OUR TEAM

Addie Lyon joined Promus in 2019 and serves as a marketing coordinator. She ensures quality and consistency across our Promus’ communications and drives a variety of other brand-building initiatives. In addition, she maintains pulse on daily organizational and functional operations across the firm.

Addie holds a B.S. in strategic communications from Texas Christian University. She lives in Glenview, Illinois and enjoys rollerblading, crafting, and spending time with her two brothers.

Landon Pitt joined Promus in 2017 and serves as a vice president – strategic relationships. He assists in client engagement, new relationship development and fundraising efforts for Promus strategies. Previously, he led investor relations where he assisted with capital calls and distributions for various Promus strategies as well as all client-facing documentation and reporting related to these strategies.

Landon graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.B.A. in finance and real estate. He currently resides in California and enjoys mountain biking, fishing and exploring new restaurants.

Sam MacKenzie joined Promus in 2020 and serves as an associate. He is actively involved in evaluating and executing new investment opportunities for the firm’s private equity strategy, including sourcing, due diligence and deal execution.

Sam previously served as an investment banking analyst at Lincoln International where he executed sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions in the healthcare group.

Sam earned his B.A. in economics from Vanderbilt University. He lives in Chicago with his wife Chelsea and enjoys exercising, golfing, chess and playing fetch with his dog Willis.

Joe Cheff joined Promus in 2009 as head trader. He has experience with trade execution, risk management, trade reconciliation, scenario planning and developing trade methodologies.

Prior to Promus he was a proprietary trader for GH Traders. Joe has experience trading treasuries, equity index futures, commodities, currencies and metals. Before that, he was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and traded 30-year bond and Dow Jones futures.

Joe holds a B.A. in finance from Benedictine University. He lives in Western Springs, Illinois with his wife Alexis and their son.

Nikolas Sakellaropoulos joined Promus in 2018 as an accounting analyst. He conducts daily accounting operations, manages cash flow and handles fund accounting.

Nikolas graduated from Adrian College with a B.B.A. in accounting. He then went on and earned his M.S. in accounting at Quinlan School of Business. He lives in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood and enjoys spending time coaching youth hockey.

Shanna Otto joined Promus in 2013 and now serves as the Vice President of Finance and Administration. Shanna leads the accounting team and oversees all aspects of the financial reporting, tax, fund administration, risk management and human resource functions for the firm.

Prior to Promus she worked for two firms specializing in tax, estate and legacy panning for high-net-worth individuals. She began her career in audit at KPMG.

Shanna received her B.S. in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Drake University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She lives in Hinsdale, Illinois with her husband and three daughters.

David Bauer joined Promus in 2019 and serves as a client service associate for the family office. He helps make the investment process for our families seamless and drives our reconciliation process across client accounts.

David graduated from Wheaton College, where he studied business/economics. He lives in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago and is a “wannabe” foodie who enjoys exploring new restaurants.

Brett Phalin joined Promus in 2019 as a senior accountant. He is involved in all aspects of the firm’s financial reporting including valuations, financial statements, financial statement audits and investor statements. Brett also monitors and facilitates the private equity and real estate investments.

Prior to Promus he worked as a senior accountant at Wynnchurch Capital, a private equity firm in the Chicagoland area. Before that Brett worked at PwC in the Private Company Services group where he audited private-equity-controlled companies in the manufacturing, technology and healthcare industries.

Brett earned a B.S. in accountancy and finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Brett lives in Park Ridge, Illinois with his wife Molly.

Cooper White joined Promus in 2010 and serves as the director of investments for our family office. He leads the investment team and heads the investment committee for the family office. Cooper is involved in all aspects of the investment process, and designs and implements our overall investment strategy. He also serves as an investment advisor working with families to help them purposefully manage their wealth and build their legacy.

Prior to Promus he was a director at Kanakuk Kamp – one of the nation’s largest Christian sports camps – and was a founding board member for Kanakuk Ministries, where he still serves today.

He earned his M.A. from Wheaton College. Cooper currently lives in Wheaton, Illinois with his wife Missy and their five children.

Mike Weaver joined Promus in 2015 and serves as an associate. He is actively involved in evaluating and executing new investment opportunities for the firm’s private equity and real estate strategies, including sourcing, due diligence and deal execution.

Mike previously served as a research analyst for the family office where he developed many of the processes and customized reporting tools needed to help families track their investments in a meaningful way. Prior to Promus he worked in the asset management group at Ventas, a leading healthcare real estate investment trust.

He earned his B.B.A.’s in finance and economics from the University of Iowa, and is a CFA charterholder. Mike lives in Chicago and enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Blake Thoele began serving the founding families of Promus in 2003 and now works as the firm’s investment administration officer. He provides family office administration services including funding transactions & documentation, lending management, accounting, taxes and cash management for many family entities.

He previously worked for the global printer Quebecor World in a financial analysis and reporting role.

He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Blake lives in Clarendon Hills, Illinois with his wife Karin and has a grown son.

Anders Rosenquist joined Promus in 2010 and serves as a principal. He is actively involved in all aspects of the investment process for Promus Equity, the firm’s private equity direct investing strategy. This includes sourcing, due diligence, deal execution and managing and monitoring portfolio companies. Anders also serves on the boards of several companies in the strategy’s portfolio.

Before his current role, Anders was actively involved in many aspects of Promus’ initiatives and operations, including IT and reporting.Prior to Promus Anders worked for KeHE Distributors, where he held roles in finance, marketing, corporate development and merger integration.

He earned his B.S. in economics and information technology from North Park University. Anders lives in Naperville, Illinois with his wife Emily and their son.

Jessica Nowicki joined Promus in 2017 and serves as a reporting and trading analyst. She is responsible for recording all client investments, and ensures the accuracy of Promus client’s portfolio performance. Additionally, she identifies and drives process improvements in the reporting and trading software.

Jessica earned a B.S. in finance from DePaul University. She lives in Naperville, Illinois and enjoys traveling, kickboxing, and spending time with her family and two dogs.

Ryan Newman joined Promus in 2015 and serves as research manager. He oversees the investment platform and serves on the investment committee for the family office. Ryan sources and monitors investments across all asset classes.

Before Promus he was an investment analyst at MB Investments. He has also worked in commercial lending at Bank of America and Bank of Montreal.

Ryan holds a B.S. in accounting and finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Ryan lives in Chicago with his wife Cate and enjoys spending time with family.

Cyndi Lasik joined Promus in 2011 and serves the family office clients as a senior client service associate. She serves as a trusted expert on client accounts and works with them to develop an in-depth understanding of their needs and facilitate a seamless investment process.

Before Promus Cyndi worked as a manager at a logistics firm, which specialized in integrated warehousing, trucking, intermodal rail and supply chain services. Prior to that she worked as an executive assistant to the president of a real estate investment, acquisition and development firm. Cyndi also worked as a manager for an agricultural investment management company.

Cyndi lives in Chicago’s western suburbs and has an adult daughter.

Dana Henderson joined Promus in 2017 as a client service associate for the family office. She serves as a trusted expert on client accounts and facilitates a seamless investment process for them. Dana also serves on the legacy team and helps create spaces for families to connect meaningfully within Promus’ community so they can flourish for generations. In addition to her work at Promus, she is also a member of the local advisory board for HOPE International, a nonprofit microfinance organization.

Dana graduated from Wheaton College, where she studied business/economics and applied health science. Although originally from southern California, Dana enjoys living in Chicago and taking advantage of everything the city has to offer, including salsa dancing.

Ryan Crawford joined Promus in 2012 and serves as the firm’s general counsel and chief compliance officer. Ryan handles the firm’s legal and compliance matters. He is a licensed attorney in the state of Illinois.

Ryan earned both his law degree and M.B.A. from Gonzaga University and his B.A. in accounting and business administration from Northwestern College. He lives in Burr Ridge, Illinois with his wife Tyler and their two children.

David Code joined Promus in 2011 and serves as a principal. He is also an investment committee member for the firm’s real estate strategy, Promus Realty. David is actively involved in all aspects of the investment process for Promus Equity, the firm’s private equity direct investing strategy. This includes sourcing, due diligence, deal execution and managing and monitoring portfolio companies. He also serves on the boards of several companies in the strategy’s portfolio.

Prior to Promus he worked as an analyst at the investment bank Lincoln International.

David earned a B.A. in finance from University of Colorado. David lives in Chicago with his wife Mollie and their daughter.

Adam Code joined Promus in 2018 and serves as a principal. Adam is actively involved in all aspects of the investment process for Promus Equity, the firm’s private equity direct investing strategy. This includes sourcing, due diligence, deal execution and managing and monitoring portfolio companies. He also serves on the boards of several companies in the strategy’s portfolio.

Adam brought 13 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions. Prior to Promus he worked for Creation Investments, an impact investment management company dedicated to private equity investments in the financial services industry. Before that he worked as an analyst in the investment banking department at William Blair & Company.

Adam earned his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He lives in Chicago with his wife Diana and two children.

Jake Barton joined Promus in 2012 and serves as an investment advisor for the family office. Jake serves on the investment committee for the family office and works closely with families to purposefully manage their wealth and build their legacy.

Before his current role, Jake was a portfolio manager in the alternative investing space and led Promus’ managed futures strategy. Prior to Promus he was the director of UCITS projects and a member of the investment committee at Efficient Capital Management. He also served as a surface warfare officer in the United States Navy with a nuclear power subspecialty and spent two years as assistant professor of Naval Science at Northwestern University.

Jake holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.B.A. with distinction from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Jake lives in Glen Ellyn, Illinois with his wife Emily and their eight children.

Charlie Adair joined Promus in 2013 and serves as director of business development. He covers the Southeast, seeking like-minded families and individuals to join Promus’ community of investors. He also works closely with clients to develop an in-depth understanding of individual and family wealth management needs and preferences. In addition to his work at Promus, he serves on the board of the United Methodist Children’s Home and is a member of the University of Alabama President’s Cabinet.

Prior to Promus Charlie served eight years as the director of development for the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama.

Charlie holds a B.S. and M.B.A. from The University of Alabama. He lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with his wife Preston and their three children.

Zach Musso is a founder and managing partner of Promus. He is actively involved in the strategic and operational leadership of the firm, in addition to co-managing the firm’s hedge fund strategy.

Prior to Promus Zach worked as an equity analyst for a hedge fund and traded financial futures on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade.

Zach holds a B.A. in finance from University of Alabama and is a CFA charterholder.

Patrick Fisher joined as a partner of Promus in 2012. He is the founder and managing partner of Creation Investments, an impact investment management company dedicated to private equity investments in the financial services industry.

Prior to founding Creation, he spent the majority of his career working at JPMorgan Chase in international banking, primarily covering Asia and Latin America. Patrick received his credit training at American National Bank and marketed interest rate, commodity, and foreign exchange derivatives on Bank One’s Chicago trading floor.

Patrick earned his M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and his B.S. at the University of Notre Dame. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife Jenny Nicole and their three children.

Sarah Wuellner joined Promus as a partner in 2010. She serves as a senior leader of the firm’s private equity direct investing strategy, Promus Equity, and portfolio manager for Promus Access, which manages the firm’s funds of private equity funds strategies. In this dual capacity, Sarah is actively involved in all aspects of the firm’s private equity investment strategy, including sourcing, due diligence, portfolio construction, deal execution and overseeing active portfolio companies. In addition to her work at Promus, she is a board member for several of the Promus Equity portfolio companies.

Sarah brought 13 years of prior experience with mergers and acquisitions. Prior to Promus she was a principal at Wind Point Partners. She has also worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and General Motors.

Sarah holds a B.F.A. and an M.B.A., both from the University of Michigan. Sarah lives in Wilmette, Illinois with her husband Tom and their three children.

Bob Newman joined Promus in 2015 and serves as a managing partner. He is actively involved in the strategic and operational leadership of the firm. Bob also leads Promus’ family office team where he oversees the investment and client service operations. He also serves as an investment advisor, working with families to help them purposefully manage their wealth and build their legacy.

Prior to Promus Bob worked at William Blair & Co. for 23 years, including 19 as partner and 11 as executive committee member and head of research.

He holds a B.S. in accountancy from the University of Illinois and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He also is a CFA charterholder and serves as board chair for the Golden Apple Foundation. Bob lives in Hinsdale, Illinois with his wife Debbie and they enjoy spending time with their three adult children and grandchildren.

Steve Brown joined Promus in 2012 and serves as a managing partner. He is focused on identifying, underwriting, closing and managing private equity investments. Additionally, Steve serves on the investment committees for Promus Access and Promus Realty. Steve is actively involved in the strategic and operational leadership of the firm. In addition to Steve’s work at Promus, he has served as a board member for numerous companies and nonprofits.

Steve brought over 28 years of experience to the firm. Prior to Promus he was a partner at CHS Capital, a middle-market private equity firm. While at CHS, he reviewed hundreds of investment opportunities while leading or participating in approximately 40 transactions across a variety of industries. Prior to that Steve worked at Heller Financial.

Steve holds a B.A. in business administration from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He lives in Golf, Illinois with his wife Carolyn and their three children.

Andy Code is a founder and partner of Promus. He is also the chairman. He is focused on identifying and managing private equity investments and serves on the investment committee for Promus Access. He is also very involved with business development for the firm.

Andy has over 30 years of experience investing and growing over 300 middle-market companies. During his career, Andy has served as a board member and advisor to numerous public and private companies. Prior to founding Promus, Andy was a founder and longtime partner of CHS Capital, a middle-market private equity firm. Before that he was vice president of Citicorp’s Leveraged Capital Group in Chicago.

Andy holds a B.A. in finance and an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa. He and his wife Susie live in Naples, Florida and enjoy spending time with their two children and grandchildren.

Meredith Mays joined Promus in 2011 and serves as the director of client services and marketing. She leads the client service and marketing teams, which ensure Promus provides a premium client experience for families. She drives excellence in how we communicate, how we serve families on a daily basis and in the overall strategy necessary to support those efforts. Her attention to detail helps ensure Promus’ consistent delivery of high-quality results.

Prior to her current role, Meredith helped develop the firm’s operations and strategies as an investor relations associate. Before that she lived for two years in the Republic of Moldova and worked with a microfinance organization affiliated with HOPE International.

Meredith earned her B.A. in business administration from Taylor University. She lives in La Grange, Illinois with her husband Kelsey and their two children.

Brian Musso is a founder and managing partner of Promus. He also serves on the various investment committees within Promus. Brian brought his family’s experience in investing to serve alongside other Promus families as an investment advisor. He also co-manages the firm’s fund of hedge funds. He serves on the board of several organizations and is actively involved in the strategic and operational leadership of the firm.

Prior to founding Promus, Brian was president of Accelerated Athletics, a sports performance enhancement company dedicated to training athletes. He was an All-Big Ten football player for Northwestern University and went on to play for the New York Jets.

Brian holds a B.A. in organizational studies from Northwestern University. He lives in Wheaton, Illinois with his wife Heather and their three children.

Amanda Curran joined Promus in 2012 and serves as a vice president. She participates in the funds-of-private equity funds strategy, Promus Access, which entails portfolio construction, due diligence, execution and managing portfolio investments. In addition to her current role, Amanda manages investor relations for all of Promus’ strategies.

Prior to her current role, Amanda served as a client service associate for the family office. Outside of Amanda’s work at Promus, she is a member of the Metropolitan & Legal Aid Associate Board.

Amanda holds a B.S. in brain, behavior, and cognitive science from the University of Michigan. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband Tim and enjoys traveling.