Team

Mr. May, is the Founder and Managing Partner of CORE and is responsible for overseeing all activities of the firm including investment sourcing and valuation, transaction structuring, the securing of acquisition financing, fundraising, and all administrative activities. Before founding CORE, he spent the past 18 years working on transactions with several private equity sponsors principally with The Blackstone Group and H.I.G. Capital.  He currently serves on the boards of the following CORE portfolio companies: Fathom, Vantage, Cohere, Kelvix, Cadrex, Uptive, 3dxtech, PrecisionX Group, Century Box, Aviation Concepts and Winky Lux.

Mr. May graduated with Honors from East Carolina University with a business degree. He currently serves on the East Carolina University Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors including its Executive Committee and is Chair of the Investment Committee. He is also Co-Founder and former Chairman of the Board for Imerman Angels, a 501(c)(3) Chicago-based cancer support organization. He also is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), a member of The Economic Club of Chicago, and obtained his Level I Sommelier accreditation from The International Sommelier Guild.

Mr. Papa, a Founding Partner at CORE, is responsible for investment sourcing, evaluating potential acquisitions, valuation and the implementation of the CORE Operating Playbook. Before joining CORE, he spent 18 years creating value as CEO of five Private Equity portfolio companies, backed by the likes of HIG Capital, Riverside Capital, DDJ Capital and Sun Capital Partners. Prior to his private equity assignments, Mr. Papa spent 20 years as an Operations Executive in Fortune 100 businesses within 14 different industries, including GE, Stanley Tools, Textron and Hanes Brand. He currently serves on the boards of the following CORE portfolio companies: Vantage, Cohere, Kelvix, Century Box and Winky Lux.

A graduate from Lowell Technological Institute (U of Mass Lowell) with a BS in Engineering, Mr. Papa went on to graduate from U of Mass Amherst with an MBA. He also completed and graduated GE’s Corporate Manufacturing Management Program.

Mr. Chung, a Founding Partner at CORE, is responsible for investment sourcing, evaluating potential acquisitions, valuation and the implementation of the CORE Operating Playbook. Before joining CORE, he spent the past 13 years as CEO/President of a number of high-growth electronics and technology businesses — all private equity-backed or divisions of large publicly traded corporations. He was also the Chief Strategy Officer of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), overseeing corporate strategy, M&A and operation management. He currently serves on the boards of the following CORE portfolio companies: Fathom, Cadrex, and 3dxtech.  He also serves on the boards of Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) and Airgain (NASDAQ: AIRG).

Mr. Chung holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, an MS in Computer Science from North Carolina State University, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He also serves on the advisory board of the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.

Mr. Puglisi, a Founding Partner at CORE, is responsible for the sourcing and evaluation of investment opportunities, valuation, transaction structuring and the securing of acquisition financing. Before joining CORE, he most recently served as a Vice President at Peak Rock Capital, an Austin-based middle-market private equity firm, where he was responsible for identifying, evaluating, executing and actively monitoring investments. Prior to joining Peak Rock Capital, Mr. Puglisi worked at Wind Point Partners and the investment banking division of Citigroup in Chicago. He currently serves on the boards of the following CORE portfolio companies: Vantage, Cohere, Kelvix, Cadrex, 3dxtech, Uptive, PrecisionX Group, and Winky Lux.

Mr. Puglisi received a Master in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accountancy, summa cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. He previously served on the Auxiliary Board of Youth Outreach Services and has held steering committee and team captain roles for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Mr. Fulton, a Partner at CORE, is responsible for the sourcing, evaluation and execution of Industrial Services investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he most recently served as a Partner at The Riverside Company, a global middle-market private equity firm, where he was responsible for identifying, executing and actively monitoring investments across a variety of sectors. Prior to joining The Riverside Company, Mr. Fulton worked at Houlihan Lokey in the industrials group and as an Investment Analyst with GE Capital. He currently serves on the board of Aviation Concepts.

Mr. Fulton received a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Miami University with concentrations in Finance and Computer Science.

Bob Nardelli, a Senior Operating Partner at CORE, is responsible for deal sourcing, evaluating potential acquisitions, supporting the due diligence process and implementing the CORE operating playbook post acquisition. Mr. Nardelli is also the Founder and CEO of XLR-8, an Investment & Advisory Co., which combines his 50-plus years of experience augmenting business performance. Mr. Nardelli’s leadership led to the growth of sales and profits of a number of multi-national corporations such as CEO of GE Powersystems, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler, and Chairman and CEO of Home Depot.

Mr. Nardelli currently serves as Senior Advisor to EY. Mr. Nardelli has also served as Partner and Senior Advisor to a number of leading companies. He sits on the Board of Directors of BWXT Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT). He currently serves on the boards of CORE portfolio companies Fathom and Aviation Concepts. He holds a B.S. from Western Illinois University and an M.B.A. from the University of Louisville.

*Mr. Nardelli is not a CORE employee but serves as a dedicated advisor to CORE.

Mr. Lambert, Operating Partner at CORE, is responsible for deal sourcing, evaluating potential acquisitions, supporting the due diligence process, and implementing the CORE operating playbook post-acquisition.

Prior to joining CORE, Mr. Lambert led two private equity portfolio companies to successful exits as CEO of Curt Group, backed by Audax and Recreational Boat Group, which was owned by Platinum Equity. He also spent 15 years at Bombardier Recreational Products, transitioning the company from a large public corporation to a private equity-backed structure, leading multiple global business units, including relaunching a large division that was acquired post-bankruptcy. He has managed P&L’s up to $1 billion in annual revenue and led multiple facility expansions and strategic alliances with global partners.

Mr. Lambert has served on multiple boards of public and private organizations in a wide range of industries and is currently the lead independent director of Mastercraft (NASDAQ: MCFT). He currently serves on the boards of the following CORE portfolio companies: Cohere, Cadrex, Uptive, and PrecisionX Group.

Mr. Lambert earned a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal as well as a graduate Business Degree from Laval University in Quebec.

Mr. Lee, Founding Partner at CORE, works with our Centers of Excellence team supporting portfolio management teams to drive value-creation initiatives.

His extensive experience in operations and management consulting across companies like Brunswick Corporation, Ernst & Young, and Mercedes-Benz USA, and his previous C-level roles in financial services, equips him with a multifaceted skill set essential for addressing the complex challenges faced by portfolio companies.

Mr. Lee graduated from Duke University with an MBA and Emory University with a BBA in Accounting and Information Systems.

Mrs. Koerner, Partner, Chief Financial & Compliance Officer at CORE, is responsible for fund operations, all fund financial transactions, and compliance functions. Before joining CORE, she served as the Vice President and Controller of Beecken Petty O’Keefe & Company, a private equity management firm that invests in middle-market buy-out transactions, recapitalizations, and growth platforms exclusively in the healthcare industry, where she focused on general accounting and finance and helped to implement an SEC-registered investment advisor compliance program. Prior to joining Beecken Petty O’Keefe & Company, Mrs. Koerner worked at Omnium and Crowe Horwath LLP.

Mrs. Koerner is a C.P.A and graduated from Miami University (OH) with a BS in Accounting and Finance.

Mr. Rascia, Managing Director at CORE, supports the Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Before joining CORE, he served as an Assistant Vice President at Golub Capital, a credit asset manager focused on providing financing solutions to middle-market companies and their private equity sponsors. Prior to joining Golub Capital, Mr. Rascia worked at Water Street Healthcare Partners and Citigroup Global Markets in Chicago. He currently serves on the boards of the following CORE portfolio companies: Cohere, Century Box, and Winky Lux.

Mr. Rascia earned his BS in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he received University Honors and inclusion on the Bronze Tablet – the university’s highest honor awarded to students in the top 3 percent of the graduating class.

Ms. Walker, Business Development Principal at CORE, is responsible for deal origination and sourcing new investment opportunities. Before joining CORE, she served as the Director of Research at Akoya Capital Partners, a private equity firm with a heavy focus on the industrial and specialty chemical sectors. While at Akoya, she was responsible for conducting industry research, generating proprietary investment strategies and acquisition opportunities, sourcing operating partners, leading due diligence on closed deals, and developing post-acquisition strategies. Prior to joining Akoya, Ms. Walker worked at BOSI Global and Cook M&A.

Ms. Walker attended Tulane and earned her BS in Finance from DePaul University. She is an avid marathon runner, sports enthusiast and enjoys adventure travel. She is also a founding member of the Black Toes International Running Club and organizes the team’s annual “24-Hour Challenge” fundraising event.

Mr. Miller, Senior Vice President of Business Development at CORE, is responsible for deal origination and sourcing new investment opportunities. Before joining CORE, he served as a Principal of American Revitalization Partners (“ARP”), an initiative of Hersh Family Investments focused on acquiring manufacturing companies in the Midwest. While at ARP, Mr. Miller oversaw all sourcing and deal execution for the fund and was a Board Observer of Amerisource Industrial Supply. Prior to joining ARP, he was in Business Development & Marketing at Yelp where he worked on activities to extend the Yelp brand.

Mr. Miller holds a BBA from The University of Texas at Austin.

Mr. Sandy, Vice President at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Deutsche Bank in the global industrials group. He currently serves on the boards of the following CORE portfolio companies: 3dxTech, Uptive, and PrecisionX Group.

Mr. Sandy earned his BS in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing golf and serves on the Board of Directors of the Private Equity Association of Chicago.

Mr. Longtin, Vice President at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses, and sourcing new investment opportunities. He currently sits on the board of Vantage, a CORE portfolio company.

Before joining CORE, he served as an Associate at Cotton Creek Capital, an operationally-focused private equity firm investing in the general industrials space. Prior to joining Cotton Creek Capital, Mr. Longtin began his career as an investment banking analyst at UBS in the Global Industrials Group.

Mr. Longtin earned his BS in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Benita, Vice President at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses, and sourcing new Industrial Services investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Professional at iCON Infrastructure, a private equity firm focused on investments in the infrastructure industry. Prior to iCON Infrastructure, Mr. Benita worked as a Senior Associate at Spire Capital Partners, an operationally focused private equity firm that invests in lower middle market technology-enabled services businesses. Mr. Benita began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at Barclays.

Mr. Benita earned his BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing tennis and traveling.

Mr. Kakenmaster, a Vice President in CORE’s Centers of Excellence, works closely with portfolio management teams on finance-related projects. These projects support management in making data-driven decisions to drive value-creation initiatives.

Before joining CORE, he served as Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at Q-Centrix, a private equity sponsored services and technology business. Prior to joining Q-Centrix, he was a Manager in PwC’s Transaction Services practice where he advised private equity clients on buy-side and sell-side transactions.

Mr. Kakenmaster received an MBA with a concentration in Finance and Strategy from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, as well as a BS and MS in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ms. Caplis, Vice President of Investor Relations at CORE, supports the firm’s investor development and fundraising initiatives. Prior to joining CORE, she was part of the Capital Formation team at Vista Equity Partners, a $100 billion private equity firm focused on enterprise software, data, and technology-enabled businesses. While at Vista, Ms. Caplis designed and implemented capital formation plans and business processes to support fundraising and deal origination strategies.

Ms. Caplis holds a BS in Finance from the University of Colorado. She resides in Austin, TX and can be found on a hiking trail or out on the water when outside of the office.

Mr. Pennington, a Vice President in CORE’s Centers of Excellence, works closely with portfolio management teams on finance-related projects. These projects support management in making data-driven decisions to drive value-creation initiatives. Before joining CORE, he served as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis at Vi Senior Living, an owner and operator of luxury senior living communities. Prior to joining Vi, he was a Manager in KPMG’s Deal Advisory – Financial Due Diligence practice where he advised private equity clients on buy-side and sell-side transactions.  Prior to KPMG, he was a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Mr. Pennington is a CPA and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a BA in Accountancy. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, playing basketball, and golfing.

Mr. Giraldez, a Vice President in CORE’s Centers of Excellence, works closely with portfolio management teams on value creation initiatives. These initiatives help drive organic growth and operational excellence for the portfolio with on-the-ground execution support from CORE. Before joining CORE, Mr. Giraldez served as an Engagement Manager with McKinsey & Company, where he helped private and public sector industrial organizations plan and execute operational improvements and transformations. Prior to joining McKinsey, Mr. Giraldez held multiple engineering and operations leadership roles at ExxonMobil.

Mr. Giraldez holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with minors in Economics and Energy Studies.

Mrs. Hansen, Controller at CORE, is responsible for financial reporting and fund accounting, as well as assisting with administrative and compliance functions of the firm. Before joining CORE, she served as the Controller of Beecken Petty O’Keefe & Company, a private equity management firm that invested in middle-market buy-out transactions, recapitalizations, and growth platforms exclusively in the healthcare industry where she assisted with general accounting, fund accounting and SEC compliance. Prior to joining Beecken Petty O’Keefe & Company, Mrs. Hansen worked at RSM US LLP as an auditor of private equity funds.

Mrs. Hansen is a Certified Public Accountant and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy degree.

Mr. Janowiak, Assistant Controller at CORE, is responsible for financial reporting and fund accounting, as well as assisting with administrative and compliance functions of the firm. Before joining CORE, he served as an Assistant Fund Controller at USAA Real Estate, a registered investment advisor with a focus on acquiring, developing, financing, and managing real estate in North America and Europe. Prior to joining USAA Real Estate, Mr. Janowiak worked at Stern Cassello & Associates LLP, as a third-party fund administrator.

Mr. Janowiak is a C.P.A. and graduated from the University of Iowa with a BBA in Accounting and Finance.

Mr. Zimmerman, Senior Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Deutsche Bank in the Global Industrials Group.

Mr. Zimmerman earned his BBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing golf and basketball.

Mr. Lippert, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses, and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Greenhill & Co. in the Global Industrials Group.

Mr. Lippert earned his BA in Mathematics and Economics from Northwestern University. Outside of the office, he enjoys running and playing guitar and serves as a volunteer mentor for Minds Matter Chicago.

Mr. Bush, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses, and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Citigroup in the Global Industrials Group.

Mr. Bush earned his BS in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing basketball and golf.

Mr. Cibula, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Barclays in the Global Industrials Coverage Group.

Mr. Cibula earned his BS in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time at the gym and playing golf.

Mr. Noble, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners in the Global Industrials Group.

Mr. Noble earned his BS in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. Outside of the office, he enjoys attending Chicago sports events and playing golf.

Mr. Louro, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transactions structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment thesis, and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Associate at William Blair in the Industrial Growth Products group, as an Equity Research Vice President at JP Morgan, covering the LatAm Industrials sector, and as an Equity Research Analyst at Credit Suisse.

Mr. Louro earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and has a BS in Economics from Insper (Brazil). Mr. Louro is also a CFA Charterholder. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time at the gym and traveling.

Mr. Litzinger, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Robert W. Baird in the Global Industrials Group.

Mr. Litzinger earned his BBA in Finance from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling and playing golf.

Mr. Wasson, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Deloitte Corporate Finance in the Global Industrials Group.

Mr. Wasson earned his BS and Masters of Accountancy from the Trulaske School of Business at the University of Missouri. Outside of the office, he enjoys competing in triathlons, snowboarding, and playing golf.

Mr. Layton, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses, and sourcing new Industrial Services investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Associate at CW Industrial Partners.  Mr. Layton worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Stephens in their Financial Institutions Group. Mr. Layton began his career at KPMG as a Real Estate Tax Associate.

Mr. Layton earned his M.S. Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business and has a BS in Finance from St. Louis University. Mr. Layton is also a CPA in the state of Illinois (inactive). Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, playing golf and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ms. Becker, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses, and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, she served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Citigroup in the Global Industrials Group.

Ms. Becker earned her BS in Finance and Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she received University Honors and inclusion on the Bronze Tablet – the university’s highest honor awarded to students in the top 3 percent of the graduating class.

Mr. Hausz, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Citigroup in the Global Industrials Group.

Mr. Hausz earned his BS in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing golf, snowboarding and following college basketball.

Mr. Ishbia, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Houlihan Lokey in the Healthcare group.

Mr. Ishbia earned his BA in Finance from Michigan State University. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling and keeping up with Detroit sports.

Mr. Whetstone, Associate at CORE, supports the Investment Partners in transaction execution, transaction structuring, acquisition financing, development of investment theses, and sourcing new Industrial Services investment opportunities. Prior to joining CORE, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at BellMark Partners. Mr. Whetstone began his career as an Analyst at Lincoln International.

Mr. Whetstone earned his BS in Finance from Miami University. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and rooting for the Cleveland Browns.

Mrs. Byrne, Business Development Senior Associate at CORE, is responsible for industry research and deal origination. Before joining CORE, she served as an Assistant Vice President and IR consultant at Alpha IR, an investor relations and transactions/crisis consulting firm, conducting financial analyses, investor research, and communications with institutional investors, bankers, and equity analysts. Prior to joining Alpha IR, Mrs. Byrne worked as a research associate at Akoya Capital Partners where she conducted market research and identified investment opportunities.

Mrs. Byrne received a Master in Business Administration from DePaul University with honors and a Bachelor of Science in economics from DePaul University. She enjoys running, golfing, and international travel.

Ms. Erez, Business Development Research Analyst at CORE, supports the Business Development team in industry research and deal origination. Prior to CORE, she served as a Research Analyst at NielsenIQ, a global data analytics company specializing in consumer intelligence.

Ms. Erez received her BA in Economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Outside the office, she enjoys playing piano, attending comedy shows, and playing recreational sports in Chicago.

Ms. Schoen, Executive Assistant at CORE, is responsible for supporting CORE’s leadership. Prior to joining CORE, she served as Senior Administrative Assistant at Houlihan Lokey in the Strategic Consulting Group and at BMO Capital Markets in the Food, Consumer & Retail Group. She also spent 10 years at Verizon Communications where she worked primarily in project management and contract negotiations.

Ms. Schoen received a Master of Science in Information and Communication Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Ball State University. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time at the gym, baking, and volunteering at PAWS Chicago.

Ms. Craven is the Executive Assistant to John May. Prior to joining CORE, she served as Senior Executive Assistant at Beecken Petty O’Keefe and Company, a private equity management firm for 12 years. Ms. Craven also worked at Brown Gibbons Lang, a middle market investment bank,  and at JP Morgan.

Ms. Craven received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Eastern Illinois University.

Ms. Biggs, Executive Assistant, is responsible for supporting the team at CORE Industrial Partners.  Prior to joining CORE, she worked as an Executive Assistant at MCM Capital Partners, and as an Office Manager and Project Coordinator for Continental Building Co. and Mielke Mechanical. 

Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking, baking, Cleveland sports, and traveling. 

Ms. Ribera, Receptionist, supports the CORE team, cultivates the company’s culture, and extends warm hospitality to partners and visitors. Prior to CORE, she served as a corporate meeting coordinator for JPMorgan, an event specialist at Notre Dame, and a hospitality ambassador at Alpha Omega Winery in Napa.

Ms. Ribera received her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University, with a minor in Event and Meeting planning.   Outside the office, she enjoys cooking, hiking, painting and long walks with her dog.