Scott is Meradia’s founder, President and CEO. He manages the overall strategic direction of the company, focusing on clients’ long-term financial and operational success. Since Meradia’s inception, Scott and his team have supported the industry’s leading investment management firms through hundreds of operational transformation projects.

Earlier in his career, Scott had the dual role of Portfolio Manager and Director of Operations for a large multi-family office serving ultra-high net worth families. Upon the sale of that firm to a top-five U.S. financial institution, and after a year-long sabbatical during which he single-handed his sailboat to South America and back, Scott established Meradia to help the investment industry resolve its most pressing operations and technology challenges. Meradia now drives productivity and profitability for the industry’s top asset managers, OCIO, wealth, trust, and insurance companies.

Scott created a firm where the staff has a sense of belonging – where they are cared about, but simultaneously recognize that Meradia’s clients’ needs always come before the needs of Meradia or its staff. Scott expects his team to act with honesty, transparency, professionalism and intelligence. Most importantly, he strives to maintain a culture where the firm and its people are measured by the results they achieve. As a result, Meradia is known for its accountability and its drive to “deliver.”

Scott earned a B.A. in Economics from Villanova University, is a CFA charter-holder, is published in CFA Institute Magazine, and is an industry speaker. An avid offshore sailor, hiker, and private pilot, Scott is happiest adventuring with his family.

Mick Cartwright is a Managing Director with Meradia and an Enterprise Data Management specialist with over 20 years of experience in the asset management industry. He has an excellent, referenceable track record leading strategy, system and data delivery, and integration projects across the front-, middle-, and back offices.

Mick’s data management and data governance expertise is complemented by a thorough grounding in investment accounting, performance measurement, attribution, and risk analytics. He has extensive experience leading projects dependent on multiple cross-functional teams and external providers, and he can communicate effectively with all levels of participants and stakeholders.

Mick earned a B.S. from the University of Southampton and an M.S. from the University of Surrey, UK. He moved from the UK to New York in 2000, and when he’s not hard at work, Mick enjoys traveling, cycling, and skiing.

Laurie Hesketh is a Managing Director who oversees strategic engagements for Meradia’s clients. Laurie leads and advises on the complex nuances involved in transformation projects from a change management perspective. She is an expert in investment performance as well as the accounting and market data inputs that drive meaningful analytics. A seasoned consultant, Laurie has served many organizations, including asset managers, asset owners, wealth managers, and service providers, as well as key industry vendors. Having started her career in technology as an application developer and then application architect, she has a strong understanding of the technological underpinnings that are necessary for large-scale transformation and repeatability.

A perpetual learner, Laurie holds a B.S.B.A. in Management Information Systems from Northeastern University, an M.B.A. from Simmons School of Management, and a Certificate in Applied Project Management from Boston University. Additionally, she holds the Project Management Professional and CIPM designations.

When she’s not at work, you’ll find Laurie planning her next travel adventure, preferably on the water.

Joshua Levitt brings 20+ years of investment operations experience to Meradia. In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Josh is accountable for managing Meradia’s day-to-day consulting operations. Currently, Josh is leading a business process improvement project and spearheading the implementation of a workflow solution tool. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and improve transparency through comprehensive reporting and metrics.

He continues to direct strategic initiatives, develop talent, manage financials, and optimize technology resources, leveraging his extensive industry experience and client-centric approach to drive organizational success. Josh earned his Masters in Finance at Brandeis University, authored several industry papers on operational change, and has spoken at conferences. In his spare time, Josh loves traveling, cooking, bowling, playing music, and spending time with his family.

Brian Buzzelli is an accomplished leader in financial data management with more than 27 years of experience in the financial services and asset management industry. He has a deep background in data strategy, quality, architecture, governance, and data management operations. Brian has championed data quality and pre-use data validation, allowing investment and operation professionals to focus on their core responsibilities. His innovative approach drives a data-driven culture, treating data as an asset that involves leveraging manufacturing techniques to engineer a robust data quality control framework, ensuring accuracy and precision. Brian’s strategic focus revolves around driving data and architecture transformation in investment management operations, simplifying data architecture, reducing operational risk, and increasing overall operational efficiency. His commitment to data quality and control frameworks empowers investment management flexibility, supporting enterprise data integrations, new products, and services, and aligns data efficiently with vendors. Brian currently serves on the A-Team Group’s Data Management Advisory Board to plan events and offer insights into topics in the data management industry, specifically from the buy-side perspective.

Brian earned a Masters of Science in Management Information Systems and an MBA at the University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Science in Information and Decision Systems at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. When he’s not in the data engineering room, he is likely traveling, touring, or on a reef at an exotic, remote location scuba diving and as a foodie, enjoying the local culture and learning to cook the local cuisine.

Brian Lollar is a Managing Director and leads Meradia’s Trading & Investment Operations practice. He guides clients through complex operational business transformations, leveraging his extensive knowledge of front-to-back office operations. Brian has spent his career gaining a deep understanding of the investment operations lifecycle, including data management, which allows him to provide invaluable insights to his clients. He has honed the ability to effectively communicate with both business and technology stakeholders, enabling him to successfully execute business transformations that exceed expectations. Through his guidance and expertise, Brian has helped numerous organizations achieve their strategic objectives and drive growth.

Brian earned a B.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In his personal time, he enjoys tending to his seven-acre farm and spending time with his family.

Martin Ouellette is an expert in leading large-scale transformational programs on investment operation transformations. He has 25 years of experience specializing in investment management system integrations, strategic consulting, and program management. Martin enhances Meradia’s front-to-back offerings by bringing a unique blend of operations and technology experience and deep knowledge of multiple risk and analytics platforms to support our clients’ needs.

Martin earned a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and a B.S. in Business Administration at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA. Martin enjoys being at home and not traveling to spend time with his grandkids in his personal time.

Gregg Weintraub brings his well-known reputation within the investment management industry to assist Meradia’s clients in architecting successful transformational change projects. Gregg has supported some of the industry’s leading firms through transformational change over his 30+ years in investment management. He does this by employing active listening, leveraging his extensive experience and industry knowledge to identify and address clients’ underlying issues, and fostering empathetic problem-solving. Gregg is a recognized industry expert with extensive expertise in strategy, data modeling and governance, and investment operations.

Gregg earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. When Gregg is not in the office, he enjoys traveling and being in the great outdoors, especially on the water.

Jeremy Welch leverages his deep knowledge of project management and investment performance to support our clients through their most challenging outsourcing decisions. He is an expert in investment operations outsourcing with over 15 years of experience. Jeremy frequently serves as the bridge between outsourcers and end-clients to ensure the smooth onboarding of global platforms. Through his work with front-to-back solution offerings, Jeremy holds an intimate understanding of investment operations technology and how firms can avoid common pitfalls through implementations.

Jeremy earned a B.S. in Finance and Management at Thomas Jefferson University and a Master of Business Administration focused on Investment Management from Temple University. In his free time, Jeremy likes taking on all sorts of DIY projects, honing his skills to the point where he could fully remodel his house from the ground up.

Jonathan Boersma, CFA oversees projects for Meradia’s investment performance practice, including operational outsourcing, compliance, and consulting services for firms adopting the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). He leverages 28 years of financial services experience to guide clients through the complex strategic assessments and operational transformations. Jonathan blends strategic planning with industry best practices to ensure Meradia’s clients achieve investment performance operations efficiencies.

Jonathan helps clients with assessing their current operating model, identifying opportunities for efficiencies, risk mitigation, and process improvements to design a future-state operating model. He assists firms develop a road-map and guides them through implementation of that plan.

Jonathan earned a B.S. in Economics at University of Wisconsin-Madison, in Madison, WI. Jonathan is an avid woodworker and enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Chris Cassara leads complex business transformation projects for Meradia’s clients and oversees the firm’s Front-to-Back practice. With over 25 years of experience in the global financial services industry, Chris specializes in digital transformation, data strategy, and developing efficient and repeatable implementation accelerators. He has a proven track record leading high-performing teams, aligning business and technology teams to a common goal and driving the resulting change. Chris is an energetic team player who builds internal and external trust across all levels of an organization, while maintaining focus on organizational objectives and project goals.

Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his wife and exploring the world of food and wine.

Tina Madel, CFA is an investment operations expert who guides clients through complex business transformations. With over 30 years of industry experience, Tina has mastered the ability to drive technological change while meeting key business objectives. She deeply understands the investment operations lifecycle, spanning client reporting, data cleansing, performance measurement, and client portal implementations.

Tina has worked with many registered investment advisors, trust companies, asset managers, and multi-family offices throughout her career. She brings a unique perspective to vendor selections, having worked at both technology systems and wealth management companies.

Tina earned a Masters in Business Administration at Wilmington University and a B.S. in Finance at Goldey Beacom College in Delaware. Tina is a pet enthusiast and enjoys spending her free time playing with her black lab. As a hobby, Tina uses her artistic skills and love of animals to create custom animal portraits for friends and family.

Jose Michaelraj consults in solving performance operations & technology problems for asset managers, asset owners, and custodians. Jose has worked on dozens of performance transformation projects to reduce manual workarounds and increase operational efficiencies. A combination of process, data, and technical skills helps him define solutions for public and private market asset classes that include complex derivatives.

A recognized thought leader, Jose has presented at conferences, led round tables, published papers in the Journal of Performance Measurement, and contributed articles to CAIA blogs. Attempting to maximize business value while reducing operational risk is his favorite pursuit.

Jose earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Vellore Institute of Technology in India and a Masters of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and Information Systems from XLRI in India. He also holds his Certification in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®). When Jose is not in the office he enjoys reading philosophy and writes about it at insearchofi.com

Nicol O’Connor brings dynamic and intuitive in-depth knowledge of the full investment process lifecycle to Meradia’s clients. With valuable front-to-back-office transformation expertise, Nicol presents nearly 26 years of experience as an investment services IT professional. From her technical and leadership experience, Nicol seamlessly provides front-to-back-office operations. She has worked for leading guidance to Asset Managers and Pension Funds through implementation and integration projects. Nicol excels in assessing, implementing, and upgrading accounting, order management, performance, compliance, and analytic platforms.

Nicol earned a B.A. in International Relations from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. When Nicol is not at the office she enjoys playing pickleball.

Bashi Piratesh is a Senior Project Manager with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise-wide programs and driving change management initiatives within the asset management industry. With expertise in IBOR integration and cross-functional testing coordination, she has a proven track record of delivering complex initiatives. She has led testing workstream for the portfolio management, research, and trading platform merger, ensuring seamless execution and alignment across business delivery workstreams.

Bashi obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Management at the University of Northern Colorado.

Pouneh Poutas has over 13 years of experience in investment management systems, specializing in the implementation of technology solutions for financial management firms. Her strong expertise in the investment accounting, data, and technology industry allows her to provide exceptional value in leading, managing, and executing a range of projects such as account conversions to system integrations. She has been a part of projects with various client types, which allows her to have different views on how to plan, approach, and execute a project successfully.

Pouneh earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Concentration in International Finance from Suffolk University in Boston, MA. Outside of the office, Pouneh spends time with her family and two young kids, and enjoys trying new restaurants in the Boston area.

Ryan Bond, CFA, CAIA, MBA is an investment management operations leader who provides strategic guidance and implementation expertise to Meradia’s clients. He brings deep experience in digital transformation, helping asset managers improve operational efficiency through the effective use of market-leading platforms and solutions. Ryan has over a decade of experience leading middle- and back-office transformation initiatives, with a focus on derivatives and collateral management. He specializes in designing and implementing scalable workflows and systems that support increasingly complex products while aligning with each client’s operating model and growth objectives. Ryan earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Real Estate from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from Penn State University. When not working or chasing around his daughters, Ryan enjoys snowboarding, visiting craft breweries, and following his Philadelphia sports teams

Jake Daly-Leonard is an investment management technology and operations expert who provides Meradia’s clients with strategic guidance on the adoption and utilization of the industry’s leading derivative valuation, post-trade processing, and collateral management solutions. A proven project manager, Jake has deep experience serving as a liaison between institutional asset managers and front-to-back-office platforms. Similarly, he has also managed and executed transformational initiatives across ABOR and IBOR as well as designed solutions for derivatives within a front-to-back solution for asset managers. His background in the financial services industry, coupled with his knowledge of the technology landscape, provides unique value for firms looking to optimize operations through new systems. 

Jake earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, a Master of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University in Auburn, AL. When Jake is not at the office he enjoys trying out new recipes on his smoker and learning new skills for DIY home improvement.

Chris Dyer is highly experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams to construct scalable business solutions and foster teamwork to achieve success for Meradia’s clients. Chris is a seasoned capital markets professional with experience in implementing and managing the daily health of an enterprise-wide technology platform. He is also skilled at leveraging his deep asset class knowledge to establish productive and consultative relationships throughout the C-suite, operations, trading, portfolio management, and risk teams. Chris has consistently demonstrated understanding – and then translating – complex business requirements into optimized solution designs.

Chris earned a B.A. of Communication Arts & Sciences from Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. When Chris is not at the office, he enjoys playing hockey, hiking, and sharpening his skills in the kitchen.

Josh Gerwick brings over a decade of operational and performance experience to Meradia’s client engagements.  An expert in process and workflow improvement, Josh has automated repetitive tasks and reduced operational risk in trade support, settlements, corporate actions, reconciliations, security pricing, and static data maintenance for several global asset managers. In addition, Josh has experience managing large data sets while implementing data quality controls and arranging data to suit client needs. Josh holds a deep understanding of performance reporting challenges. 

Josh graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Honors Track and a Minor in Mathematics. When Josh isn’t working, you can usually find him reading, hanging out in his home gym, or doing projects around the house with his wife.

Andrew Rankin is a financial services professional with 14 years of experience supporting investment performance, system conversions, and operational integrations across the asset management industry. He has a proven track record of leading complex initiatives, guiding cross-functional teams, and managing vendors and budgets to drive strategic outcomes.

Andrew specializes in performance and accounting system conversions, post-acquisition integrations, and reporting process reengineering. Known for his clear and effective communication, he works closely with stakeholders on contract management, compliance, and service-level negotiations to ensure alignment and execution excellence. He has also contributed to broader organizational transformation efforts, including governance and board restructuring initiatives for a nonprofit organization.

Andrew earned a Master of Science in Investments and Securities and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of the office, he enjoys live music, traveling, trying new cuisines, and outdoor adventures with his husband and dogs.

Brad Waitsman, CFA is a driven financial professional known for his ability to enhance operational efficiency and improve processes. With a strong focus on performance measurement, attribution analysis, data reconciliation, and process optimization, Brad excels at delivering accurate insights to drive business decisions. Brad values innovation and consistently seeks ways to streamline workflows, improve data integrity, and simplify financial reporting. His commitment to collaboration and problem-solving defines his approach, making him a trusted partner in achieving both immediate and long-term goals.

Brad earned a Bachelor of Science in in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance as well as a minor in Political Science from Boston University in Boston, MA. He also is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), from the CFA Institute. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, the beach, live music, and spending time with his family.

Rich Mailhos serves as a Managing Director and Investment Performance Practice Lead, supporting Meradia’s clients through complex engagements focused on performance, risk, attribution, and data management platforms. Rich is an energetic leader with a proven track record for building trust among stakeholders while motivating project teams to reach organizational goals.

With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Rich has extensive experience conducting operational assessments, system control reviews, and implementing global investment management platforms. He has transformed global operations for numerous asset managers, asset owners, wealth managers, insurance companies, and asset servicing institutions.

Through his deep knowledge of industry solutions, managed services, and all forms of buy-side managers — Rich has written extensively on investment management operations and the Performance Book of Record (PBOR).

Rich earned a B.A. from New York University. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors by golfing, sailing, and hiking with his family.