Meet The Team

AnalystMitch MurrayLearn More »
AnalystMitch Murray

Mitch is an Investment Banking Analyst in the Corporate Finance group at Chaffe & Associates, having joined the firm in January 2025. His responsibilities include financial analysis, valuation, and transaction execution, with a focus on developing financial models, preparing marketing materials, and drafting information memoranda for company sales and capital raises.

Before joining Chaffe, Mitch spent nearly two years as an M&A Investment Banking Analyst at Barrington Research Associates. Prior to transitioning to finance, he gained extensive management experience in the automotive industry in Western Canada.

Mitch earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business and an MBA with concentrations in Finance and Business Analytics from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business. During his time at Tulane, he participated in the Burkenroad Reports program in Spring 2023, completing an equity research report on a publicly traded company, and later served as Associate Director of Research for the program during the 2023–2024 academic year.

Education

  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management, Western Michigan University – Haworth College of Business
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance & Business Analytics, Tulane University – A.B. Freeman School of Business
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AnalystMatthew McCelveyLearn More »
AnalystMatthew McCelvey

Matthew works in the Valuations group of Chaffe & Associates, Inc., joining the firm as a Financial Analyst in December 2024. His responsibilities include financial statement analysis, heavy database research, report writing, and due diligence.

Before joining Chaffe & Associates, Matthew interned at PricewaterhouseCoopers in their business process consulting group in Houston, Texas.

Matthew graduated from Louisiana State University summa cum laude with a B.S. in Finance and an internal auditing minor, as well as studied abroad during his undergraduate career at the London School of Economics where he studied financial derivatives and fixed income securities.

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Vice President, ShareholderWhit SlocumLearn More »
Vice President, ShareholderWhit Slocum

Mr. Slocum joined Chaffe’s Corporate Finance Group in 2011 and specializes in valuations, company sales, buy-side advisory, and capital raises, having provided these services across a wide range of industries. During his time at Chaffe, he has worked with manufacturers, service providers and project-oriented companies to structure and execute transactions.

Mr. Slocum has been involved in completed M&A and debt financings valued at over $1 billion, working directly with public and private buyers, sellers, and capital providers. Mr. Slocum enjoys working with all types of companies, including founder- and family-owned businesses, and participates in all stages of a transaction, from establishing valuation expectations through closing.

Whit is a member of Chaffe’s Fairness Opinion Committee.

Prior to joining Chaffe & Associates, Mr. Slocum was an Associate Director in UBS’s Fund Services Department.

Prior to joining Chaffe & Associates, Mr. Slocum was an Associate Director in UBS’s Fund Services Department.

Education

  • Master of Business Administration, A.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University
  • Bachelor of Science in Management, A.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

Credentials & Licenses

  • 7, 79 and 63 Licenses

Professional Organizations

  • Association of Corporate Growth, Member
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AnalystLisa ShelleyLearn More »
AnalystLisa Shelley

Ms. Shelley is an analyst with the Valuation Group. Her responsibilities include report writing and industry research.  She specializes in foundational corporate document analysis, customer,  competitor, and geographic research and writing.

Ms. Shelley joined Chaffe full-time in 2022 after previously working for the company part-time while attending Tulane University. She holds a Master of Arts degree in French Language Studies from Tulane as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Development, with a minor in Spanish.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in International Development, Tulane University
  • Master of Arts in French Language Studies, Tulane University
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Managing DirectorMichael SchmidtLearn More »
Managing DirectorMichael Schmidt

Mr. Schmidt is a Managing Director in the firm’s Corporate Finance Group and a member of the board of directors at Chaffe, 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 several 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
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AnalystAlex RooneyLearn More »
AnalystAlex Rooney

Alex works in the Corporate Finance group of Chaffe, having joined the firm as an Investment Banking Analyst in January 2024. His responsibilities include market research, due diligence, financial modeling, and financial analysis.

Before joining Chaffe & Associates, Alex worked in the oil & gas industry, where he spent three years working as a Production Enhancement Engineer for Halliburton Energy Services in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alex holds a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Louisiana State University and a Master of Management in Energy (MME) degree with a Banking & Finance specialization from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering, Louisiana State University
  • Master of Management in Energy (MME), Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business
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AnalystLiam NortonLearn More »
AnalystLiam Norton

Liam works in the Corporate Finance Group of Chaffe, having joined the firm as an Investment Banking Analyst in August 2023. His responsibilities include market research, due diligence, financial modeling, and financial analysis, as well as aiding Managing Director G.F. Gay Le Breton in authoring a monthly, Louisiana-focused Mergers & Acquisitions article for New Orleans City Business magazine.

Prior to joining Chaffe & Associates, Liam worked in the Disaster Recovery space for Hunt, Guillot & Associates, and in the Search Fund/Entrepreneurship-through-Acquisition space as an Analyst for Search Fund Accelerator in New Orleans.

Liam holds a B.S. in Finance with a History minor from Louisiana State University, and Master of Management in Energy (MME) degree with a Banking & Finance specialization from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Finance, Minor in History, Louisiana State University
  • Master of Management in Energy (MME), Banking & Finance specialization, Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business
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MANAGING DIRECTOR, SHAREHOLDER President, Chaffe Securities, Inc.G.F. Gay LebretonLearn More »
MANAGING DIRECTOR, SHAREHOLDER President, Chaffe Securities, Inc.G.F. Gay Lebreton

“Our job is to secure the best deal for our clients. We pride ourselves on doing just that, efficiently and effectively.”

Ms. LeBreton heads the Corporate Finance Group of Chaffe, a specialized investment bank providing services to private and public middle market companies and family-owned businesses in a variety of industries. She is a member of the company’s board of directors, and President of Chaffe Securities, Inc., the firm’s broker dealer subsidiary.

At Chaffe, Ms. LeBreton has more than 37 years’ experience in the structuring and negotiation of transactions, the valuation of companies, and the development and execution of competitive processes for the sale or purchase of businesses. She has worked on over 200 mandates, primarily in mergers and acquisitions.

Ms. LeBreton began her career in 1977 with the Europe Group of Bankers Trust Company in New York. She returned to New Orleans in 1980 to join First Commerce Corporation in commercial lending and was then involved in the negotiation of several bank acquisitions. She joined Chaffe in 1987.

Ms. LeBreton has appeared as an expert witness in U.S. District Court on matters relating to bank and corporate valuation and merger and acquisition process, and has appeared as a speaker on these subjects. She has also provided expert testimony in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and advised on financial restructurings.

Education

  • Master of Business Administration, A.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University
  • Bachelor of Arts, Newcomb College

Credentials & Licenses

  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) – Registered Representative
  • Series 7, 24, 63 and 79 licenses

Professional Organizations

  • Greater New Orleans, Inc., Past Chair of the Board of Directors, Member of the Executive Committee
  • Tulane University, A.B. Freeman School of Business Advisory Council Member
  • Gulf South Angels, Board Member
  • New Orleans Startup Fund, Board Member
  • Coalition for Coastal Resilience and Economy, Board Member
  • Greater New Orleans Foundation, Member, Impact 100
  • Association for Corporate Growth, Member
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AnalystLacie LannesLearn More »
AnalystLacie Lannes

Ms. Lannes is a Financial Analyst in the Valuation Group of Chaffe As an analyst, her responsibilities include financial statement analysis and business and industry research. She has been with the firm over twenty years valuing closely held businesses and specializing in asset holding entities for estate and gift tax purposes

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Senior Vice President, ShareholderMarc KatsanisLearn More »
Senior Vice President, ShareholderMarc Katsanis

Mr. Katsanis is Senior Vice President for the Valuation Advisory group. He joined Chaffe in 1996 and has over 20 years of experience in accounting, corporate finance and business valuations.

His extensive range of expertise covers a broad spectrum of industry sectors including assignments in purchase price allocations for business combinations, intellectual property valuations, fairness opinions, employee stock ownership plans, shareholder transactions, valuations of privately held partnerships, limited liability company and corporate ownership interests, restricted stocks, and estate, gift and income tax valuations.

Mr. Katsanis also values employee stock options and non-traded warrants. He is the creator of the Valrex model for valuing non-traded employee stock options and warrants.

Education

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Loyola University New Orleans

Credentials & Licenses

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)
  • Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CEIV)
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  • Certified Patent Valuation Analyst (CPVA)

Professional Organizations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member
  • Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, Member
  • National Center for Employee Ownership, Member
  • Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants, Member
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Vice President, ShareholderTaylor GilbertLearn More »
Vice President, ShareholderTaylor Gilbert

As an integral member of the Corporate Finance Group at Chaffe since 2012, Taylor has specialized in deal execution, database and market research, due diligence, financial modeling, and strategic planning and financial analysis for various industries. His broad expertise reflects a rich history that spans from start-up consulting for a clean energy company in New Orleans to project management at the American Heart Association in Dallas, as well as an initial career in the film industry. Taylor lives in New Orleans with his wife, Kim, and their two children.

Education

  • Master of Business Administration, A.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University
  • Bachelor of Arts, Tulane University

Credentials & Licenses

  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) – Registered Representative
  • 7, 79 and 63 Licenses
  • Professional Organizations:
  • Association for Corporate Growth, Member

Professional Organizations

  • GNO, Inc. NextGen Council Board Member
  • Tulane Association of Business Alumni (TABA) Board Member
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AssociateRyan GertonLearn More »
AssociateRyan Gerton

Mr. Gerton is a Research Analyst in the Valuation Group of Chaffe. He joined the firm in January 2016 and performs business and industry research, report writing, and valuations of privately held partnership, limited liability company, and corporate ownership interests.

Mr. Gerton graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University in December 2015, receiving a dual Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and Finance.

Education

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance & Accounting, Texas Tech University

Credentials & Licenses

  • Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers in Business Valuation
  • Professional Organizations:
  • American Society of Appraisers, Member
  • American Society of Appraisers, New Orleans Chapter, President
  • Young Leadership Council, Member
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Vice President, ShareholderNene Glenn GianfalaLearn More »
Vice President, ShareholderNene Glenn Gianfala

Ms. Gianfala is a Vice President of the Valuation Advisory group with over 17 years of experience in accounting, corporate finance, and business valuations. She joined Chaffe as a Financial Analyst Intern in June 2007, and upon completion of the internship, joined the company.

Ms. Gianfala performs intellectual property and intangible asset valuations for purchase price allocations, impairment testing, internal intangible asset management, portfolio valuation, and litigation support.

Ms. Gianfala provides business valuation services to public and private companies for estate, gift and income tax planning, financial reporting, corporate planning, employee stock ownership plans, and litigation.

Education

  • Master of Business Administration, University of New Orleans
  • Bachelor of Science in Management, A.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

Credentials & Licenses

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV)
  • Accredited Senior Appraiser in Business Valuations – Specialty in Intangible Assets (ASA-BV/IA) by the American Society of Appraisers
  • Securities License 27

Professional Organizations

  • Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, Member, ABV Credential Chair
  • American Society of Appraisers, Member, Past Chapter Treasurer and President
  • Association for Corporate Growth, Louisiana Chapter, Past Chapter ACG Cup Chair
  • Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, New Orleans, Board Member at Large

Community Organizations

  • Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Board Member and Treasurer
  • Emerging Philanthropist of New Orleans, 2019 and 2020
  • Junior League of New Orleans Past Board Member
  • Louisiana SPCA, Board Member and Vice President
  • Tulane Association of Business Alumni, Past President, Forum Chair and Alumni Engagement Chair
  • University of Holy Cross, Adjunct Faculty
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Managing Director, ShareholderFrank DeVayLearn More »
Managing Director, ShareholderFrank DeVay

Mr. DeVay is a Managing Director of the Corporate Finance Group of Chaffe with emphasis in services to privately held companies. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the structuring and negotiation of transactions, the valuation of small and mid-sized companies, and the development and execution of competitive processes for the sale or purchase of businesses.

Prior to joining Chaffe in 2000, Mr. DeVay began his career as a Cost Manager with Martin Marietta Manned Space Systems in New Orleans which eventually lead him to become Chief Financial Officer for ProComp, Process Technologies, and Premier Industries. He left the corporate world to enter investment banking in 1999.

Education

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Loyola University New Orleans

Credentials & Licenses

  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Registered Representative
  • Series 7, 63 and 79 licenses

Professional Organizations

  • Association for Corporate Growth, Louisiana Chapter, President Elect

Community Organizations

  • Lakeview Shepherd Center, Past Treasurer and Board Member
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President & CEO, ShareholderVanessa Brown ClaiborneLearn More »
President & CEO, ShareholderVanessa Brown Claiborne

Ms. Claiborne is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Chaffe. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has received her designation as an Accredited Senior Appraiser in Business Valuation (ASA) by the American Society of Appraisers. She holds Securities Licenses 79, 24, 27, and 63. Ms. Claiborne is also Accredited in Estate Planning (AEP) by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils.

Ms. Claiborne specializes in business valuation services primarily for estate and gift taxes, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), fairness opinions, corporate planning,  litigation support including expert testimony, exit planning, and shareholder transactions and restructuring.

Education

  • Master of Business Administration,
University of Texas
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting,
Trinity University

Credentials & Licenses

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) by the American Society of Appraisers
  • Securities Licenses 79, 24, 27, and 63
  • Accredited in Estate Planning by the National Association of
Estate Planners and Councils

Professional Organizations

  • American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants, Member
  • American Society of Appraisers, Member, Past Governor, Past Chapter President
  • Association for Corporate Growth, Louisiana Chapter, Past Chapter President and Board member
  • Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants, New Orleans Chapter
  • National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, Member  New Orleans Estate Planning Council, Member, Past Chapter President

Community Organizations

  • Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region, Member,
Executive Committee
  • Greater New Orleans Foundation, Inc., Founding Trustee, Impact 100, Member
  • Bureau of Government Research, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Assistant Treasurer
  • Agenda for Children, Board of Directors, Treasurer
  • Isidore Newman School, Past Board of Directors, Past Treasurer
  • American Red Cross, South Louisiana Region, Past Board of Directors
and Board Chair
  • Newcorp, Inc., Board of Directors
  • St. Charles Avenue Association, Board of Directors, Treasurer
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Vice president, ShareholderRiley BusenlenerLearn More »
Vice president, ShareholderRiley Busenlener

Mr. Busenlener is the Vice President of the Valuation Advisory group with over 18 years of experience in accounting, corporate finance, and business valuations. He joined Chaffe & Associates, Inc. as a Financial Analyst Intern in 2001. He rejoined the company on 2006. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with the American Society of Appraisers, an Accredited in Estate Planning (AEP®) by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils, and an attorney (JD).

Mr. Busenlener performs business research and valuations of privately held partnership,
limited liability company and corporate ownership interests.

Education

  • Juris Doctor, Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center
  • Master of Accounting, Florida State University
  • Bachelor of Science, Florida State University
  • Bachelor of Civil Law, Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Credentials & Licenses

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with the American Society of Appraisers
  • Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils
  • Juris Doctorate (JD)

Professional Organizations

  • American Bar Association, Member
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member
  • American Society of Appraisers, Member
  • Louisiana Bar Association, Member
  • National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
  • Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, New Orleans, Member

Community Organizations

  • American Bar Association, Member
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member
  • American Society of Appraisers, Member
  • Louisiana Bar Association, Member
  • National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
  • Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, New Orleans, Member
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