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Our Team


The Ascension Advisory Team is a powerhouse of experts dedicated to helping our partners achieve their financial and strategic goals. With deep industry experience and a relentless commitment to excellence, our team brings together financial analysts, strategic planners, and industry specialists who provide tailored, high-impact advice. Whether navigating complex transactions or unlocking new opportunities, we partner with our clients to drive results that align with their vision for growth.

 

Chelsea Mandel
Chelsea Mandel
Founder & Managing Director
Jack Foley
Jack Foley
Chief Operating Officer
Sam William Jacobs
Sam William Jacobs
Chief Marketing Officer
Staci Ashkin
Staci Ashkin
Chief Financial Officer & Controller
Hannah Wang Headshot
Hannah Wang
Strategic Advisor
Mathew Wainwright
Mathew Wainwright
Director, European Transactions
Doug Carey
Doug Carey
Head of Underwriting
Nina Valtchanov
Nina Valtchanov
Head of Transaction Management
Spencer Freid
Spencer Freid
Associate
Hernando Gutierrez
Hernando Gutierrez
Executive Assistant
Hassan Khan
Hassan Khan
Marketing & Operations Associate

FEATURED IN

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Hear From Our Partners

Co-Founder of Private Equity Firm-1

"The Ascension team delivered on everything they proposed and hit the aggressive timeline we asked for. Their thoroughness and professionalism throughout the process was fantastic and we won’t hesitate to work with them again."

Co-Founder of Private Equity Firm
Vice President of Private Equity Firm-1

"The Ascension team delivers reliable and timely execution with attentive and highly responsive service. We trust the Ascension Advisory team to move quickly to achieve our real estate-related objectives."

Vice President of Private Equity Firm
Partner of Midwest Private Equity-1

"This sale leaseback was very important for the Company. It unlocked meaningful capital for us to redeploy into higher ROI opportunities that will help drive the Company's growth for years to come. The Ascension team was integral to making this possible."

Partner of Private Equity Firm
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"Ascension delivered an excellent SLB outcome on an accelerated timeline that tracked our M&A process. As such, we were able to consummate a RE deal simultaneously with our M&A transaction and helped us fund the M&A deal."

Associate of Private Equity Firm
Pat Voelker

"I enjoyed our experience working with Ascension Advisory. I would recommend Ascension again to be used by our firm or will suggest you all to other PE firms that ask for recommendations."

Vice President of Private Equity Firm
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"We have worked with Ascension in the past, and have always had a very strong experience.  Very strong attention to detail, real-time communication, work ethic, and an excellent grasp of the market are a few of the reasons I continue to work with Ascension."

Principal of Private Equity Firm
Group Chairman of European-Based Private Equity Firm

"The Ascension team supported us every step of the way during our process. The deal team was very helpful in keeping this transaction on track and worked diligently with all parties involved toward a successful close."

Chairman of Private Equity Firm
STATS ABOUT WORK

Our Network Yields Synergies

At Ascension Advisory, we operate at the crossroads of three key verticals—Private Equity & Financial Sponsors, Business Owners, and Referral Partners—creating unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and value creation.

Our team brings deep expertise from investment banking, private equity, and business ownership, ensuring strategic insights that drive results.

Private Equity & Financial Sponsors

As an Ascension partner, whether you're a private equity firm, family office, independent sponsor, search fund or holding company, you'll have access to proprietary investment opportunities from our network of business owner clients and referral partners. Learn More

Private Equity & Financial Sponsors

As an Ascension partner, whether you're a private equity firm, family office, independent sponsor, search fund or holding company, you'll also have access to proprietary investment opportunities from our network of business owner clients and referral partners. Learn More

Business Owners

We help all types of businesses take advantage of the many benefits of the sale leaseback strategy. We provide business owners with creative liquidity solutions, tapping into flexible financing sources that can be used to fuel growth. As an Ascension partner, you’ll also have access to our extensive network of capital partners, M&A firms, and other strategic advisors. Learn More

Referral Partners

We provide real estate advice to you and your clients, whether during the pitching stage, a live transaction, or just for their general knowledge and awareness. As as Ascension partner, you’ll benefit as a preferred provider in our network as we facilitate introductions to business owners, private equity firms, and others seeking your specific services. Learn More

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