Rising Stars 2022

The 2022 Rising Stars discuss their work, hobbies, interests, and their thoughts about the future of the public finance sector. We also link to all the profiles, in case you missed them.

New York-based Anne Tricerri took a circuitous route to becoming Fitch Rating's director of global infrastructure and project finance.

Thinking creatively in the housing finance world has helped Claire Merritt execute over 200 transactions for a total par amount of approximately $5 billion.

"Continued refinement of state Medicaid managed care programs will remain the cornerstone of driving accessibility for underserved communities," said Brad Henkel.

"There's always a new issue you might not be aware of; with 50 states you are constantly learning something new," Cooper Howard said. "It's not a homogenized market."

Kevin Boomhower believes water infrastructure is a basic necessity and the work EFC does is helping all communities in the state meet that need.

Nicole Riggs loves infrastructure and the opportunity to provide mentorship.

"The diversity of people and places I get to work with in U.S. Public Finance, from small special purpose districts to large cities and states," makes work interesting for Cora Bruemmer. I feel like I'm always learning something new."

"Every credit has its quirks," Peter Scherer said. "I enjoy the challenge of putting them in context while delivering thoughtful and punchy credit opinions that inform investors and inspire confidence in the municipal market."

"Almost everything around you serves as a reminder of our work and the benefits it has brought to the public," said Adam Gordon.

When Douglas Goldmacher, a Long Island native, graduated from the University of Rochester in 2011, a career in municipal finances wasn't on his mind.

A mentorship that started during a college internship helped steer Melissa Bennett to a partnership in public finance law.

"I saw public finance as a good intersection of markets and public policy and I've been doing it ever since," said Sam Denton-Schneider.

"Since I started in this industry, it's been a constant series of new issues, new questions of change, new transactions and creative ways to deal with the shifting legal and economic climate," Helen Pennock said.

"Having the team infrastructure and everybody looking to be on the same page and work together, that's something that has been really fun," Christopher Flosi said.

"It's almost like a mission now for me to build better efficiency and better tools for analysts everywhere," Abhishek Lodha said.

"The muni market was a calling for me," Vernon Lewis said. "It was something where I can finally give my expertise and help my city as a whole, as well as the taxpayers."

For Patrice Mitchell it's important to build and have sustainable affordable housing, especially in underserved communities.

A job tip from a former Little League coach helped lead Heather Litzebauer to a fruitful career at municipal underwriting and advisory firm NW Financial Group.

"I always looked up to my dad and was amazed by the amount of time he spent at the office," Russell Feldman said. "I became a lot more intimately aware of the challenges in fixed income when I joined the industry years later."