Our Team

Ric Dillon, CFA

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.

Ric, his wife Marina and their daughter Luisa split time between homes in New Albany, Ohio and Orlando, Florida.

Lisa Wesolek, CAP®

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.

Lisa and her husband Kurt reside in Bexley, Ohio and have two grown children.

Jason Job, JD, CFA, CAP®

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.

Jason and his wife Danielle reside in Westerville, Ohio with their two children.

Jonathan Alexander

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.

Outside of the office, Jonathan loves to play basketball and travel. He and his wife Miesha stay busy raising their young children in Westerville, Ohio.

Chris Brinich, CFA

Chris Brinich is Assistant Portfolio Manager of the All Cap Concentrated Strategy and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, he worked at Rea & Associates, and prior to that DiPerna Advisors. 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.

Chris resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Austin Burgett

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.

Austin resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Josh Burgett

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.

Josh resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Jason Downey, CFA

Jason Downey is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Income Opportunities Strategy and the All Cap Concentrated Strategy as well as 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.

Jason and his wife Liz reside in Columbus, Ohio.

Max Grogg

Max Grogg is a Research Associate, with industry experience since 2021.

He received a B.A. in Finance & Accounting with a minor in Mathematics from Indiana University – Bloomington.

Max resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Brian Hilderbrand, CFA

Brian Hilderbrand is Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Small Cap Strategy and a Research Analyst. Prior to joining VELA, Brian was a Research Analyst at Diamond Hill Capital Management, covering restaurants, recreation, and managed care. Brian has industry experience since 2005, including Investment Analyst roles at Homrich Berg and LCG Associates.

Brian holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, an MBA from London Business School, and a B.B.A. in Finance from University of Georgia (magna cum laude).

Brian and his wife Angela and their four children reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jenny Hubbard, CFA

Jenny Hubbard is Co-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.

Jenny and her husband Jeff and their three children reside in Denver, Colorado.

Bob Koci

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.

Bob and his wife Laura reside in Galena, Ohio and have four children.

Beverly Langley

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.

Beverly and her husband Larry reside in Columbus, Ohio.

Tom Lennox

Tom Lennox is a Partner with our firm. Tom has been owner and President of DIB, LLC since 2015, 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.

Tom and his wife Jane reside in New Albany, Ohio and have three grown children.

Jake Leonard

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.

A recent transplant to Columbus, he spends most of his time outside of the office exploring Central Ohio with his fiancée, hanging with his Goldendoodle, Stout, cheering on Philadelphia Sports teams, and trying out new recipes on the smoker.

Stacey Madison

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.

Stacey and her husband Jeff and their two children reside in Hilliard, Ohio.

Kelley Martin, CAP®

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.

Outside of VELA, Kelley serves on the Board of the Central Ohio chapter of Folds of Honor, working to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Kelley resides in Upper Arlington, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and their growing families.

Julie McConnell

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.

Julie and her husband Tom reside in Dublin, Ohio.

Bobby Murphy, CFA, CPA

Bobby Murphy is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Income Opportunities Strategy and the All Cap Concentrated 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.

Bobby and his wife Colby and their two children reside in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Nick Rinker, CFA

Nick Rinker is Portfolio Manager of the Short Duration Strategy, Co-Portfolio Manager of 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.

Nick and his wife Jessie and their three daughters reside in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Al Rodack

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, Columbus Historical Society, Alliance Healthcare and Helping Hands in the Garden.

Al received an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The Ohio State University.

Al and his wife Elaine reside in Jefferson Township and have a grown son. Outside of VELA, Al enjoys working in his yard, playing golf, and spending time with his five cats.

Kyle Schneider, CFA

Kyle Schneider is Co-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.

Kyle resides in New Albany, Ohio with his wife Stacy.

Bob Sharpe

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.

Bob and his wife Amy reside in Columbus, Ohio and have one grown daughter.

Shaun Steiger, CFA

Shaun Steiger is Assistant 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.

Shaun resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Emily Straw

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.

In her spare time, Emily is an avid equestrian, show jumping at the national level with her horses. She also stays busy playing golf, skiing, and traveling. She and her husband Jeff live in Overland Park, Kansas.

Alexandra Wesolek

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. 

Alexandra resides in Columbus, Ohio. 

Bryan Yu

Bryan Yu is a 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.

Bryan resides in Columbus, Ohio.