Senior bankers.
Every engagement.
Our team combines investment banking, private equity, corporate finance, and operational leadership. That breadth gives us the credibility to compete for the best transactions and the knowledge to close them.
The Team
Paul H. Carleton
40+ years in corporate and investment banking focused on M&A and capital raising. Previously Founder of Carleton, McCreary, Holmes & Company (acquired by KeyCorp) and Senior Managing Director at McDonald & Company. Active board member across 15+ private companies and not-for-profits including Baldwin Wallace University (former Chair) and Playhouse Square Foundation.
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Christopher J. McKenna
Before CM&Co, Chris partnered with private equity to acquire and lead a Cleveland manufacturing company as President & CEO. Previously Director of Financial Analysis at MacLean-Fogg Company and Associate at Rodman & Renshaw (New York). Board experience includes The First Tee of Cleveland and UH Ahuja Medical Center.
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Nora T. Mahoney
Advises business owners on M&A and ownership transitions across Manufacturing, B2B Services, and Construction. Juris Doctor and Masters, Vermont Law School; background in securities regulation, corporate governance, and commercial litigation. Registered Representative and Principal, FINRA Series 24 & 79.
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Chuck G. Fenske
Leads the firm's Architecture, Engineering & Construction practice, with 20+ years across M&A, corporate finance, and the construction industry. Certified Valuation Analyst, Series 79 & 63. MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve; B.S. in Accounting and Construction Management from The Ohio State University.
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Alexis M. Becker
Director and member of the firm's senior management team, leading transaction execution from preparation through closing. Experience across Consumer and Food & Beverage, Manufacturing and Industrial, Business Services, and Technology-Enabled Services. Crain's Cleveland Twenty in Their 20s honoree (2023). MBA and adjunct professor of M&A at Baldwin Wallace; FINRA Series 79.
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E.M. (Mike) de Windt, Jr.
30 years of private equity experience investing in and advising middle-market manufacturing and business service companies. Founder of Gates Group Advisors; raised $300M+ across five funds at Gates Group Capital Partners with aggregate enterprise value over $850M. Leads CM&Co's Strategic Advisory practice.
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Michael C. Adams
M&A career spanning NatCity Investments, Reserve Capital Group, Prescott Ball & Turben, and L.F. Rothschild (New York). Mike has executed sell-side transactions across manufacturing, industrial services, and consumer sectors, including a $180M sale of a railroad equipment lessor to a private equity fund.
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William G. Caster
40+ years in financial services advising high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners on planning, investment management, and succession. Previously President of Gries Financial Partners ($1.5B AUM) and senior roles at Key Bank, BNY Mellon, PNC, and Fifth Third. Connects CM&Co with owners seeking transition advice.
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Andrew S. Gelfand
Managing Member of The Gelfand Group LLC and Managing Director of CM&Co since 2020. Andy co-manages select sell-side engagements, combining TGG's independent advisory capabilities with CM&Co's transaction platform to deliver superior client outcomes.
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David T. Jeziorowski
Responsible for industry research, sell-side flow analysis, buyer list development, and transaction document preparation. Prior experience as a research and investment intern at Praetorian Holdings Group, a Cleveland-based private equity firm, focused on Industrial and Renewable Energy sectors. B.S. in Business Administration (Finance), University of Dayton.
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Brandon S. Novak
Responsible for industry research, sell-side flow analysis, buyers lists, pitches, and transaction documents. Prior Corporate Development intern at TravelCenters of America, focusing on Commercial Real Estate and Renewable Energy research and buy-side outreach. B.S. in Business Administration (Finance & Business Economics), University of Dayton. Series 79 certified.
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Ryan P. Smith
Chief Compliance Officer at Carleton McKenna Advisors, LLC, responsible for administering the firm's compliance program and ensuring adherence to industry standards. Managing Member of Ryan P. Smith Law, PLC, providing legal and compliance services to broker-dealers and registered investment advisers. J.D. from George Mason University School of Law; B.S. from the University of Maryland.
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Melissa C. Ross
Oversees operations, internal processes, and firm growth alongside firm leadership. Background spans operations, project management, marketing, event coordination, and relationship development. A Northeast Ohio native.
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Kristin Chalet Kane
Kristin oversees accounting, financial reporting, and operational finance for Carleton McKenna & Co. She manages the firm's day-to-day financial controls, billing, and reporting, ensuring CM&Co operates with the same rigor and discipline it brings to client engagements.
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Every client engagement is led by senior professionals. Reach out to begin a confidential conversation about your business.