Our Team
Your Partners in Financial Wellbeing
Our team members are our finest assets. They are dependable, collaborative, and innovative. We prioritize cultivating and supporting our team, which is essential as our firm guides clients to achieve long-term financial wellbeing—from generation to generation.
Ric Dillon, CFA
Co-Founder, CEO, CIO & Portfolio Manager
Ric Dillon is one of our firm’s founders and serves as Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer. Early in his career, Ric served as a Portfolio Manager for Loomis, Sayles & Company. During his tenure, the Detroit office became the top-ranking office in the company with the large cap and small cap value funds. The small cap fund that Ric started ranked number one in its Lipper category after its first twelve months of existence. While at Loomis, Ric created a new valuation model that Loomis adopted replacing the previous model of twenty-five years.
In the 1990s, Ric founded Dillon Capital Management, where he served as President and Chief Investment Officer until the company was acquired by Loomis, Sayles & Company, where he returned to work as a Portfolio Manager. In 2000 Ric founded Diamond Hill Investments, a public company (DHIL) based in Columbus, Ohio. During Ric’s tenure as CEO of the Company, Diamond Hill ranked in the top 1% of all public companies in the US in terms of shareholder total return, with an annualized total return of 27%.
Ric holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He received an MBA from the University of Dayton, as well as a M.A. in Finance and a B.S. in Business Administration from The Ohio State University.
Lisa Wesolek, CAP®
Co-Founder, President & Chief Operating Officer
Lisa is one of our firm’s founders and serves as our President and Chief Operating Officer. Lisa has held senior leadership positions across firm operations, sales, client service, marketing, product development, finance, mergers and acquisitions, brand initiatives, product solutions and data driven initiatives in the investment industry. She has worked with mutual funds, mutual fund complexes, mutual fund Boards, Institutional and Retail investors inclusive of all investment type structures such as hedge funds, hedge fund of funds, ETF’s, separate accounts, commingled funds, private equity funds, all active funds and index funds in her thirty-plus year career.
Lisa’s experience includes senior leadership roles at BancOne Investment Advisors, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Evergreen Investments (Wachovia Corporation), Wells Fargo Capital Management and Wells Fargo Funds Management Group as well as Diamond Hill Capital Management. As COO at Diamond Hill, Lisa drove the implementation of strategic initiatives while also leading the firm’s operations, product, marketing, client service and sales capabilities. Lisa was a member of the Executive Leadership Team and an officer of the public corporation (DHIL).
Lisa received an MBA from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Finance from Franklin University.
Jason Job, JD, CFA, CAP®
Co-Founder, CFO & Portfolio Manager
Jason Job is one of our firm’s founders and serves as Chief Financial Officer and Portfolio Manager. Jason began his investment career at Diamond Hill Capital Management in 2007. In the five years prior to joining VELA, Jason was responsible for Diamond Hill’s Private Asset Management business line, which included individual investors and their families, trusts, endowments, foundations, and institutions. Over that period, Jason doubled the size of the business line to over $300 million in client assets.
Jason holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, a JD from The Ohio State University, and a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Jonathan Alexander
Trader
Jonathan Alexander joined our Trading team in March 2024 to support our investment team, trade execution, and accommodate client growth.
Prior to joining VELA, Jonathan was a Senior Associate Trader in the Portfolio Management Group at J.P. Morgan Chase responsible for implementing the investment strategy and portfolio construction of the Private Bank. Previously, he served as a Financial Analyst in the Global Finance & Business Management Program at J.P. Morgan Chase exploring diverse roles across several lines of business on both the revenue and expense sides of the budget.
Jonathan received a B.S.B.A. from The Ohio State University with a specialization in Finance. During his time at Ohio State, he was actively involved in business organizations such as NABA and CBSA. He has also earned a certificate in Fintech and a certificate in Alternative Investments from Harvard Business School Online.
Chris Brinich, CFA
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Chris Brinich is a Portfolio Manager of the Large Cap Plus Strategy and the All Cap Concentrated Strategy and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, he worked at Rea Business Advisors, and prior to that DiPerna & Company.
Chris holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and received a B.A. in Finance Economics with a minor in Music Performance from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Austin Burgett
Research Associate
Austin Burgett is a Research Associate. Prior to joining VELA, he worked at Diamond Hill Capital Management, where he held positions in relationship management and product. Austin received a B.S. in Financial Economics with a minor in Mathematics from Capital University.
Josh Burgett
Client Service Associate
Josh Burgett is a Client Service Associate. Josh partners with our Relationship Managers to serve VELA’s client and prospect relationships.
Josh received an MBA with a specialization in Leadership and a B.S.B.A in Finance from Youngstown State University, where he was a member of the NCAA Division 1-AA football team and served on the Football Leadership Council.
Jason Downey, CFA
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Jason Downey is Lead Portfolio Manager of the All Cap Concentrated Strategy, Portfolio Manager of the Small Cap Strategy and the Income Opportunities Strategy, and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, he served as Co-Portfolio Manager of the Long-Short Strategy at Diamond Hill Capital Management. Jason held various positions at Diamond Hill, including Research Analyst, Co-Director of Research, and Sector Leader of the Industrials, Materials, Energy and Transportation Team. Jason has industry experience since 2002.
Jason holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and received a B.A. in Economics and History from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Brooke Dunlap
Client Service Manager
Brooke Dunlap joined our team in September 2024 to serve our Private Wealth clients, bringing over 15 years of industry experience. Brooke comes to VELA from G2 Capital Management, where she served the G2 book of private wealth, high net worth, and family office clients. Prior to G2, Brooke spent 3 years at Wealthstone, a Central Ohio RIA.
Brooke received a B.S. in Finance from The Ohio State University.
Max Grogg
Senior Research Associate
Max Grogg is a Senior Research Associate, with industry experience since 2021.
He received a B.A. in Finance & Accounting with a minor in Mathematics from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Jenny Hubbard, CFA
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Jenny Hubbard is Lead Portfolio Manager of the Small Cap Strategy and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, Jenny served as a Research Analyst and Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Small-Mid Cap and Mid Cap Strategies at Diamond Hill Capital Management. Jenny has industry experience since 1996, including positions with ABN/AMRO LaSalle Bank and Avondale Partners.
Jenny holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, a M.A. in International Economic Development Policy from Stanford University, and a B.A. in English from the University of Colorado.
Bob Koci
Head Trader
Bob Koci is our Head Trader. Prior to joining VELA, Bob spent 10 years at State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, most recently as Senior Global Equity Trader. With industry experience since 1989, Bob has also held various positions at Principal Global Investors, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, ValMark Securities, and Roulston & Co., with trading experience spanning asset classes, investment vehicles, and market capitalizations. Bob received a B.A. in Business with a major in Finance and Accounting from Baldwin Wallace University.
Beverly Langley
Chief Compliance Officer
Beverly Langley serves as our Chief Compliance Officer. Throughout her career, Beverly has served as Chief Compliance Officer for several firms of varying size and complexity in financial services. With industry experience for over three decades, Beverly brings a deep and invaluable regulatory understanding to our firm and our clients.
Beverly holds a JD from Capital University Law School and a B.S.S.W from The Ohio State University.
Tom Lennox
Partner – Client Development
Tom Lennox is a Partner with our firm. Prior to joining VELA, Tom was owner and President of DIB, LLC, advising university health systems across the United States on cancer research initiatives and funding. From 2008-2014, Tom served as CEO of Pelotonia, which has grown to be the largest fundraising cycling event supporting cancer research in the country. From 2000-2008, Tom was Vice President of Corporate Communications for Abercrombie & Fitch. Early in Tom’s career, he held various positions in production and client support in the financial services industry.
Tom earned a B.B.A from Iona University.
Jake Leonard
Portfolio Assistant
Jake joined VELA in September 2023 as a Portfolio Assistant working with our Trading and Operations teams to support our portfolio monitoring, trade execution, and operations efforts.
Jake came to VELA from J.P. Morgan, where he served from 2019-2023 in roles including Private Bank Associate supporting the Global Families Group, and, most recently, as Managed Account Trade Coordinator – Senior Associate supporting the Portfolio Management Group. His experience includes providing strategy execution support for portfolio managers and both creating and analyzing trade desk transactions. Prior, he held roles as a Brokerage Investment Professional and Retirement Specialist for Vanguard, in which he gained experience working with clients to implement investment plans and process account requests.
Jake received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from West Chester University.
Stacey Madison
Operations Manager
Stacey Madison is our Operations Manager. Stacey began her career in fund accounting at Bisys Fund Services. In 2004, she joined Diamond Hill Capital Management where she held various roles in operations and client service, most recently a member of the Private Asset Management team, serving individual investors and their families, trusts, endowments, foundations, and institutions.
Stacey earned a B.S.B.A in Finance from The Ohio State University.
Kelley Martin, CAP®
Client Service Associate
As Client Service Associate, Kelley focuses on helping to create positive experiences for our clients, supporting our outreach efforts, and connecting VELA to the Columbus community. Prior to joining VELA, Kelley worked at Diamond Hill Capital Management, where she held various responsibilities over her tenure. Through her roles on the Relationship Management team and as Community Engagement Coordinator, Kelley supported both Private Asset Management client and non-profit relationships, designing the firm’s charitable giving program and coordinating charitable sponsorships and events with community partners.
Kelley received a B.A. in Communications from Ohio Dominican University and holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation.
Julie McConnell
Head – Marketing & Communications
Julie McConnell serves as Head – Marketing & Communications for our firm. Prior to joining VELA, Julie was Director – Marketing & Communications for ORIX Real Estate Capital, the combined company of Hunt Real Estate Capital, Lancaster Pollard, and RED Capital Group. From 2007-2018, Julie held various roles in distribution at Diamond Hill Capital Management, most recently as Head of Marketing & Communications and Intermediary Sales.
Julie earned a B.A. in communication from The Ohio State University, completed an executive education in constructive collaboration at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Columbus.
Bobby Murphy, CFA, CPA
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst, Director of Research
Bobby Murphy is a Portfolio Manager of the All Cap Concentrated Strategy, the Income Opportunities Strategy, and the Large Cap Plus Strategy, as well as a Research Analyst. In addition, Bobby serves as Director of Research. Prior to joining VELA, he served as a Research Analyst at Diamond Hill Capital Management covering the chemicals, paper, and packaging sectors. Bobby has industry experience since 2007, including positions at Nationwide Insurance and Wachovia Bank.
Bobby holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designations. He received a Master of Accounting from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Business Administration from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Zach Muzumdar
Research Associate
Zach Muzumdar is a Research Associate, with industry experience since 2023.
Zach received a B.S.B.A. in Finance from The Ohio State University.
Maya Peterson
Research Associate
Maya Peterson is a Research Associate, with industry experience since 2021.
Maya received a B.B.A. in Finance from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.
Nick Rinker, CFA
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Nick Rinker is Lead Portfolio Manager of the Short Duration Strategy and the Income Opportunities Strategy and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, Nick served as Director of Investments at G2 Capital Management, an investment advisory and wealth management firm. Nick has industry experience since 2006 including roles at Stadion Capital, Red Capital Group, American Capital Strategies, and Deloitte & Touche.
Nick holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and received a B.S.B.A. in Accounting (Finance concentration) with a minor in Mathematics from University of Richmond.
Al Rodack
Senior Consultant, Fixed Income
Al joined VELA in December 2023 as a Fixed Income Senior Consultant, working with our team to build our Fixed Income platform and strategies to support our client needs.
Al came to us from Ohio Dominican University where he served as CFO since 2016. In this role, Al oversaw the university’s financial and business operations, including the offices of the controller, human resources, facilities, and public safety. Prior to his time at Ohio Dominican University, Al served as Associate Treasurer/Senior Director at The Ohio State University. In this role, he was responsible for managing over $2 billion in operating investments and managed a $2.5 billion debt portfolio. Over his 35 year tenure at Ohio State, Al provided strategic vision and direction for the office of the Treasurer including planning, budgeting, promoting, and executing efforts to manage the University’s financial assets. Al also served as a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at PNC Bank.
Al serves on several non-profit boards in Central Ohio including the Columbus Medical Association Foundation, Alliance Healthcare, Helping Hands in the Garden, and Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
Kyle Schneider, CFA
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Kyle Schneider is Lead Portfolio Manager of the Large Cap Plus Strategy and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, Kyle was a Research Analyst at Diamond Hill Capital Management covering healthcare. Kyle has industry experience since 2007, including various roles at Citigroup.
Kyle holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, an MBA from the University of Chicago, where he graduated as a Wallman Scholar with High Honors, and a B.S. in Finance from The Ohio State University.
Bob Sharpe
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Bob Sharpe is Portfolio Manager of the International Strategy and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, Bob served as a Partner, Vice President, and Portfolio Manager of the International Value Fund at Heartland Advisors, Inc. Bob has industry experience since 1984, including Capital Group and STRS Ohio, where he held multiple roles with his final position being Portfolio Manager and Director of International Investments.
Bob received a B.A. in Economics from Williams College.
Shaun Steiger, CFA
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst, Options Specialist
Shaun Steiger is a Portfolio Manager of the Income Opportunities Strategy and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, Shaun was a Trade Desk Associate at Diamond Hill Capital Management. Shaun also has experience as a Senior Equity Analyst with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, and as a Property Accountant with Washington Prime Group.
Shaun holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and received a B.S. in Business Administration, Finance from The Ohio State University.
Emily Straw
Partner – Client Development
Emily is a Partner with our firm and has responsibility for client development, cultivating and serving relationships across multiple distribution channels including financial intermediaries, RIAs, and institutional consultants. Prior to joining VELA, Emily served as Senior Vice President at First Pacific Advisors where she was responsible for institutional business development and client service across equity, fixed income/credit, and alternative solutions. Previously, Emily was Managing Director & Partner at Palmer Square Capital Management where she focused on institutional business development, client service and product development across corporate and structured credit. Earlier in her career, Emily held multiple business development and client service roles, with over 25 years total industry experience.
Emily received a B.A. in Political Science from Mount Holyoke College where she was a member of the varsity equestrian and volleyball teams.
Matt Susi, CFA
Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Matt Susi is a Portfolio Manager of the Short Duration Strategy and a Research Analyst, focused primarily on fixed income securities. Before joining VELA, Matt spent 10 years at Nationwide Insurance in Investments where he held various roles including International Investment Analyst, Investment Grade Corporate Bond Trader, and High Yield & Leveraged Loans Research Analyst.
Matt holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and received a B.S. in Finance from Miami University Farmer School of Business.
Alexandra Wesolek
Communications Director
Alexandra Wesolek is our Communications Director. Prior to joining VELA, she worked as an analyst at American Enterprise Institute. Alexandra received an M.A. in International Relations with Economics from University of St. Andrews.
Bryan Yu
Senior Quantitative Research Associate
Bryan Yu is a Senior Quantitative Research Associate. Prior to joining VELA, Bryan was a quantitative modeler at TD Bank Group, focusing on risk modeling, machine learning, and stress testing. Bryan has quantitative research and modeling experience since 2018.
Bryan received an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics in Statistics & Computational Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Wilfrid Laurier University.
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