Career moves

Hilltop currently ranks 19th year-to-date among managing underwriters of municipal bonds, underwriting $1.2 billion in 53 issues.

Dan Aschenbach and Namsoo Lee created Municipal Financial Solutions Associates to help utilities manage the changing economic and regulatory landscape.

Compensation played a role in the departures, sources said.

The well-known muni strategist said he's pursuing "more market-related opportunities."

The Boston-based Nixon Peabody added seasoned municipal finance expert Michael Melzer as a partner, while Barclays lost three professionals.

Mary Simpkins, who joined the SEC's Office of Municipal Securities in November 1997, is retiring.

The departures happened around the time Barclays handed out companywide bonuses and coincided with the firm in the process of shrinking its muni footprint in the regions, according to sources.

The state treasurer is seeking someone willing to take the role on a permanent basis.

Firms like Siebert Williams Shank and Huntington have begun stacking their benches with municipal finance talent amid tax exemption uncertainty.

Rhonda Skoby and Rachel Lochner joined the Minneapolis public finance practice of Taft, Stettinier and Hollister as partner and associate, respectively.

Michael Melzer joined Nixon Peabody's Chicago office as a partner, bringing wide-ranging experience in public finance.

Glenn Hegar, the state comptroller since 2015, was chosen as the next chancellor for the Texas A&M University System by its board of regents.

Nakahata was appointed chief deputy executive director and chief operating officer of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank.

Senior Vice President Tamika Reed will staff a new Montgomery, Alabama, office, and Vice President Narineh Panosian joins the firm in Los Angeles.

Women in Public Finance has announced the 2025 members of its board of directors and plans to expand its offerings as it nears its 30th anniversary.

PFM, Ramirez & Co. and other advisory firms are adding to rosters of municipal finance experts as the tax exemption hangs in the balance.

Mitchell spent 20 years at J.P. Morgan before joining InspereX.

Huntington has hired Dan Kelly as head of municipal underwriting. The industry veteran will bolster the bank's strategy of pursuing larger transactions.

Kutak Rock LLP has doubled its public finance footprint in Minnesota with the addition of four new public finance attorneys to its Minneapolis team.

Walrath will support BAM's underwriting and credit departments in executing every credit BAM insures and advise the bond insurer on other legal matters.