and went on to The Ohio State University where he earned his Executive M.B.A.
Skip Rosskam
Skip Rosskam
Industry Specialist - Food Technology
Skip brings over 50 years of food technology experience to Graham Partners’ portfolio companies. Currently, he is the CEO of White Space – the Right Place, LLC and serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Mercer.
Previously, Skip was the President and COO of David Michael & Co., a leader and innovator in the food flavor industry for more than 100 years. Skip held this role since 1990 and was responsible for R&D, global business development and strategic business development and marketing, among others. He began his tenure with David Michael & Co. almost 40 years ago as the Eastern Regional Sales Manager.
Prior to David Michael & Co., Skip was the Director of Marketing with Enterprise Paint Company and with the Lincoln Mint. He began his career in sales and marketing with the Gillette Company in 1968. Throughout his career, Skip served in various roles on the Flavor & Extract Manufacturers Association.
Skip earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Michael Schall
Michael Schall
Industry Specialist - Food Technology and Packaging
Mike brings over 30 years of experience in the food industry to Graham Partners’ portfolio companies. Currently Managing Partner of FocalPoint Partners, LLC, Mike also serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company EasyPak.
Throughout his career, Mike held various leadership roles at companies such as Whole Foods, Fresh Food Concepts, Townsend’s Inc., Wise Foods, Inc., The B. Manischewitz Company, LLC and Guiltless Gourmet, Inc., among others. In 1987, he founded Strategic Marketing Methods, a consulting firm providing marketing, business development and advisory services to consumer packaged goods, grocery and food service clients. He has also served on the boards of directors and advisory boards for a number of organizations and companies, including Passport Food Group, Monterey Pasta Company and the Strategic Alliance Advisory Board for David Michael Flavors.
Mike earned his B.S. in Marketing from California State University at Los Angeles and his M.B.A. from The University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. He successfully completed Unilever’s North American Senior Management Development Program and The Xerox Professional Sales Skills Training Course.
Anil Shah
Anil Shah
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Anil brings over 20 years of operations experience, particularly in the plastics and packaging sectors, to the Graham Partners portfolio companies. He has proven success developing and executing business and operational strategies that deliver improved efficiencies and profits. He also excels in M&A operational due diligence and the integration of businesses, cultures and people.
Anil has held various positions with plastics and packaging-focused companies, including Solo Cup Company. Currently, Anil is Principal and CEO of ARS Consulting Company and serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, EasyPak.
Anil received his B.S. in Statistics and Mathematics. He has also served on the board of directors for Syntac Coated Products LLC.
Adam Unfried
Adam Unfried
Industry Specialist - Packaging
Adam is a proven and results-driven executive with 25 years of experience in the packaging industry. He brings a strong background in business development, revenue and earnings growth, and hands-on leadership to Graham Partners’ portfolio companies. He has leveraged his business acumen across diverse functional areas and personnel, driving innovative packaging, change management, and strategic execution.
Adam began his career in 1993 at Berry Plastics Corporation (Berry Global), a former Graham Partners portfolio company. He advanced his managerial responsibilities throughout his tenure at Berry before retiring as Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning in 2016. He currently provides consulting services to Graham Partners and serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, EasyPak.
Adam received his B.S. in Marketing and Management at Ball State University. He volunteers his time with a number of community organizations.
Healthcare
Phil Ebeling
Phil Ebeling
Industry Specialist - Healthcare
Phil Ebeling is a medical device executive with substantial experience in operations and new product development. He is a member of the Advisory Council for two Graham Partners’ portfolio companies, Medbio and Teamvantage.
Phil previously worked for Abbott Laboratories (formerly St. Jude Medical) as VP, Chief Technology Officer – Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Division following the sale of St. Jude Medical to Abbott. Phil was responsible for an organization of 1300 R&D employees at 19 global locations. He was also responsible for 250 regulatory affairs personnel, while leading critical new technology discussions with FDA and various, global notified bodies. His division had its own technology development, including electrical and non-electrical human implantables (Class III devices), and various engineering disciplines (Software, Hardware, Firmware, Electrical, and Biomedical). Prior to that he held the role of Senior Vice President, R&D – Cardiovascular and Electrophysiology Division (CATD). Prior to joining St. Jude Medical in 2008, he spent over 12 years at Boston Scientific where he held numerous positions starting as an engineer and ultimately becoming their Director of Program Management and Risk Management. Prior to Boston Scientific, he worked at Rexam Flexible Packaging in product development and engineering.
Phil has a Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and holds patents relating to Multi-Cord Extrusion Manufacturing Techniques for Catheter Members, Chemical Bonding Technique for Angioplasty Catheter Assembly Operations and Procedural Sheath Adapter for Vascular Closure Device.
Joe Fleishhacker
Joe Fleishhacker
Industry Specialist - Healthcare
Joe Fleischhacker is a medical device industry expert with over 40 years of experience. He was most recently owner and CEO of Lake Region Medical, which was founded in 1947 by Joe’s father. Joe currently serves on the Advisory Council for Graham Partners portfolio company, Medbio.
The Fleischhacker family grew Lake Region Medical into a global leader in the development and manufacturing of medical devices, supplying the world’s largest medical device companies with minimally invasive delivery solutions. The company was sold to Accellent in 2014. Accellent, then a Kohlberg Kravis Roberts portfolio company, renamed the merged company Lake Region. At the time of the transaction, Lake Region had operations in the United States and Ireland employing approximately 1,800 people.
John Heinmiller
John Heinmiller
Industry Specialist
John Heinmiller worked as a senior executive at St. Jude Medical from 1996 until its merger with Abbott in 2017, most recently serving as an Executive Vice President overseeing the business and reporting directly to the CEO. From 1998 to 2012, before becoming EVP, John served as Chief Financial Officer of St. Jude Medical. During his time at St. Jude Medical, John negotiated and executed 20 acquisitions with aggregate purchase prices of approx. $9B. John was instrumental in negotiating St. Jude Medical’s $31B merger with Abbott. At the time of the merger, St. Jude had ~$6B in revenue and employed 18,000 people across the globe.
Prior to St. Jude Medical, John served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of Finance and Administration at Daig Corporation, a designer and producer of disposable catheter devices that was acquired by St. Jude Medical in May 1996.
John currently serves on the Board of Directors of Fairview Health Services. Fairview is a nonprofit organization that operates the University of Minnesota academic medical center as well as 10 community hospitals, 6 ambulatory care centers, over 65 specialty clinics, 4 long-term care facilities and other related health services facilities. Fairview has approximately 32,000 employees and in 2018 is expected to have approximately $6B in total revenue.
Ray Newkirk
Ray Newkirk
Industry Specialist - Healthcare
Bio in progress.
Scott Thome
Scott Thome
Industry Specialist - Healthcare
Bio in progress.
Ron Williams
Ron Williams
Industry Specialist - Healthcare
Prior to joining Medbio in 2006, Ron Williams held a variety of roles across the medical device industry. From 1984 to 1994, Ron was the President of DLP, Inc. a manufacturer of cardiac surgery devices, including medical disposables that allow for the controlled delivery of cardioplegia solutions to the heart during open heart surgery. Under Ron’s guidance, DLP developed its own direct sales force and opened offices, warehouses, and supported direct sales in Holland, the UK, Germany, and France. In 1994, DLP was acquired by Medtronic.
Prior to DLP, Ron served in multiple roles at Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. including Manager of Product Exploration, Vice President of Product Development, and Vice President and General Manager of Hemapheresis Systems. During his time at Baxter, the company developed and introduced the CS3000 blood separator which allowed single donor platelet collection and storage to become practical. Ron began his career at Battelle Memorial Institute, a contract research organization.
Ron is the inventor or co-inventor on 16 medical device patents. He has served as the Chairman of the Manufacturer’s Council – Right Place Program and as the co-founder and past President of Michigan Medical Device Manufacturers and Suppliers Association.
Other Functional Resources
Bob Woellner
Bob Woellner
Functional Specialist - Environmental
Bob brings over 30 years of experience in environmental risk management to the Graham Partners portfolio companies. He is currently the President of QUEST Environmental and QUEST Management International, environmental consulting companies that specialize in industrial hygiene and risk management.
Prior to joining QUEST, Bob held numerous senior environmental risk management positions with consulting, insurance, laboratory and geotechnical companies. He has significant experience in environmental risk assessment and management, environmental insurance, analytical services and the development and implementation of environmental management systems.
Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Middlebury College and a M.S. degree in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
The Operations Team provides consulting services to the portfolio companies of the Graham Partners funds and, in certain instances, to the funds themselves. The Operations Team is comprised of certain full-time employees of Graham Partners Operating Company (GPOC), as well as various operations executives who operate as 3rd party contractors. The most active such 3rd party contractors are listed on this page. See footnote denoted by an asterisk on this page, and for further information please refer to Part 2A of Graham Partners, Inc.’s Form ADV, available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.
*Designates employees of Graham Partners Operating Company (GPOC). GPOC coordinates the operations consulting services provided by operations executives and outside firms to the Graham Partners portfolio companies and funds. All other individuals are 3rd party contractors. For further information regarding GPOC, please refer to Part 2A of Graham Partners, Inc.’s Form ADV, available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.
The Technology and Innovation Council is part of the Operations Team, which provides consulting services to the portfolio companies of the Graham Partners funds and, in certain instances, to the funds themselves. The Operations Team is comprised of certain full-time employees of Graham Partners Operating Company (GPOC), as well as various operations executives who operate as 3rd party contractors. See footnote denoted by an asterisk on this page, and for further information please refer to Part 2A of Graham Partners, Inc.’s Form ADV, available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.