Michael SchmidtManaging Director
Mr. Schmidt is a Managing Director in the firm’s Corporate Finance Group and a member of the board of directors at Chaffe & Associates, Inc., a specialized investment bank providing services to private and public middle market companies, family-owned businesses, and financial institutions across a wide range of industries.
Prior to his role at Chaffe, Mr. Schmidt was a Partner and Managing Director at Seaport Global Securities, a full-service investment bank headquartered in New York where he also co-headed the firm’s Energy Investment Banking practice. During his 17-year career in corporate finance, Mr. Schmidt has participated in over 180 mandates that approximate over $30 Billion in total value. These transactions include raising debt and equity securities as well as advising on mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic advisory processes. In addition, Mr. Schmidt has worked on serval financial restructurings, both in and out of court, and has delivered expert witness testimony in several notable bankruptcy cases.
Mr. Schmidt began his career in various roles including as the Head of Corporate Development at Intermarine, Inc. and Industrial Maritime Carriers Worldwide LLC, privately held logistics and transportation companies focused on global ocean carriage of energy, power generation and industrial equipment.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Tulane University, A.B. Freeman School of Business, Adjunct Professor
Credentials & Licenses:
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) - Registered Representative
- Series 7, 24, and 63 licenses
- Commission, United States Naval Reserve (USN), (Retired)
- United Coast Guard Unlimited Tonnage, Any Oceans, Third Mates License (Inactive)
Professional Organizations:
- New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy Foundation
- Louisiana Children’s Museum, Secretary and member of the Executive Committee and Finance Committees
- NO/LA Angel Network, Founding Board Member
