Leveraging Complementary Strengths
Leveraging Complementary Strengths
Leveraging Complementary Strengths
The May River team takes great pride in its culture of partnership and collaboration – a characteristic rooted in the fundamental appreciation of the human element in business.
Founders
Our Founders started the firm in 2012 on a simple premise: leverage our complementary skills and experience with a singular focus on partnering with differentiated industrial growth businesses.
Chip Grace
Chip is a founding partner of May River Capital. Chip assists in the overall management of the firm, including the development of investment theses, origination of new investment opportunities, deal structuring, negotiations, transaction execution, portfolio management, and internal operations.
Prior to co-founding May River, Chip was a Managing Director at Wynnchurch Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, where he worked from 2000 to 2011. Prior to joining Wynnchurch, Chip worked in leveraged finance and investment banking at GE Capital, Salomon Smith Barney, and A.G. Edwards & Sons.
Chip earned a B.A. from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Chip serves as a member of the board of trustees of Lake Forest Country Day School.
Dan Barlow
Dan is a founding partner of May River Capital. Dan assists in the overall management of the firm, including the development of investment theses, origination of new investment opportunities, deal structuring, negotiations, transaction execution, portfolio management, and internal operations.
Prior to co-founding May River, Dan was a Principal at Valor Equity Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, where he worked from 1998 to 2010.
Dan earned a B.E. from Vanderbilt University and was formerly a Captain with the 110th Fighter Wing, Michigan Air National Guard. Dan is an Eagle Scout and is active in his community through a range of charities focused on supporting veteran families, children’s healthcare, education, and after-school programs.
Steve Griesemer
Steve is a founding partner of May River Capital. Steve assists in the overall management of the firm, including the development of investment theses, origination of new investment opportunities, deal structuring, negotiations, transaction execution, portfolio management, and internal operations.
Prior to co-founding May River, Steve was a Partner at Baker McKenzie focused on mergers and acquisitions ranging from middle market U.S. transactions to multi-billion dollar, international transactions. Prior to his time at Baker McKenzie, Steve was an Associate with the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman and a Vice President of Business Development and General Counsel for the Erlen Group, a holding company including limestone mining, industrial real estate, warehousing, and other industrial businesses.
Steve earned a B.A. from Yale University with distinction and a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School where he was a White Scholar. Steve serves as a member of the board of directors of Metropolitan Family Services, and as an outside senior advisor to Orchard Investment Partners, a Chicago-based secondary private equity investment firm.
Origination & IR Team
Our Origination and IR Team ensures that our firm identifies and pursues promising opportunities that align with our stated investment strategy and is also responsible for fundraising and investor relations.
Mitch Bardon
Mitch leads the Origination & IR Team for May River Capital and is responsible for the origination and development of new investment opportunities, including developing relationships with industry executives, business owners and intermediaries. Mitch is also responsible for evaluation, due diligence, research, financial analysis and portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Mitch was a Director at BMO Capital Markets in the Industrials Investment Banking group where he led the group’s efforts in Flow Control and several niche manufacturing sectors. Prior to joining BMO, Mitch was a Vice President at Deutsche Bank in the Global Industrials Group. Prior to investment banking, Mitch was a Manager focused on Operations, Strategy and Supply Chain at LafargeHolcim (f.k.a., Holcim).
Mitch earned a B.A. from Michigan State (with honors) and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Kevin Butts
Kevin is responsible for investor relations and fundraising for May River Capital. Kevin is also involved in the firm’s business development and deal origination activities.
Prior to joining May River, Kevin was a Managing Director at 50 South Capital Advisors where he was a senior investment professional in the firm’s co-investment and buyout fund investing practice areas from 2012 to 2025. Prior to joining 50 South Capital Advisors, Kevin held roles in credit underwriting and investment strategy research at Northern Trust.
Kevin earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois (with honors) and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business (with honors).
Clayton Weirather
Clayton is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Clayton was an Analyst at Lincoln International in the Industrials investment banking group, where he advised building products, industrial distribution, automotive, and industrial technology companies.
Clayton earned a B.B.A. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Iowa with honors and highest distinction.
Investment Team
Our investment team is responsible for thoughtfully deploying capital in accordance with the firm’s investment strategy. The team is responsible for evaluating, executing, and managing portfolio investments.
Pat St. John
Pat leads the Investment Team for May River Capital and is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Pat was an Associate at TD Securities in the Industrials investment banking group, where he advised packaging, tissue, building products, and consumer products companies in the United States and Canada.
Pat earned a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Boston College (with honors) and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Angela McCoy
Angela is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Angela was a Senior Vice President in the Private Investments group at PSP Capital Partners, a Chicago-based family office, where she was involved in all facets of the investment process and participated in numerous platform acquisitions across a variety of industries. Prior to joining PSP Capital, Angela was an Associate in the Leveraged Finance group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Angela earned a B.S. in Finance from Wake Forest University. Angela currently serves on the Steering Committee for the Midwest Chapter of the Women’s Association of Venture and Equity (WAVE) and is a member of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN).
Phil Ramsbottom
Phil is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Phil was an Associate at Inoca Capital Partners, a lower middle-market private equity firm, where he was responsible for the evaluation of new investment opportunities as well as portfolio management.
Phil earned a B.A. in Economics from Beloit College with honors.
Patrick McVickers
Patrick is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Patrick was a Financial Analyst at Houlihan Lokey in the Industrials investment banking group, where he advised automotive, capital goods, metals and mining, and plastics and packaging companies.
Patrick earned a B.B.A. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Michigan with high distinction.
Sam Goldsberry
Sam is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Sam was a Financial Analyst at Houlihan Lokey in the global industrials investment banking group, where he advised automotive, capital goods, and industrial technology companies.
Sam earned a B.B.A. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Iowa with high distinction.
Alex Brown
Alex is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Alex was an Analyst at Chartwell Financial Advisory Inc. in the investment banking group, where he advised industrial distribution, business services, and technology companies.
Alex earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia and completed year one of an M.B.A. at the Yale School of Management through its Silver Scholars program. Alex is currently in a flexible “gap period” for work between years one and two of the M.B.A. program.
Danny Nemirovskiy
Danny is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Danny was an Associate at KeyBanc Capital Markets in the M&A group, where he advised distribution, business services, renewable energy, and general industrials companies.
Danny earned a B.S.B.A. in Finance and a B.S. in Actuarial Science from the Ohio State University.
Mitch Stroebel
Mitch is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Mitch was an Analyst at Incentrum Group, where he advised industrials, aerospace & defense, healthcare, technology, and life sciences companies.
Mitch earned a B.S.E. in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University with high honors.
Jerome Mays
Jerome is responsible for the evaluation, due diligence, research, and financial analysis of new investment opportunities, as well as portfolio management.
Prior to joining May River, Jerome was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Industrials group at Evercore, where he advised paper and packaging companies.
Jerome earned a B.B.A. in Economics and Finance from the University of Iowa with highest distinction.
Francois Marti
Francois is responsible for the origination and development of new UK and European add-on investment opportunities, including developing relationships with industry executives, business owners, and intermediaries. Francois is also responsible for offering ground-level support to UK and European divisions within the May River portfolio.
Prior to joining May River, Francois was the Chief Operating Officer for the North American region of global TICC company, SGS. Prior to joining SGS, Francois served as CEO of FCA Services, the former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles services company.
Francois earned a B.A. and M.A. in International Relations from the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Operations Team
Our Operations Team is comprised of functional-area specialists that support our portfolio company management teams with well-established business building tools, systems, and processes.
Todd Barrett
Todd leads the Operations Team for May River Capital, collaborating with the Investment Team & Portfolio leadership teams to drive integration, value creation, and growth priorities across the portfolio.
Prior to joining May River, Todd led multiple operating companies within Danaher and Pall Corporation in the Water Quality, Industrial, and Aerospace & Defense end markets. Prior to Danaher, Todd was Director of Strategy for GE Aviation’s Military business and held several commercial leadership roles in GE Aviation’s Engine & Services businesses. He began his career as a Naval Aviator (rotary wing) serving in deployed locations globally.
Todd earned a B.S. in Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy and an M.B.A. from the American Military University.
Andy Housley
Andy leads the Operations Team finance and data services function, collaborating with the Investment Team & Portfolio leadership teams to further financial priorities and support continuous improvement initiatives across the portfolio.
Prior to joining May River, Andy was the CFO at NSL Analytical Services, where he led the team from acquisition through a successful sale process. Prior experience includes leading global finance teams at Eurofins Scientific, EAG Laboratories and PwC.
Andy earned a B.S. in Accounting from The University of Arkansas and Masters of Global Finance from both New York University, Stern School of Business and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Andy is a Certified Public Accountant. He is actively involved with numerous non-profit organizations including the Salvation Army and is the current Chairman of the John and Cynthia Osborne Foundation, a Montana-based non-profit.
Amy Osier
Amy leads the Operations Team human capital and talent management function, collaborating with the Investment Team & Portfolio leadership teams to support continuous improvement initiatives across the portfolio.
Prior to joining May River, Amy held several senior roles at Danaher Corporation focused on advancing organizational effectiveness and leading talent development efforts related to driving growth and transformation. Amy’s career also includes leadership roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific and Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, integrating newly acquired organizations and building culture.
Amy earned a B.S. degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Paul Van Wyk
Paul leads the Operations Team commercial function, collaborating with the Investment Team & Portfolio leadership teams to enhance sales and marketing effectiveness across the portfolio.
Prior to joining May River, Paul held several senior leadership roles in the Engineered Products & Industrial Engineering industries. At Danaher Corporation, Paul served as the VP of Global Sales for Pall Industrial’s Fluid Technologies & Asset Protection division and VP of Process Engineering & Program Management. Paul’s career also includes significant leadership roles at EagleBurgmann Seals, part of the Freudenberg Group. As VP of the Americas, he held regional profit & loss responsibility across North & South American businesses.
Paul earned a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering and has completed numerous leadership development programs at Insead University.
Chris Sheehan
Chris leads the Operations Team supply chain function, collaborating with the Investment Team & Portfolio leadership teams to support continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing, supply chain management, and operational integration across the portfolio.
Prior to joining May River, Chris was the VP of Strategic Sourcing at Automated Handling Solutions, where he led efforts to optimize supply chains, reduce lead times, drive cost savings, and develop new supplier partnerships. Earlier in his career, Chris led an integrations team for a division of Driven Brands, a Roark Capital portfolio company, and held various leadership roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev, managing sourcing, supply chain, and logistics teams. He began his career as a supply chain officer in the U.S. Army.
Chris earned a B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Chris is actively involved in his community, serving on several committees supporting veteran initiatives.
Susan Newman
Susan leads the Operations Team labor, compensation and benefits function, collaborating with Investment Team & Portfolio leadership teams to support continuous improvement initiatives in labor relations, recruitment, compensation, training, and retention across the portfolio.
Prior to joining May River, Susan was a Senior Human Resources executive in multiple companies within DS Smith, Interstate Resources, MeadWestvaco, and Boise Cascade; specializing in all aspects of human resources including labor and employee relations. She began her career in the United States Marine Corps.
Susan earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Strayer University.
Fund Admin Team
Our Fund Admin Team supports our firm’s financial operations, reporting, compliance matters, and day-to-day office management responsibilities.
Patrick Wasser
Patrick is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for May River.
Prior to joining May River, Patrick was a Director with the Leveraged Finance product group at Fifth Third Bank, where he sourced new business opportunities, and led the analysis, structuring, and execution of cash flow-based senior debt financing in support of private equity investment activity across a wide variety of industries. Prior to joining Fifth Third Bank, Patrick worked in leveraged finance at PNC Bank and Madison Capital Funding, principal investing at Bank of America Capital Investors, and investment banking at Robert W. Baird and Co.
Patrick earned a B.A. in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Rosie Vass
Rosie provides general administrative support for the three founding partners and assists with overall management of the office, including marketing, event planning, and internal administrative processes.
Prior to joining May River, Rosie was an executive assistant at Vista Equity Partners, a U.S.-based software investment firm.
Jane Kathrein
Jane provides general administrative support to the firm and assists with overall management of the office, including marketing, event planning, and internal administrative processes.
Our Track Record
Explore our growth strategies as industrial sector specialists and business builders.
Let’s Partner
Our success is grounded in developing relationships with like-minded people, teams, and organizations.
