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WHAT'S INSIDE:
Final Messages from:
David Levy, President and
Mark Silverman, Vice President
Executive Speaker Forum Recap
Remebering this past season's events
Members in the News
Save the Date: MARC April 12-14
| | TMA Chicago/Midwest | December 2025 | Q4 | | |
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP MUSINGS | | | |
With Pride and Gratitude, Let’s Keep Making It Rain!
David Levy, Summit Investment Management / Keen-Summit Capital Partners
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Dear TMA Chicago/Midwest Members,
As the expression goes, the days are long, but the years are fast, and my tenure as 2025 Chapter President was no exception. I am finishing my term right where I started—that it is hard to imagine a more prosperous, better-run, trade association than TMA Chicago Midwest. Over the past 24 months, we staged more than 35 events, attracting more than 2,700 attendees, thanks to the efforts of our more than 100 volunteer committee members. Read more...
| | VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS | | |
Building Something Better Together: A New Year Note from your Friendly Neighborhood Restructuring Lawyer
Mark Silverman, Troutman Pepper Locke
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In a world where every headline seems to scream, and “discourse” often looks more like a food fight, it’s worth pausing to appreciate a small miracle: the way we treat each other within the TMA community.
As turnaround and restructuring professionals, we live in tough territory … insolvencies, distressed deals, hard conversations, and harder decisions. Yet somehow, amid all that, within the TMA, we’ve built a culture that runs on something surprisingly powerful: kindness, respect, and genuine collaboration. Mark's message continues...
| | 17th Annual Executive Speaker Forum | | |
November 20: ESF – Another Success in the Books
By Gordy Gouveia, Fox Rothchild
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The 17th Annual Executive Speaker Forum delivered an unforgettable evening, bringing together nearly 600 industry leaders from across the region’s business, finance, and restructuring communities. Energy filled the Sheraton Grand Chicago as guests enjoyed a 90-minute networking reception, a lovely meal, and an inspiring keynote presentation.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s keynote address involved a dynamic moderated conversation with former Congressman and Hilco Global’s Geopolitical Unit Chairman, the Hon. Patrick J. Murphy, in which Secretary Blinken shared his unique perspective on global dynamics, diplomacy, and the importance of steady leadership in times of uncertainty. His remarks resonated deeply with an audience accustomed to navigating complex environments and steering organizations through change.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of this year’s award winners, whose exceptional leadership and strategic insight exemplify the very best in the restructuring industry. Their achievements underscore the power of innovation, collaboration, and disciplined execution in driving meaningful organizational transformation. As each honoree was celebrated, attendees were reminded of the impact that skilled turnaround professionals continue to make across companies, industries, and communities. Read more...
| | | | Craig Dean, Managing Partner of AEG, joined longtime collaborator Tim Bopp to share the remarkable turnaround story of Holy Trinity High School—a Chicago-based Catholic high school dedicated to serving underprivileged students. The school is sponsored by the Brothers of Holy Cross. In their presentation, Dean and Bopp recounted Holy Trinity’s transformation from the brink of closure in the 1990s to becoming a thriving institution in the 2000s. They highlighted how the school overcame the same challenges that forced many neighboring schools to close, rallying community support and renewing its mission to serve Chicago’s youth. Since 2006, every Holy Trinity graduate has been accepted into college—a testament to the school’s lasting impact. Dean has served as governing board chair and now chair emeritus, while Bopp held several key leadership roles, including president, during the school’s revitalization. The presentation was part of Leading the Holy Cross Way, a leadership series hosted by Dr. Marco Clark, President of Holy Cross College. | | | | |
Valley National Bank recently announced the appointment of Terry M. Keating as Head of Asset-Based Lending (ABL). He oversees the continued growth and strategic direction of Valley’s ABL platform, which provides flexible financing solutions for middle-market companies across a wide range of industries. He is leading the ABL team in delivering tailored financing structures to support working-capital growth, acquisitions, and recapitalizations for lower- and middle-market businesses. Keating brings more than three decades of experience in commercial finance, specialty lending, growth and organizational development, including 25 years in commercial banking. Most recently, he was Chief Executive Officer of Access Capital.
| | | | William Kemp was promoted to SVP, Regional Manager in Republic's Houston, Texas office. His expanded focus will include the Gulf Coast Region along with supporting its private equity and channel partnerships. Republic is hiring an underwriter and account executive to support its Asset Based Lending team here in Chicago. | | |
CHAPTER NEWS: TMA OUT 'N' ABOUT | | | |
September 24: NextGen says PROST!
By Joe Ford, Wintrust
| | | | The NextGen Oktoberfest Happy Hour drew 33 young professionals to District Brew Yards for an evening where deal talk met draft taps. With steins in hand and spreadsheets left at the door, attendees mixed, mingled, and strengthened connections across the turnaround community in a laid-back, high-spirited setting. The night proved that networking—like a good recovery—goes better with the right blend. | | |
October 9: Lender Workout Panel
The Lender Workout Panel at The Ivy Room featured panelists Jonathan Weinberg (Monroe Capital), Randy Schwarzman (CIBC Bank), Penny Fine (CIT Northbridge), Mike Warren (U.S. Bank), and John Whyman (Old National Bank). Paul Musser (Katten Muchin Rosenman) moderated. Top photo (L to R): Warn, Schwarzman, Musser, Fine, Weinberg and Whyman gather outside The Ivy Room.
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October 20: Annual Golf Outing
The fall golf outing was a great success. NextGen partnered with the entertainment committee to host a sold-out event! Everyone had a great time at Ruffled Feathers.
| | December 2: Holiday Cheer
By Nate Delman, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton | | The Chicago/Midwest chapter welcomed 180 people who brave the winter chill to deck the halls, eat drink and be merry, and all together enjoy a delightful evening at the TMA Annual Holiday Party, held this year at The Dalcy. The party was both full of TMA regulars and new faces, all connecting once more as the holiday season swings into high gear. The Dalcy served a great backdrop while attendees sampled a sumptuous variety of hor d’oeuvres, participated in a wine toss, and were warmed up with whiskey flights highlighting a variety of styles including a unique whisky exclusively offered at that venue. The event also raised over $500 for the TMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation. A fitting end to another great year. | | | | |
