HEATHER LEWIS

Business Development Senior Associate, WILsquare Capital ACG St. Louis

Heather Lewis had three months of normalcy after joining WILsquare in late 2019. A former accounting firm executive and member of ACG St. Louis since December 2019, Lewis and her colleagues acted quickly when the coronavirus pandemic threw the business world into chaos.

Under the leadership of executive director Amy Ruebsam, ACG St. Louis pivoted to virtual happy hours and other online events that kept members connected. To expand her own network, Lewis attended virtual activities hosted by numerous ACG chapters outside of St. Louis as well.

“ACG helped me continue to make connections during a pandemic,” says Lewis. “Building relationships and learning more about people is a large part of my job, and ACG gives its members the ability to make connections no matter what is going on in the world.”

Lewis is currently focused on her work with ACG’s Emerging 20, a leadership development program for rising young leaders in the M&A space.

“ACG is not only a place to build relationships; it’s a place to gain knowledge through various programs,” Lewis says. “Getting younger folks involved with ACG is our driving force.”

Michael Norton, a board member of ACG Chicago and director of business development for boutique investment bank Houlihan Capital, knows Lewis through their mutual attendance at dozens of industry and ACG events. Norton calls Lewis a “master connector” who has made her chapter stronger and more relevant.

“Heather brings the right people to the ecosystem, which is the best way to strengthen the ACG community,” says Norton.—DJG

Chris Nicholas

Managing Partner, Shields & Co. ACG Boston

Like most young professionals starting out, Bostonbased Shields & Co. Managing Partner Chris Nicholas joined ACG to build his network and meet other professionals.

Since joining more than a decade ago, Nicholas has served as a board director and chair of ACG Boston’s Accelerator program, a leadership development program for emerging leaders. He’s currently a co-chair of the chapter’s Private Equity/Investment Banker Committee.

“Over the years, I’ve continued to network and develop those networking skills,” Nicholas says. “Now I get the joy of giving back to the organization that has helped me develop in my career. I’ve felt an obligation to make it better and stronger for the next wave of M&A professionals coming up through the industry.”

Nicholas has been integral in helping the chapter better engage the small, regional boutique investment banks, says Christy Dancause, CEO, New England/Eastern Great Lakes Region at ACG and executive director for ACG Boston.

Nicholas has been integral in helping the chapter better engage small, regional boutique investment banks, according to Dancause. He has also helped the chapter create specific events and programs that are valuable to them.

“Chris has engaged with ACG at every level of his career and fully embraced his membership opportunities,” Dancause says. “He got involved as a young professional, joined several committees over his membership tenure, rose through the ranks to become a board member, and remains involved today after a six-year term on the board.”—ST

CASSANDRA MOTT Partner, Blank Rome ACG Houston

Cassandra Mott has been a member of ACG’s Houston chapter since 2009, serving as president, vice president and in other key roles over the course of her tenure.

As chapter president in 2014, Mott launched a pair of committees focused on the betterment of women and young professionals. In unifying three Texas ACG chapters—Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin/ San Antonio—she empowered improved communication between chapters.

“Cassandra is a visionary bridge builder, and a strong advocate for women,” says Paul Gautier, managing director at Cary Street Partners and a board member for ACG Austin/San Antonio. “She is a true leader and knows how to bring together the right people to get things done. She’s incredibly wellconnected and efficient, not to mention a delight to work alongside.”

Upon moving from Cleveland to Houston in 2009, Mott quickly cultivated business development opportunities and even long-term friendships with fellow middle-market ACG members. Along with her work as president, she engaged in a strategic planning process that resulted in the hire of Executive Director Morgan Stone.

“Morgan has been a game-changer for our chapter over the last eight years, elevating us to next-level professionalism, marketing, sponsorship, programming and membership services,” says Mott. “I’m also grateful to Blank Rome for supporting ACG Houston as we continue to grow the firm’s transactional presence in Texas.”—DJG