Meet the

Yukon Team

Since its inception, Yukon has been committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion.  Our human capital is the most valuable asset we possess. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and the company’s achievement as well.

Our investment team is fully equipped to support our partners as needed in managing their investments to successful outcomes. We have deep experience across multiple market cycles and in diverse industries.

We are dedicated to delivering timely and thoughtful responses to our partners, and providing proactive and insightful involvement in the companies we are invested in.

Professionals

Carli Balch Senior Accountant

Carli Balch

Senior Accountant

Minneapolis
612-435-7813

Carli joined Yukon Partners in February 2023. She assists in all aspects of the fund accounting process from recording journal entries to preparing financial statements. Previously, Carli worked at KPMG as a senior tax associate where she provided compliance services within the alternative investment industry. Carli’s background in public accounting includes experience supporting successful partnerships as well as mutual and hedge funds.

In her free time, Carli enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time on the water during the warm Minnesota summers.

Education

  • BA, University of St. Thomas
Anastasia Bocharnikov Senior Accountant

Anastasia Bocharnikov

Senior Accountant

Minneapolis
612-435-7822

Anastasia Joined Yukon Partners in July 2023. Prior to joining Yukon, Anastasia was a Senior Accountant at NorthStar Capital Partners. She was involved in financial reporting, accounting, and investor relations for Northstar’s limited partnerships and management company.

She enjoys traveling, outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.

Education

  • BA, Metropolitan State University
Anne Cattoor Chief Compliance Officer and Controller

Anne Cattoor

Chief Compliance Officer and Controller

Minneapolis
612-435-7806

Anne joined Yukon Partners in December 2010 and is responsible for the accounting, financial reporting and cash management for Yukon’s funds and management company as well as monitoring the firm’s compliance program.  Prior to joining Yukon Partners, Anne served in various accounting roles at Riverstone Professional Group, Department 56, and Arthur Andersen.

Anne’s hobbies and interests include family, fitness, watching college sports and spending time outdoors on the lake, biking or walking her dog.

Education

  • BA, University of St. Thomas
William Dietz Managing Partner

William Dietz

Managing Partner

Minneapolis
612-435-7804

Prior to founding Yukon Partners in February 2008, Bill was a partner at Norwest Mezzanine Partners where he was responsible for deal origination, transaction execution and portfolio management, as well as maintenance of NMP’s systems and internal controls.

Before joining Norwest Mezzanine Partners, Bill served as a financial analyst and chief financial officer for Equity Research, Inc., an investment company focused on public and private equity investments. Earlier, he co-founded Computer Guidance Group, a financial consulting firm. Additionally, Bill worked with Arthur Andersen in the Mergers & Acquisitions, Auditing and Operational Consulting practices.

Bill has been married for 23 years to his wonderful wife, Teena, and readily admits that he married way out of his league.  He is also blessed with two great kids (Alexie and Jack), and actually considers his walleye boat his third child.  In his golden years, you’re guaranteed to find Bill trolling around a sunken reef on Lake of the Woods pursuing his insatiable quest for world class walleyes.

Education

  • BA, Notre Dame
  • CPA (Inactive)
Michael Furey Senior Partner

Michael Furey

Senior Partner

Boston
617-315-1534

Mike joined Yukon Partners in 2016. He leads Yukon’s investment efforts in technology-enabled services and software. He also has experience in healthcare, consumer products and industrial services.

Prior to joining Yukon, Mike was a partner at Halyard Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm focused on investments in business services, healthcare, media and communications companies. Before Halyard, Mike was an Investment Manager at Capital Resource Partners, a private investment firm making subordinated debt and equity investments to support acquisitions, recapitalizations, grow and management buyouts. Mike started his career in the investment banking division of Advest, Inc.

Mike lives outside of Boston with his wife and three sons. In his free time, Mike enjoys kayaking and offshore fishing.

Education

  • BA, Brown University
  • MBA, Harvard Business School
Jessica Ghai Analyst

Jessica Ghai

Analyst

Minneapolis
612-435-7821

Jessica joined Yukon Partners in 2023 and is responsible for conducting due diligence on investment opportunities and assisting in portfolio management and reporting.

Prior to joining Yukon, she was an intern at Allstate Investments, where she worked closely with the Private Assets team.

Jessica enjoys trying new restaurants, travelling, dancing, and spending valuable time with her friends and family.

Education

  • BS in Finance, University of Illinois at Chicago
Michael Hall Managing Partner

Michael Hall

Managing Partner

West Palm Beach
612-435-7802

Mike has extensive investment experience in middle market leveraged transactions that span a wide variety of industries and businesses with emphasis on recurring revenue businesses (such as QSR restaurants and route based businesses) healthcare, consumer products businesses, automotive and light industries, and construction industries.

Mike is a founder of Yukon Partners. From 2000 to 2008, he was a partner at Norwest Mezzanine Partners where he had overall fund responsibility and was a member of its investment committee. From 1995 to 2000, Mike has also served as a Partner with Churchill Capital Partners and prior to that as Vice President of the Corporate Finance Group of Heller Financial in New York, the Corporate Group of Security Pacific Bank in Los Angeles, and the Corporate Group of Wells Fargo Bank in Los Angeles and New York. Mike has made individual investments ranging from senior debt to mezzanine and equity investments, in amounts ranging from $3 million to $500 million.

Mike is happily married to the former Anne Shepard Warner, and they have 2 adult children and a dog. The dog is yellow, and her name is Sandy.

Hobbies are many and focused on the outdoors. A fun indoor hobby is sewing. Mike’s mother was a seamstress and taught him to sew in high school. Hence, there have been few tailors on the payroll.

Education

  • BA, Columbia University
  • BS, Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • MBA, New York University, Stern School of Business
Elliot Lynch Principal

Elliot Lynch

Principal

Minneapolis
612-435-7810

Elliot joined Yukon Partners in 2018 and is responsible for identifying, assessing, and executing new investment opportunities as well as monitoring existing portfolio investments. Previously, Elliot was a Senior Associate at ShoreView Industries, a middle market private equity firm, where he evaluated, executed, and supported investments across a number of industries.

Elliot is a native of the Twin Cities area and resides in Minneapolis. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing in the summer, curling in the winter, and cooking year-round.

Education

  • BBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Troy Mertins Senior Associate

Troy Mertins

Senior Associate

Minneapolis
612-435-7823

Troy joined Yukon Partners in 2022 and is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, coordinating due diligence, financial modeling, and monitoring existing portfolio investments.

Prior to joining Yukon, Troy worked as a principal at Northwestern Mutual Capital, where he analyzed and executed junior capital investments supporting private equity transactions. Before joining Northwestern Mutual Capital, he was an associate at Stone Arch Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm, where he evaluated, executed, and supported investments across a number of industries. Before joining Stone Arch Capital, Troy worked in analyst and associate roles in corporate development at Optum, where he supported teams across Optum’s operating segments on M&A transactions.

Troy is a native of the Chicago area and resides in Minneapolis. He loves sports and is a passionate fan of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, and Iowa Hawkeyes. Troy also enjoys running, reading, and traveling.

Education

  • BBA, University of Iowa
  • MBA, University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

 

 

Adam Moorse Vice President

Adam Moorse

Vice President

Minneapolis
612-435-7803

Adam joined Yukon Partners in 2020 and is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, coordinating due diligence, financial modeling, and monitoring existing portfolio investments.

Prior to joining Yukon, Adam worked as an investment banking analyst at TripleTree, where he provided analytical support on M&A transactions, strategic advisory services, and market research. Prior to TripleTree, Adam worked as an actuarial consultant at Optum where he performed actuarial engagements for healthcare focused clients.

Adam enjoys cheering on Minnesota sports teams, exploring new restaurants throughout the Twin Cities, and staying active outdoors with his wife and golden retriever.

Education

  • BS, University of St. Thomas
  • ASA, MAAA
Kris Pearson Director of Tax

Kris Pearson

Director of Tax

Minneapolis
612-435-7828

Kris joined Yukon Partners in July 2015. She is responsible for all aspects of tax accounting, including tax allocations, tax return preparation, payments, and K-1 reporting. She also consults on tax matters. During her career Kris has always focused on investment partnerships and has been a team member at Clearwater Equity Group, Deloitte, Waycrosse Inc and began her career at Arthur Andersen.

Kris enjoys hiking in CA, boating in MN, smiling at her husband’s fishing stories and hanging out with their combined 5 children.

Education

  • BA, University of St. Thomas
Corey Peters Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Corey Peters

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Minneapolis
612-435-7808

Corey joined Yukon Partners in June 2012 and is responsible for all financial and operational aspects of the firm ranging from financial reporting, tax, banking, portfolio valuation, investor relations, back-office operations, human capital, and technology. Over his 30-year career, Corey has served in various finance and operational leadership roles ranging from entrepreneurial start up organizations to Fortune 500 publicly traded companies, including UnitedHealth Group, RBC Wealth Management, GoIndustry DoveBid, ZoneTrader, and Arthur Andersen.

In his free time, Corey enjoys travel, cycling, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors with his wife, Betty and dog, Suki.

Education

  • BSBA, University of South Dakota
  • Executive Banking Degree, Pacific Coast Banking School
  • CPA (Inactive)
Brisa Ramirez Associate

Brisa Ramirez

Associate

Minneapolis
612-435-7824

Brisa joined Yukon Partners in 2023 and is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, coordinating due diligence, financial modeling, and monitoring of existing investments.

Prior to joining Yukon, Brisa worked as an investment analyst at RBC Capital Markets where she provided deal and underwriting support on affordable housing developments. Prior to RBC, she worked as a risk analyst at US Bank, where she provided oversight of the Bank’s financial models.

Brisa enjoys all things outdoors and aspires to one day hike the Pacific Crest Trail. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the local restaurant scene, reading, and hanging out with family and friends.

Education:

MBA, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
BSBA, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
CFA

Carla Rice Office Manager

Carla Rice

Office Manager

Minneapolis
612-435-7812

Carla joined Yukon Partners in July 2018. She handles all things administrative and plays an active role in the planning of the various Yukon marketing events throughout the year. Previously, Carla worked at Gray Plant Mooty law firm as a paralegal in both the Trust and Estates and the Commercial Financial Services areas. Prior to joining Gray Plant Mooty in 2009, Carla was the Title Production Manager for Kandiyohi Abstract and Title.

Carla’s favorite pastimes include cross country skiing, biking, and playing games with her family. She also loves kickboxing, reading, or doing one of her many puzzles.

Education

  • BA, College of St. Benedict
David Sampair Partner

David Sampair

Partner

Minneapolis
612-435-7814

Dave joined Yukon Partners in 2011 and has over 15 years of accounting, finance, and investment experience. He is responsible for originating, evaluating, and executing new investment opportunities and working directly with his private equity sponsor relationships and portfolio company management teams.

Previously, he was a Senior Financial Analyst with Ameriprise Financial in the Investment Accounting Group where he was responsible for investment valuations related to collateralized loan and debt obligations. Before joining Ameriprise Financial, he began his career at PwC in the Private Client Services Group where he led client audit engagements and assisted his clients with due diligence and accounting treatment regarding mergers and acquisitions.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his three daughters, especially being involved with their sports teams, exploring the outdoors, and watching all Minnesota Vikings games. He is also an avid golfer, loves bird hunting, and is a passionate fan of all Minnesota professional sports, Marquette basketball, and the University of Miami football (it’s a long story).

Education

  • BS, Marquette University
  • CPA (Inactive)
Sara Shooshtari Analyst

Sara Shooshtari

Analyst

Minneapolis
612-435-7820

Sara joined Yukon Partners in 2023 and is responsible for conducting due diligence on investment opportunities and assisting in portfolio management and reporting.

Prior to joining Yukon, Sara gained experience as an analyst at Indigo Partners and as an intern at Mann Mortgage, Hoffmaster Group, and D.A. Davidson.

Sara enjoys traveling, cooking, films and shows, and fishing.

Education

  • BS, University of Montana
  • MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ellie Tegg Senior Accountant

Ellie Tegg

Senior Accountant

Minneapolis
612-435-7805

Ellie joined Yukon Partners in 2023 and is responsible for all aspects of the fund accounting process and investor reporting.

Previously, Ellie was the Financial Reporting Manager with Northbridge, Inc., where she led the financial reporting for 3 human service companies. Prior to joining Northbridge, she was at Ernst & Young, where she performed audit engagements for clients in the Financial Services space.

Ellie enjoys reading, long walks with her dog, spending time on the St. Croix River with family, and traveling to find new adventures.

EDUCATION

  • BA, University of St. Thomas
  • CPA
Laura Vanic headshot Laura Vanic Associate
Laura Vanic headshot

Laura Vanic

Associate

Minneapolis
612-435-7818

Laura joined Yukon Partners in 2021 and is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, coordinating due diligence, financial modeling, and monitoring existing portfolio investments.

Previously, Laura was with BlueOps in the M&A Advisory Services group, where she focused on sell-side transaction prep, and deep data insights and diligence. Before joining BlueOps, she was at Ernst & Young where she performed audit engagements for clients in the Financial Services space.

Laura enjoys reading, staying active, spending time on her favorite Minnesota lakes, and finding the next interesting destination to experience.

Education

  • BBA, The Ohio State University
  • CPA
Andrew Walker Principal

Andrew Walker

Principal

Minneapolis
612-435-7826

Andrew joined Yukon Partners in 2015 and is responsible for identifying, assessing, and executing new investment opportunities as well as monitoring existing portfolio investments. Previously, Andrew was an investment banking analyst in the Technology & Services Group at Robert W. Baird & Company, where he provided analytical support on M&A transactions, equity offerings and other financial advisory services.

As an avid sports fan, Andrew enjoys cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers and Minnesota professional sports teams. Andrew also enjoys sailing on Lake Superior, running, and spending time with family.

Education

  • BBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Nathan Weekly Vice President

Nathan Weekly

Vice President

Minneapolis
612-435-7807

Nathan joined Yukon Partners in 2020 and is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, coordinating due diligence, financial modeling, and monitoring existing portfolio investments. Previously, Nathan was with Piper Sandler’s diversified industrials and business services investment banking group, where he focused on sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions. Before joining Piper Sandler, he was at Ernst & Young where he provided M&A advisory services and KPMG where he performed client audit engagements.

Nathan enjoys staying active outdoors, exploring Minneapolis’ diverse restaurant scene, and all things Iowa athletics.

Education

  • BBA, University of Iowa
  • CPA (Inactive)
Bob York Sr. Director of Portfolio Quality

Bob York

Sr. Director of Portfolio Quality

Minneapolis
612-435-7830

Bob joined Yukon in August, 2015. His responsibilities include: providing guidance to all deal team members in underwriting and documenting all Yukon investments, assuring compliance with Yukon’s investment policies and procedures, overseeing portfolio monitoring and review of monthly portfolio reporting, confirming investment risk ratings, and assisting in the management of underperforming assets in the portfolio. Bob is a member of Yukon’s Valuation committee and oversees the quarterly valuation process.

At last count, Bob has over 40 years of experience in corporate banking, mezzanine investment, and private equity. He began his career in Chicago in 1981 at Continental Illinois National Bank, now Bank of America, where he focused on project financing, and later, on the securitization of commercial real estate and corporate buyout related loans. Later, he moved to Minneapolis to join First Bank System, now U.S. Bank, where he became Senior Vice President and Division Manager responsible for overseeing the bank’s lending to large corporations, financial institutions, and private equity sponsored, middle market buyouts in the Eastern US. In that role he also was also responsible for originating and overseeing a number of the bank holding company’s investments in private equity funds.

Bob left U.S. Bank in 2002 to become Partner at Churchill Capital Partners in Minneapolis, where during the next several years he originated and managed a portfolio of mezzanine and preferred equity investments.

Bob has been on the board of a local community bank, and of a nonprofit serving the needs of homeless youth in the Twin Cities. He was a member of the Harvard Crew in his college years, is a past Ironman triathlete, and currently is an active Nordic skier in winter and cyclist in the warmer months.

Education

  • AB, Harvard College
  • MBA, The Wharton School
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Executive Advisor Network

Throughout our investment history, we are proud of the many relationships developed and fostered along the way. Through those experiences, we have established an outstanding network of executive advisors that function as additional resources for the Yukon Team and our partners when evaluating industry trends, specific businesses, talent management, and growth strategies as they relate to new investment opportunities or existing portfolio investments.

Listed below are select members of the Executive Advisor Network.

Lee Alvarez Executive Advisor

Lee Alvarez

Executive Advisor

Lee Alvarez works closely with the Yukon Partners team, specializing in healthcare.   Lee has spent his entire career working in the healthcare industry and is currently Senior Managing Director at Marwood Group, a leading healthcare-focused advisory firm.  Since joining Marwood in 2010, he has been a trusted advisor to both healthcare investors and operating executives.  Lee and his team at Marwood have also been engaged as a key diligence partner to private equity clients on thousands of notable healthcare transactions across hundreds of industry sub-sectors.  Prior to joining Marwood, he held various leadership positions in management consulting and operations.  Lee holds a Master’s Degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Scranton.  Additionally, he is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Dr. Brent Bauer Executive Advisor

Dr. Brent Bauer

Executive Advisor

Dr. Bauer is board-certified in Internal Medicine, a Professor of Medicine and has been on staff at Mayo Clinic for 22 years. His main research interest has been the scientific evaluation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies that patients and consumers are using with increasing frequency. He has authored several book chapters and over 100 papers on this topic, and is the Medical Editor of the Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine. He is a member of numerous scientific review panels and is currently collaborating on over 20 studies being conducted at Mayo Clinic evaluating CAM therapies ranging from acupuncture to valerian. His work is at the forefront of the emerging field of Integrative Medicine which combines the best of conventional medicine with the best of evidence-based complementary therapies.

Elizabeth (Liz) Canis Executive Advisor

Elizabeth (Liz) Canis

Executive Advisor

Liz Canis is an experienced senior executive and board director who brings a unique combination of strategic leadership, financial discipline, operational excellence, and a growth mindset. She is recognized across the healthcare industry as an innovator and change agent, frequently sought after to transform underperforming businesses or to execute pivotal organization initiatives.

Previously Liz was Vice President of Emerging Business at Anthem where she was responsible for investing, incubating and commercializing assets to expand and diversify sources of future growth. She also served in the Office of the CEO at two Fortune 30 companies – Anthem and United Healthcare.

In addition to advising Yukon Partners on healthcare investments, Liz is an advisory board member for Cayaba Care, FoodSmart, HealthTrackRx and UCSF Rosenman Institute. Liz has a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and a Master’s in Business Administration With Distinction from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

Tom Ceto Executive Advisor

Tom Ceto

Executive Advisor

Tom has over 40 years of experience in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking, with a specialty in Healthcare.  Tom has run middle market Leveraged Finance businesses for GE Capital, Greyrock Capital/Bank of America, Silver Point Capital and FirstLight Financial.  More recently, 2012-2022, Tom founded and was responsible for Healthcare Sponsor Finance and Real Estate lending for Ally Bank.  Today he provides advisory services to select investors and oversees his family’s 25+ year old bank consulting practice. Tom has extensive experience in both the debt and equity markets and has sat on the Investment Committees of the businesses he’s managed.  Over his career he has originated, structured and completed a very broad range of private transactions ranging in size between $5 million and $500 million.

Tom has a BA degree from Lafayette College and an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.  Favorite activities include mountain biking, hiking and driving – especially on narrow, steep and winding roads.  Tom is married and has 3 adult children (and one small dog which is really his wife’s), 2 of which have followed in his footsteps and currently work at PE funds.

Jamison Rice Executive Advisor

Jamison Rice

Executive Advisor

Jamison Rice assists Yukon Partners with investments in its health care portfolio.  Jamison has over 25 years of experience serving in executive roles at a number of leading healthcare companies.  Specifically, Jamison’s experience includes leading organizations, operations, financial controls and systems, financial planning, corporate finance, technology and direct investing in private companies.  Jamison also served as Yukon Partners’ Principal and Chief Financial Officer from 2009 to 2012.

Robert William Van Sant Executive Advisor

Robert William Van Sant

Executive Advisor

Robert (Bill) Van Sant has held a number of senior leadership positions throughout his 40-year career in both public and privately held companies, giving him invaluable management and operating skills, merger and acquisition expertise, and a global business perspective.

Bill is currently a senior advisor for Tenex Capital Management and serves on several boards.  He assists Yukon Partners primarily as it relates to investments in the manufacturing, business services, and industrial sectors.

Thomas Walker, Sr. In Memoriam

Thomas Walker, Sr.

In Memoriam

Thomas Walker passed away January 3, 2019 at the age of 74.  He served as a trusted adviser to the Yukon team spanning several decades, most notably related to investments in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

Mr. Walker was our consummate champion; always at the ready to offer counsel and support to the Yukon Team.  We will miss our friend dearly.

Jann Ozzello Wilcox Executive Advisor

Jann Ozzello Wilcox

Executive Advisor

Jann Ozzello Wilcox has a rich history of entrepreneurial leadership and assists Yukon Partners across a variety of investment opportunities for their portfolio.

Most recently, Jann retired from the Pohlad Companies after 27 years of service. For the first 15 years, she was the CFO of their various banking franchises, including Marquette Financial Companies. Then in 2008, she created the Family Investment Office. Prior to the Pohlad Companies, Jann served as general counsel and chief operating officer of Dataserv, as well as associate attorney positions at Doherty, Rumble and Butler and Warner Norcross and Judd. Jann holds a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire summa cum laude and a JD, Order of the Coif, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Her civic involvement includes serving on the executive committee and as treasurer for the Minneapolis Metro YMCA, and the executive committee for Innercity Tennis. She currently serves on the board of Twin Cities Public Television and is the chair of their finance and investment committee.

Advisory Committee

Listed below are select members of the Advisory Committee.

John Diederich Dock Street Capital, Director
J.F. Berry WP Global, Managing Director
J. Kevin King Nationwide Investments, Senior Investment Professional
Drew Smith Advantus, Vice President, Portfolio Manager – Alternative Assets
Dr. Matthias Unser Yielco Investments, Managing Partner
Michael Groneberg Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Private Investments, Managing Director
Al Cantrell MCA Funds, President
Ryan Flanagan 3M, Vice President 3M Investment Management
Thomas Schmidt HPPD S.A. SICAV, Portfolio Manager
Ryan Quinn AEGON USA Investment Management, LLC, Director, Private Equity and Mezzanine
Keith Berlin Fund Evaluation Group, SVP/Director of Global Fixed Income and Credit
Hiroaki Matsunami DBJ Asset Management, Director
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Community Engagement & Diversity

Yukon as a firm embraces the values of diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability, and community engagement. Yukon also prides itself on its unwavering support and stewardship in the community with all of the firm’s professionals actively involved in philanthropic organizations.

Yukon team member’s philanthropic commitments include involvement and leadership positions in the Boy Scouts of AmericaCornerstoneThe Courage CenterFeed My Starving ChildrenDucks UnlimitedKomen Race for the CureSecondhand HoundsSecond Harvest HeartlandThe Sheridan Story, and Habitat for Humanity in addition to other local charitable organizations. Yukon believes that active involvement and leadership are key to affecting positive change in society and its local communities.