SUZIE DORAN

Partner, SingerLewak ACG Los Angeles

A sense of community fostered by the Association of Corporate Growth is what Suzie Doran, a partner with accounting and consulting firm SingerLewak in Los Angeles, most appreciates about being a member of the organization, which she joined in 2004.

Doran has been involved in many aspects of the Los Angeles chapter. She has served on the ACG Los Angeles Conference Committee, the Award Committee, Women’s Committee, Executive Committee, Programs Committee, and as treasurer and president of the chapter.

Doran has made both personal and professional contacts through ACG.

“ACG has positively impacted me professionally by providing me with my first client that I brought into the firm,” she says. “ACG has been a great community that has fostered some wonderful relationships over the years.”

Cornelia Cheng, managing director of MGG Investment Group in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, met Doran through ACG Los Angeles, and they serve together on the chapter’s board. Cheng says Doran makes a point to spread the word about ACG’s many benefits.

“She brings incredible energy and commitment in leading and promoting ACG across the dealmaking community,” Cheng says of Doran. “Most recently, and with short notice, she stepped up as interim ACG LA Advisory board chair to fill an unexpected vacancy.”

Doran also builds connections among chapter members and other stakeholders, according to Cheng, who says Doran is always active in welcoming those who are new to the local dealmaking community.

“She is also a prolific connector who actively finds opportunities to connect with those in her network to facilitate partnership opportunities,” Cheng says.

—ANNEMARIE MANNION

CHRISTIAN REMMEL Director, Aterian Investment Partners ACG New York

In describing his lasting impact on ACG New York, Christian Remmel points to the importance of taking the initiative.

When the chapter transitioned to a virtual environment, Remmel and a colleague drove event attendance by creating a quarterly investment roundtable. Led by an expert speaker or panel, each session brought together members of the ACG dealmaking community to discuss a relevant industry topic.

“We recognized the need to adapt,” says Remmel, who joined ACG in 2016. “While there is no substitute for meeting in person, we could create an event series focused on relevant content.”

Vik Magdani, executive director of ACG New York and CEO of ACG Northeast, calls Remmel “a serial consumer of ACG” committed to his work.

“Christian is a senior private equity originator who is a consummate professional,” Magdani says. “He not only uses ACG as a conduit to enhance his own business development but also enables other members and dealmakers to do so. Christian’s contributions to ACG and dealmaking are invaluable.”

Remmel’s work with ACG has also provided vital connections to industry peers.

“The more time I give to ACG, the more I’ve gotten out of the organization,” Remmel says. “I have met highly talented individuals who are relevant to what I do and, more importantly, are good people. At its core, private equity is a relationship business. In that regard, ACG has certainly helped me grow professionally.”—DOUGLAS

Steve Higgins

Managing Director, Delancey Street Partners ACG Philadelphia

About 15 years ago, Steve Higgins, managing director at Delancey Street Partners, joined ACG Philadelphia as a mid-level banker to build his network.

Since then, he’s helped spearhead one of ACG Philadelphia’s most ambitious programs, ACG University. It’s a networking and educational initiative for deal professionals who have fewer than seven years of deal experience.

Besides serving as co-chair of the inaugural rollout of ACG University, Higgins has been active on ACG Philadelphia’s Programming Committee and has served as both the co-chair of the DEI Committee and as a member of the ACG Philadelphia board. He’s currently co-chair of the chapter’s signature M&A East Conference.

Higgins says ACG helped refine his leadership skills and allowed him to make critical connections throughout his career.

“ACG presents a fantastic way to get ingrained into the Philadelphia M&A ecosystem,” he says. “Through active participation on various committees, I’ve developed strong relationships with a variety of deal professionals and developed a lot of great friendships as well. It has directly led to business organically. Obviously, I’ve found it beneficial because I’ve continued to be engaged with ACG over the years.”

Through his volunteering with ACG Philadelphia, Higgins has been a major asset to the chapter, says Leo Helmers, cofounder of Mereo Capital Partners and ACG Philadelphia’s incoming board president.

“In addition to being a great banker, he has served in various leadership capacities on ACG Philadelphia’s board or committees,” Helmers says. “He is well connected, is a good listener, displays an evenkeeled temperament, and always provides insightful perspectives and commentary.”

—SUE TER MAAT