Our Team

Investment Team

Photo of Thomas F. Campion

Thomas F. Campion

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

1997

EDUCATION

  • BBA St. Norbert College
  • MBA University of Wisconsin

PHONE

312.592.6110

Experience

From 1993 to 1997, Tom was a Director of Prudential Asset Management Asia in Hong Kong, a general partner of private equity funds, including equity investments in private companies throughout the Asia Pacific region. From 1987 through 1992, Tom was a Vice President of Prudential Capital Corporation in Newark and Chicago, responsible for originating and managing private placements. While at Prudential Capital, he also earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation. From 1983 to 1986, Tom worked at the former Arthur Andersen in Milwaukee, where he received his Certified Public Accountant designation.

Other

Tom’s community activities have included coaching his four children, and serving on the St. Norbert College Advisory Board, the Highlands Foundation, the Apostolate to the Handicapped Board, and Best Buddies.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

U.S. Minerals Kinex Medical Company and R&M Rehabilitation Advantaged Sintered Metals & Contact Technologies Glunt Industries MicroPrecision Omni Glass & Paint Kemper Equipment

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Rose Paving Active Minerals International Manitowoc Tool and Machining Steele Solutions Dr. Comfort
Photo of John J. Darguzas

John J. Darguzas

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

2018

EDUCATION

  • BS Indiana University
  • MBA Northwestern University

PHONE

312.592.6137

Experience

From 2011 to 2018, John was a Vice President at Antares Capital Sponsor Finance Group in Chicago.  At Antares John worked on the Underwriting Team evaluating senior debt investment opportunities across a broad range of industries, on the Originations Team reviewing new investment opportunities and on the Credit Advisory Team working on troubled loans all while maintaining an active role in helping establish Antares as a standalone company after it was spun out of GE Capital.  While attending Kellogg part time from 2012 to 2014, John founded MyMenu, an app based platform that helps people with food allergies find restaurants that meet their dining requirements.  From 2005 to 2011, John was a Director in KPMG’s Transaction Service Group, overseeing financial buy-side due diligence of middle market acquisitions for private equity clients.

Other

He lives in Elmhurst with his wife and three sons.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Glenn Rieder MicroPrecision Revision U.S. Minerals

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Manitowoc Tool and Machining Engendren PFI InStore Urban Surfaces
Photo of Bill Floyd

Bill Floyd

Principal

JOINED MERIT

2023

EDUCATION

  • BBA Baylor University
  • MBA University of Texas

PHONE

312.592.6146

Experience

Prior to Merit, Bill was a Managing Director for DalFort Capital Partners, an industrials focused private equity firm based in Dallas, Texas. At DalFort, Bill managed investments in the specialty chemical, building products, and general industrial verticals. Prior to DalFort, Bill was a Senior Director at ORIX Private Equity Solutions, the U.S. lower middle-market private equity division of ORIX Corporation. At ORIX, Bill invested across a variety of industries with an emphasis in partnering with independent sponsors.

Other

A native Texan, Bill resides in Dallas with his wife, son, and daughter.  Outside of work, Bill is involved in his church, teaching Sunday school and leading a community group.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Identity Group Nester Hosiery Reliant Circuit Check Displayit

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Elgen
Photo of Evan R. Gallinson

Evan R. Gallinson

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

2005

EDUCATION

  • BBA University of Michigan
  • MBA Northwestern University

PHONE

312.592.6114

Experience

Evan previously worked in Investment Banking with BMO Capital, William Blair & Company, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions advisor work for middle market companies in a variety of industries.

Other

He is a native of New Jersey, but has lived in the Chicago area for over twenty-five years, and is currently residing in Northbrook, IL with his wife and two daughters. Evan’s non-work activities include watching his daughters’ lacrosse games as well as playing platform tennis and uninspiring golf.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Glunt Industries Urban Surfaces AFX, Inc Cycan Industries, Inc.

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Choice Brands Adhesives and Slocum Adhesives RSA Engineered Products Storage Solutions Green Creative Elgen
Photo of Brian R. Heck

Brian R. Heck

Vice President

JOINED MERIT

2019

EDUCATION

  • BS DePauw University

PHONE

312.592.6138

Experience

Brian was previously an Analyst in the Industrials Investment Banking Group at Robert W. Baird, where he supported mergers and acquisitions, equity offerings, and debt advisory services. Prior to joining Baird, Brian was an Analyst at TKO Miller, focusing on middle market mergers and acquisitions.

Other

Brian received his B.A. in Economics from DePauw University, where he played NCAA Division III golf. A native of the Chicago area, Brian currently resides in Glencoe.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

John Richard Propét Footwear, Inc. Cycan Industries, Inc. American Producers Supply

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Crown Products & Services
Photo of Alec C. Hutcherson

Alec C. Hutcherson

Vice President

JOINED MERIT

2024

EDUCATION

  • BBA University of Texas at Austin
  • MBA University of Chicago

PHONE

312.592.6145

Experience

Prior to Merit, Alec was an Associate at CIC Partners in Dallas, where he focused on identifying, evaluating, and executing lower-middle market private equity investments.

Alec began his career as an Analyst in the Global Natural Resources Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Houston, where he focused on mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets transactions.

Other

A native of the Chicago suburbs, Alec currently resides in the city of Chicago.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Advantaged Sintered Metals & Contact Technologies Gartner AFX, Inc Carl’s Place
Photo of David M. Jones

David M. Jones

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

1993

EDUCATION

  • BBA University of Notre Dame
  • MBA University of Chicago

PHONE

312.592.6120

Experience

David was previously a consultant with Peterson Consulting, a national business valuation and litigation consulting firm, and specialized in business and product line valuations in intellectual property disputes.

Other

David and Jenny have four adult children and focus their primary charitable efforts on education and cancer research. David currently is a trustee for Saint Mary College.  He previously was active with the Employee Stock Ownership Association, having served as a member of the Finance Committee from 2001 until 2016. David’s community activities included serving on several St. Mary Parish committees, coaching youth basketball and softball, and serving as Board Member of Camp Kesem, the largest national organization dedicated to supporting children impacted by a parent’s cancer, at no cost to families. David is also a past board member of the Wellness House, a community-based organization devoted to helping cancer patients and families.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Medway Air Ambulance

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Choice Brands Adhesives and Slocum Adhesives Dunn-Edwards Beacon Sales Peerless Industrial Group
Photo of Timothy J. MacKenzie

Timothy J. MacKenzie

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

1993

EDUCATION

  • BA Northwestern University
  • MBA University of Illinois

PHONE

312.592.6130

Experience

Tim was previously a Senior Vice President of Fiduciary Capital, a publicly raised mezzanine fund. Prior to that, he worked at Prudential Capital Corporation in both the Dallas and Milwaukee regional offices. From 1982 to 1986, Tim was a Vice President with RepublicBank Dallas.

Other

Tim and his wife reside in Hinsdale, Illinois and have three adult children. His community activities include serving as President of Hinsdale Golf Club, Chairman of the Christ Church of Oak Brook Trustee Board, President of Chicago Men’s Fellowship, and President of the local Young Life Foundation Board.

SELECT PRIOR PORTFOLIO

RSA Engineered Products PVI Industries Skyline Windows WL Plastics
Photo of Jack J. McKerr

Jack J. McKerr

Associate

JOINED MERIT

2024

EDUCATION

  • BS University of Illinois

PHONE

312.592.6125

Experience

Prior to joining Merit, Jack was previously an Investment Banking Analyst at Balmoral Advisors, where he focused on middle-market mergers and acquisitions.

Other

A native of the Chicago suburbs, Jack currently resides in Chicago.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Glunt Industries

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Omni Glass & Paint
Photo of Daniel E. Pansing

Daniel E. Pansing

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

1999

EDUCATION

  • BS Miami University (Ohio)
  • MBA Anderson School at UCLA

PHONE

312.592.6160

Experience

Dan began his career at the First National Bank of Omaha as a Management Trainee and later joined the bank’s Commercial Lending Department. In 1995, Dan moved to Chicago to join LaSalle Bank (now Bank of America) as a commercial lender. Dan focused on leveraged and asset-based transactions with middle-market companies.

Other

Dan lives with his wife and two daughters in Western Springs.  He is active with non-profits in his community and served on the board of his local school district.  Outside the office, Dan enjoys golf, fly fishing and paddle tennis.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Nester Hosiery Revision Propét Footwear, Inc. American Producers Supply Circuit Check

SELECT PRIOR PORTFOLIO

Angus Industries Monarch Industries Knights Apparel Classic Brands Carter-Waters
Photo of Joseph A. Polaneczky

Joseph A. Polaneczky

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

2013

EDUCATION

  • BA University of Chicago
  • MBA University of Chicago

PHONE

312.592.6121

Experience

Joe previously worked in Leveraged Finance with GE Antares Capital’s Sponsor Finance Group in Chicago, where he focused on private equity sponsored transactions across a broad range of industries. Prior to joining GE Antares in 2008 with its acquisition of Merrill Lynch Capital, Joe worked in the Corporate Finance Group at Merrill Lynch Capital focusing on middle market, private equity lending. Joe began his career in investment banking at Cochran Caronia Waller providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services for companies primarily in the financial services and health care industries.

Other

A native of Ohio, Joe has lived in the Chicago area for over 25 years, and currently resides in Hinsdale, IL with his wife and three children. Joe’s non-work activities include coaching his children’s sporting activities and guest lecturing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

John Richard MW Metals Group Omni Glass & Paint Propét Footwear, Inc. American Producers Supply PFI InStore Carl’s Place

SELECT PRIOR PORTFOLIO

Classic Brands Steele Solutions Carter-Waters Green Creative PVI Industries Omni Glass & Paint
Photo of Terrance M. Shipp

Terrance M. Shipp

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

1991

EDUCATION

  • BS University of Colorado
  • MBA Northwestern University

PHONE

312.592.6140

Experience

Prior to forming the general partner of Fund I in 1991, Terry was a Partner in LaSalle Capital Group, a Chicago-based management buyout firm. Between 1982 and 1990, Terry worked at Prudential Capital Corporation, most recently as Regional Vice President in charge of the firm’s Chicago and Cleveland offices, which specialized in middle-market mezzanine investments. Terry was responsible for a staff of approximately 12 investment professionals and a portfolio over $1 billion. During his eight years with Prudential Capital, he was actively involved in a significant number of the mezzanine investments generated by the Chicago office. His responsibilities included origination, structuring, due diligence, negotiation, monitoring and disposition activities.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Stratus Identity Group John Richard MW Metals Group
Photo of Lauren M. St. Clair

Lauren M. St. Clair

Vice President

JOINED MERIT

2025

EDUCATION

  • BS Miami University (Ohio)
  • MBA University of Chicago

PHONE

312-592-6136

Experience

Prior to joining Merit, Lauren was an Associate at HKW, a middle-market private equity firm. Previously, Lauren was an Investment Banking Associate in the Financial Sponsors Group at KeyBanc Capital Markets in Chicago, where she focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. She also worked in the Consumer & Retail Group at KeyBanc.

Other

An Indianapolis native, Lauren currently resides in Lincoln Park. Outside of work, Lauren serves as Director and Assistant Treasurer for HelloBaby, a non-profit organization supporting families raising young children in Chicago.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Urban Surfaces PFI InStore MW Metals Group
Photo of Sean H. Stanley

Sean H. Stanley

Principal

JOINED MERIT

2020

EDUCATION

  • BSBA Washington University, St. Louis
  • MBA University of Chicago

PHONE

312.592.6162

Experience

Sean was previously an Associate with Flexpoint Ford in Chicago, focusing on identifying, evaluating and executing private equity investments in the healthcare sector. Prior to joining Flexpoint Ford, Sean was an Investment Banking Analyst within J.P. Morgan’s Industrials Group in Chicago, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions.

Other

A native of the Chicago suburbs, Sean currently resides in the city of Chicago with his wife and son.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Kinex Medical Company and R&M Rehabilitation Stratus GoodGiant Acacia Health, LLC Kemper Equipment

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Advantaged Sintered Metals & Contact Technologies The Liberty Group
Photo of Marc J. Walfish

Marc J. Walfish

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

1991

EDUCATION

  • BSBA Boston University
  • MBA Boston University

PHONE

312.592.6150

Experience

Prior to founding Merit, Marc worked for thirteen years at The Prudential Insurance Company of America, most recently as Senior Vice President of Prudential Capital Corporation. In this capacity, Marc was based in Chicago and responsible for the firm’s four Midwest offices and a portfolio of over $2 billion.

Other

Marc’s community service activities include coaching youth soccer and serving on the Board of the local AYSO. Marc has also served on the Board of his local community and is a past President. Marc has guest lectured at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Gartner
Photo of Benjamin W. Yarbrough

Benjamin W. Yarbrough

Managing Director

JOINED MERIT

2008

EDUCATION

  • BA University of Pennsylvania
  • MBA University of Chicago

PHONE

312.592.6124

Experience

Ben was previously a Consultant at Marakon Associates, a boutique strategy consulting firm based in New York City and London serving global Fortune 200 clients. At Marakon, Ben worked across various industries, including healthcare, financial services and consumer products. Prior to Marakon, Ben was a Fellow at the United States Golf Association Foundation in Colorado Springs, helping to manage the USGA’s grants program.

Other

Ben is actively involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and is a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. A native of Mississippi, Ben resides in Winnetka with his wife, two sons and daughter.

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

Stratus Glenn Rieder GoodGiant Acacia Health, LLC Displayit

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Ferrara Fire Apparatus Carex Health Brands WeCare Knights Apparel Monarch Industries Structural and Steel Products Identity Group Revision Reliant

Finance and Operations Team

Photo of Anne E. Boland

Anne E. Boland

CFO & CCO

JOINED MERIT

2003

EDUCATION

  • BBA University of Wisconsin

PHONE

312.592.6115

Experience

Prior to being appointed CFO and CCO in 2024, Anne was Merit’s Controller, where she was involved in nearly all aspects of its finance and administrative functions. Pre-Merit, she was a financial analyst in William Blair & Company’s Financial Control department. Prior to joining William Blair in 2000, she worked at Marsh, Inc. as a staff accountant in their regional Finance Center.

Photo of Aaron L. Karlinsky

Aaron L. Karlinsky

Controller

JOINED MERIT

2025

EDUCATION

  • BS University of Missouri
  • MSA University of Missouri
  • CPA (IL)

PHONE

312.592.6144

Experience

Aaron was previously a Vice President at Adams Street Partners in Chicago, working in their Private Equity Accounting and Client Operations group. Prior to Adams Street, Aaron was a Senior Fund Accountant at Mesirow Advanced Strategies and a Federal Tax Senior Associate at KPMG. Aaron is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the Illinois CPA Society.

Other

A native of the Chicago suburbs, Aaron currently resides in Deerfield.

 

Photo of Thomas A. Metcalf

Thomas A. Metcalf

Sr. Fund Accountant

JOINED MERIT

2022

EDUCATION

  • BS Creighton University
  • CPA (MN)

PHONE

312.592.6134

Experience

Prior to joining Merit, Thomas was a Senior Tax Associate at RSM US, where he worked on the commercial tax team. Thomas is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Other

A native of Wisconsin, Thomas currently resides in downtown Chicago with his wife. Outside of work, Thomas volunteers weekly at Midtown Achievement Center in the One-on-One Program where he serves as a tutor/mentor for 3rd through 5th grade boys.

 

Photo of Christine A. Ward

Christine A. Ward

Office Manager

JOINED MERIT

2022

EDUCATION

  • BA Bellarmine University

PHONE

312.592.6116

Experience

Prior to joining Merit, Christine held leadership roles across healthcare administration, operations management, and the nonprofit sectors. She brings strong expertise in vendor relations, project management, and event planning. Christine is known for delivering exceptional customer service, streamlining internal systems, and fostering team collaboration across dynamic work environments.

Other

Outside of work, Christine is an avid reader and a certified yoga instructor with a strong interest in mindfulness and wellness. She enjoys exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Christine currently serves on the Associate Board of One Tail at a Time, a local animal shelter where she adopted her dog, Millie.

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