CHICAGO – Chicago-based Mesirow Financial has added three new members to its public finance team in the Chicago office.
The three include banker Spencer Mishelow who joined as a vice president; Nekesa Josey who joined as an associate; and Blase Monahan, who started as a senior analyst. "All three professionals bring to the firm significant experience working with municipal clients," the firm said in a statement.
Mishelow previously worked in banking at Indiana-based City Securities Corp. and will focus on expanding the firm's presence in Indiana and across the Midwest. He previously worked in the city of Bloomington's Department of Economic and Sustainable Development and the mayor's office.
Josey joined the firm after holding several fiscal positions with Chicago, working with the council's budget and finance committees. She will provide quantitative analysis and deal support for municipal clients.
Monahan previously advised NAI Ohio Equities clients on real estate investments and held positions at JPMorgan and Lawrence, Evans & Co.
"This is an exciting time for the firm and for the Public Finance group in particular, as we continue to grow our team and expand our capabilities," Mesirow's public finance head Todd Waldrop said in a statement.
Mesirow ventured into Indiana earlier this year with the opening of an office in downtown Indianapolis and the hiring of Greg Clark as a managing director to lead the effort in both Indiana and Kentucky. Clark is the former executive director of Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank and a licensed attorney.
The new additions bring the public finance group to six senior bankers, 2 junior bankers and 5 staff members who provide banking and analytical support, said firm spokeswoman Syreeta Harris Strickland. The independent, employee-owned firm founded in 1937 has public finance offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Houston, and Indianapolis.
"We are looking to continue to grow and add additional bankers across the country," Strickland said.
The firm said other employees have stepped in to fill a void left by the departure of several professionals earlier this year in its high-yield group in San Francisco. The three jumped to Preston Hollow Capital, a Dallas-based boutique firm specializing in economic development and affordable housing projects. The firm is also looking to hire two analysts for the office.
