Mr. Dickens serves on the management committee for CDI Global, Merit Investment Bank’s sister organization, which represents cross-border merger & acquisitions in over 30 countries globally. His access to world-class buyers and capital partners is an important part of the service the company provides for all Merit Investment Bank clients.

As President and Partner, Dan Nicklaus will oversee market-facing responsibilities for firm and team development and growth, while continuing the legacy of superior client service. Dan had a long career in banking before pivoting to M&A and Family Office Management. In his last role as a Managing Director, he developed a successful advisory practice focused on Middle Market and Multigenerational Businesses. He has an MS in Finance from Pacific Lutheran University, as well as a BA from Central Washington University, where he currently is a board member of the CWU Foundation. Dan is based out of the company’s headquarters south of Seattle.

Chris Barnes is a Managing Director at Merit Investment Bank with three decades of experience in investment banking, principal investing, and corporate development. He has successfully structured, negotiated, and closed over $1 billion in capital raises and $1 billion in M&A transactions.

Barnes has worked with a number of leading financial services firms including Lehman Brothers, Tucker Anthony Sutro, and Cleary Gull. He also successfully ran his own investment banking firm (Sarowdin Partners) for 10 years which focused on providing senior-level, Wall Street-quality investment banking services to companies at the lower end of the middle market.

Barnes holds the FINRA Series 7, 79, and 63 licenses.

As Managing Director, Todd Ostrander runs the Tech practice for Merit Investment Bank and co-leads the TMT practice for its global affiliate CDI Global. He has closed multiple transactions worth in excess of $160 million.

As a four-time venture-backed Founder / CEO in the tech industry, Ostrander is able to turn complex problems into significant market opportunities due to his understanding of finance, procurement, strategic marketing, and product strategy. Collectively, he has raised nearly $100 million for his own companies and has created in excess of $1 billion in market value throughout his career. Ostrander currently sits on the Board of Directors of Zxerex Corporation, Cellar Door Media and Lockr.io.

Erich Woermann is a first-year Associate at Merit Investment Bank & Company. Erich initially joined as a spring intern and is now with the firm full-time. He is responsible for providing analytical support on Capital Offerings, Mergers and Acquisitions and other advisory services. Prior to Merit Investment Bank, Erich served as a Project Manager at a local Property Management company.

He graduated from the University of Washington Bothell School of Business and received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

For decades, Chad has assisted various organizations in business development and supporting C-Suite to scale their efforts in support of clients.

Chad is very client-focused, helping clients learn more about the M&A process and navigating how to best achieve excellent results. Client satisfaction and enablement are Chad’s primary focus. Having worked with marquee firms such as Fortress Investment Group and US Bank, Chad can effectively guide clients successfully through the process. Chad possesses the ability to wear many hats while making everyone feel comfortable.