Team Members

Tim Clark

Tim Clark has over 25 years of experience in principal investing and M&A transaction origination/execution/financing across a wide range of industries. Since 2015, he has been Managing Director of Hall Capital, a private investment family office. Prior to joining Hall Capital, Tim was Managing Director for over nine years at Gridiron Capital, an institutional middle-market…

David C. Blatte

David began his career at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) where he spent 15 years investing capital and general banking in the Consumer sector.  After CSFB’s acquisition of DLJ in 2000, David was a Partner at Catterton Partners and then Centre Partners, both middle market PE funds, where he continued to invest in consumer companies. …

Ernie McKee

Ernie’s responsibilities include analysis, due diligence and executing on investments along with monitoring portfolio investments. Before joining Praesidian in 2023, Ernie worked at OneGas where he was involved in pipeline engineering. His past work experience includes working as a field engineer with Halliburton focused on assets in the Anadarko and Permian Basin. He earned his…

Howard Dennis

Howard is co-Founder and Managing Partner of Hazen Creek Advisory, providing transaction due diligence and CFO services to private investment firms and lower middle market companies. Previously he was a Managing Director at BDO USA and FTI Consulting leading advisory engagements involving M&A transactions, corporate restructurings, and office of the CFO services. Earlier experience includes…

Bradley L. Grow

Brad’s responsibilities include capital, debt and business structure, financial due diligence, tax strategies and executing on investments. Before joining the group, Brad was with Deloitte & Touche in the UK and later with Grant Thornton in the US. When in public accounting he serviced clients in several countries and various industries and businesses and has…

Kevin Burke

Kevin’s responsibilities include deal sourcing, financial analysis, due diligence, and execution of new investments.  Prior to joining Praesidian Kevin served as a Managing Director for Quail Springs Capital as well as CEO for several of its operating entities ranging from start ups to $50million in annual revenue. His experience includes strategic planning, growth through acquisition, real-estate…

Lee Rosenthal

Lee has enjoyed a long track record of success in the fashion/apparel industry. He has been involved with Depeche Mode Clothing Company, a NY based designer and manufacturer of moderately priced women’s apparel, for the past 36 years, the past 20 years as majority owner and CEO.  Lee is well versed in all aspects of…

Michael Fernandez

Michael is an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of experience leading middle market enterprises. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Universal Holding Group (“Universal”), a minority-owned investment firm which makes investments in privately held small businesses, focusing on minority-owned companies.  Prior to founding Universal, Mr. Fernandez founded MCG, a health care…

Linda Dignelli

Linda joined Praesidian as an Administrative Officer in 2016. She is responsible for organizing and managing office operations, monitoring fund expenses and bookkeeping procedures, coordinating investor distributions, and controlling correspondence. She received a B.A. from the College of New Rochelle, with a major in Psychology and Special Education.

Tom Duffy

Tom’s responsibilities include financial analysis, due diligence, execution of new investments, and deal sourcing for Praesidian Capital. He also contributes to the firm’s European fund as an Investment Director. Before joining Praesidian in 2012, Tom worked as an Associate within Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Leadership Training Program. During his time in the program, he…

Jason D. Drattell

Jason is the Founder of Praesidian Capital and plays a key role with sourcing, due diligence, structuring, and execution of investments at Praesidian Capital. Over a 40 year career in the middle market, Jason has sourced, structured and managed more than 200 private capital transactions. Prior to founding Praesidian Capital, Jason was one of three…