Our Investment Team is known for experience, continuity and stability.
People ■ Bios
Samuel H. Ballam, III
Partner, Client Service/Business Development
Sam received his undergraduate degree in Finance from University of Miami and then earned his MBA with a double major in Finance and Accounting from Northwestern University. Following ten years of corporate financial experience, Sam served as the Treasurer of Thomas Jefferson University and thereafter as Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Main Line Health, a multi-hospital system. Prior to joining the firm in 1997, Sam was a Cooke & Bieler institutional client for thirteen years. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Church Farm School, and serves on the President's Council of the University of Miami. Sam was named Nonprofit Marketer of the Year by Money Management Letter in 2005. Also, he is a Certified Public Accountant.
Partner, Client Service/Business Development
Sam received his undergraduate degree in Finance from University of Miami and then earned his MBA with a double major in Finance and Accounting from Northwestern University. Following ten years of corporate financial experience, Sam served as the Treasurer of Thomas Jefferson University and thereafter as Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Main Line Health, a multi-hospital system. Prior to joining the firm in 1997, Sam was a Cooke & Bieler institutional client for thirteen years. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Church Farm School, and serves on the President's Council of the University of Miami. Sam was named Nonprofit Marketer of the Year by Money Management Letter in 2005. Also, he is a Certified Public Accountant.
Thad Fletcher
Partner, Client Service/Business Development
Thad received his undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Georgetown University where he was also a member of the Sports International Track Club's indoor mile relay team, which had a top five national ranking each year from 1969 to 1972. He later earned his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business and now has over eighteen years of experience in the economic and financial services industries. Prior to joining Cooke & Bieler in 2002, Thad was a Principal with Columbia Partners in Washington, D.C., focusing on public funds marketing and client service. Earlier in his career, Thad was Vice President at ASB Capital Management. He was also previously involved in equity research and economic analysis at DRI/McGraw-Hill and Wharton Econometric Forecasting Association.
Partner, Client Service/Business Development
Thad received his undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Georgetown University where he was also a member of the Sports International Track Club's indoor mile relay team, which had a top five national ranking each year from 1969 to 1972. He later earned his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business and now has over eighteen years of experience in the economic and financial services industries. Prior to joining Cooke & Bieler in 2002, Thad was a Principal with Columbia Partners in Washington, D.C., focusing on public funds marketing and client service. Earlier in his career, Thad was Vice President at ASB Capital Management. He was also previously involved in equity research and economic analysis at DRI/McGraw-Hill and Wharton Econometric Forecasting Association.
John S. Hamblett, CIMA
Partner, Client Service/Business Development
John earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and Computer Science from Trinity College where he competed as captain of his school's ski team. He worked in the institutional fixed income department of CS First Boston before receiving his MBA in Finance in 1989 from the Wharton School of Business. After working for two years as a consultant, John continued his career in sales and client service, rejoining CS First Boston and later Starboard Capital Markets. Prior to joining Cooke & Bieler in 2004, John spent eight years as a Relationship Portfolio Manager at Rittenhouse Asset Management. Currently, John serves on the Executive Committee of the National Alumni Association of Trinity College.
Partner, Client Service/Business Development
John earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and Computer Science from Trinity College where he competed as captain of his school's ski team. He worked in the institutional fixed income department of CS First Boston before receiving his MBA in Finance in 1989 from the Wharton School of Business. After working for two years as a consultant, John continued his career in sales and client service, rejoining CS First Boston and later Starboard Capital Markets. Prior to joining Cooke & Bieler in 2004, John spent eight years as a Relationship Portfolio Manager at Rittenhouse Asset Management. Currently, John serves on the Executive Committee of the National Alumni Association of Trinity College.
Daren C. Heitman, CFA
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Daren earned his undergraduate degree in Finance in 1989 from Iowa University. He went on to receive his MBA from University of Chicago while working in Chicago at Skyline Asset Management as both an analyst and portfolio manager. Daren joined Cooke & Bieler in 2005 after serving as a senior analyst for five years at Schneider Capital Management in suburban Philadelphia.
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Daren earned his undergraduate degree in Finance in 1989 from Iowa University. He went on to receive his MBA from University of Chicago while working in Chicago at Skyline Asset Management as both an analyst and portfolio manager. Daren joined Cooke & Bieler in 2005 after serving as a senior analyst for five years at Schneider Capital Management in suburban Philadelphia.
Steve Lyons, CFA
Principal, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Steve earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from Arizona State University where he was in the Barrett Honors College and was named outstanding graduating senior in Finance. Steve worked in the investment services industry specializing in private equity and business valuation before returning to business school to complete his MBA. He received his MBA with honors from the University of Chicago and was co-chair of the Investment Management Group. Steve joined Cooke & Bieler in the summer of 2005 as an intern and joined the firm permanently in August 2006.
Principal, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Steve earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from Arizona State University where he was in the Barrett Honors College and was named outstanding graduating senior in Finance. Steve worked in the investment services industry specializing in private equity and business valuation before returning to business school to complete his MBA. He received his MBA with honors from the University of Chicago and was co-chair of the Investment Management Group. Steve joined Cooke & Bieler in the summer of 2005 as an intern and joined the firm permanently in August 2006.
John J. Medveckis
Partner, High Net-Worth/Taxable Investing Portfolio Manager
John earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Cincinnati, taught investments for two years at Purdue University and was admitted to the Indianapolis Society of Financial Analysts. He also served as Officer of the American Fletcher National Bank in Indianapolis where he managed individual trust accounts. John then joined Cooke & Bieler in 1973. John is currently a Trustee of the Curtis Institute of Music as well as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he also serves on the Investment Committee. He presently serves on the Visual Arts Committee of the U. S. Library of Congress and as a Trustee of the Library of Congress. In addition, he is an Overseer of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and also a fellow and Trustee of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. He also currently serves as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Latvia for the State of Pennsylvania.
Partner, High Net-Worth/Taxable Investing Portfolio Manager
John earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Cincinnati, taught investments for two years at Purdue University and was admitted to the Indianapolis Society of Financial Analysts. He also served as Officer of the American Fletcher National Bank in Indianapolis where he managed individual trust accounts. John then joined Cooke & Bieler in 1973. John is currently a Trustee of the Curtis Institute of Music as well as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he also serves on the Investment Committee. He presently serves on the Visual Arts Committee of the U. S. Library of Congress and as a Trustee of the Library of Congress. In addition, he is an Overseer of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and also a fellow and Trustee of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. He also currently serves as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Latvia for the State of Pennsylvania.
Michael M. Meyer, CFA
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Mike earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from Davidson College, graduating cum laude with distinction. He also competed as captain of the varsity tennis team. In 1993, following four years at Sterling Capital Management as an equity analyst and head equity trader, Mike earned his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business and joined Cooke & Bieler.
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Mike earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from Davidson College, graduating cum laude with distinction. He also competed as captain of the varsity tennis team. In 1993, following four years at Sterling Capital Management as an equity analyst and head equity trader, Mike earned his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business and joined Cooke & Bieler.
Edward O'Connor, CFA
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Ted graduated cum laude with honors in Economics and Philosophy from Colgate University. He worked as a U.S. diplomat in Cuba and Guatemala prior to receiving his MBA with concentrations in Finance and International Business in 1999 from the University of Chicago. He then joined Cambiar Investors in Denver, Colorado where he served as an equity analyst and portfolio manager and participated in Cambiar's 2001 management buyout. Ted joined Cooke & Bieler in 2002.
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Ted graduated cum laude with honors in Economics and Philosophy from Colgate University. He worked as a U.S. diplomat in Cuba and Guatemala prior to receiving his MBA with concentrations in Finance and International Business in 1999 from the University of Chicago. He then joined Cambiar Investors in Denver, Colorado where he served as an equity analyst and portfolio manager and participated in Cambiar's 2001 management buyout. Ted joined Cooke & Bieler in 2002.
James O'Neil, CFA
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Jamie received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Colby College, graduating cum laude with distinction and competing as captain of the varsity soccer team. He was an Investment Officer in the Capital Markets Department at Mellon Bank for three years before entering Harvard Business School to earn his MBA. He served as a summer intern in 1987, joining Cooke & Bieler upon his graduation the following year.
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Jamie received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Colby College, graduating cum laude with distinction and competing as captain of the varsity soccer team. He was an Investment Officer in the Capital Markets Department at Mellon Bank for three years before entering Harvard Business School to earn his MBA. He served as a summer intern in 1987, joining Cooke & Bieler upon his graduation the following year.
Linda N. Perna
Partner, Chief Compliance Officer
Linda graduated magna cum laude in 1993 with a BBA degree in Finance and Real Estate From Temple University. She joined Cooke & Bieler in 1988. After working five years for Cooke & Bieler as a performance specialist, Linda attended the Executive MBA program at Drexel University, graduating with honors in 2000. She is a member of the Philadelphia Compliance Roundtable, the National Society of Compliance Professions (NSCP), as well as the Investment Adviser Association (IAA).
Partner, Chief Compliance Officer
Linda graduated magna cum laude in 1993 with a BBA degree in Finance and Real Estate From Temple University. She joined Cooke & Bieler in 1988. After working five years for Cooke & Bieler as a performance specialist, Linda attended the Executive MBA program at Drexel University, graduating with honors in 2000. She is a member of the Philadelphia Compliance Roundtable, the National Society of Compliance Professions (NSCP), as well as the Investment Adviser Association (IAA).
John Pickering
Partner, High Net-Worth/Taxable Investing Portfolio Manager
John earned his undergraduate degree in 1978 from Harvard University. He studied Economics and English, as well as captained the lightweight crew. Later, he stroked a U.S. boat in the World Rowing Championships. John worked for over 20 years, including several as Managing Director, at Brown Bros. Harriman & Co., the private bank, in Philadelphia, Dublin and New York. Most recently, John was the Head of Wealth Management and an EVP at The Bryn Mawr Trust Company, based west of Philadelphia. He currently serves on the Boards of Episcopal Community Services and of The Church Farm School among other civic responsibilities.
Partner, High Net-Worth/Taxable Investing Portfolio Manager
John earned his undergraduate degree in 1978 from Harvard University. He studied Economics and English, as well as captained the lightweight crew. Later, he stroked a U.S. boat in the World Rowing Championships. John worked for over 20 years, including several as Managing Director, at Brown Bros. Harriman & Co., the private bank, in Philadelphia, Dublin and New York. Most recently, John was the Head of Wealth Management and an EVP at The Bryn Mawr Trust Company, based west of Philadelphia. He currently serves on the Boards of Episcopal Community Services and of The Church Farm School among other civic responsibilities.
Bruce A. Smith
Partner, Trading/Operations
Bruce earned his undergraduate degree in Economics in 1976 from the College of Wooster. He joined Cooke & Bieler as a research assistant in 1979 after working for the Union Carbide Corporation. After a leave of absence to earn his MBA in 1984 from the University of Michigan, Bruce returned to Cooke & Bieler to head the trading and operations functions.
Partner, Trading/Operations
Bruce earned his undergraduate degree in Economics in 1976 from the College of Wooster. He joined Cooke & Bieler as a research assistant in 1979 after working for the Union Carbide Corporation. After a leave of absence to earn his MBA in 1984 from the University of Michigan, Bruce returned to Cooke & Bieler to head the trading and operations functions.
Mehul Trivedi, CFA
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Mehul graduated magna cum laude with dual degrees in both Economics (with concentrations in Finance and Statistics) and International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. After working as a fixed income analyst at Blackrock Financial Management and then as a product manager at PNC Asset Management, Mehul earned his MBA from the Wharton School of Business, serving as a summer intern at Cooke & Bieler in 1997 and joining the firm upon his graduation in 1998.
Partner, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Mehul graduated magna cum laude with dual degrees in both Economics (with concentrations in Finance and Statistics) and International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. After working as a fixed income analyst at Blackrock Financial Management and then as a product manager at PNC Asset Management, Mehul earned his MBA from the Wharton School of Business, serving as a summer intern at Cooke & Bieler in 1997 and joining the firm upon his graduation in 1998.
William Weber, CFA
Principal, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Bill graduated magna cum laude from Villanova University in 2002 with dual degrees in Finance and English. He then worked at Cooke & Bieler for six years in various roles including marketing, operations and research support, before earning his MBA with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2010. While at Booth, Bill co-managed the school’s Student Managed Investment Fund and interned at T. Rowe Price Associates as an equity research analyst. He returned to Cooke & Bieler in 2010.
Principal, Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Bill graduated magna cum laude from Villanova University in 2002 with dual degrees in Finance and English. He then worked at Cooke & Bieler for six years in various roles including marketing, operations and research support, before earning his MBA with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2010. While at Booth, Bill co-managed the school’s Student Managed Investment Fund and interned at T. Rowe Price Associates as an equity research analyst. He returned to Cooke & Bieler in 2010.
Theresa M. Weiss
Manager, Marketing & Client Service
Terry earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 2005 from LaSalle University, graduating magna cum laude. She joined Cooke & Bieler in 1990 after working at both Pennsylvania Merchant Group and Dean Witter Reynolds. Terry's responsibilities include performance measurement and reporting, completing requests for proposals and consultant questionnaires, coordination of marketing support and initiatives, overseeing the new account setup process as well as client servicing.
Manager, Marketing & Client Service
Terry earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 2005 from LaSalle University, graduating magna cum laude. She joined Cooke & Bieler in 1990 after working at both Pennsylvania Merchant Group and Dean Witter Reynolds. Terry's responsibilities include performance measurement and reporting, completing requests for proposals and consultant questionnaires, coordination of marketing support and initiatives, overseeing the new account setup process as well as client servicing.
Cooke & Bieler Key Professionals
Investment Team
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Research Team - "Career Analysts"
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Investment Experience
- R. James O'Neil
-
26 years
- Michael M. Meyer
-
22 years
- Daren C. Heitman
-
21 years
- Mehul Trivedi
-
17 years
- Ted O'Connor
-
12 years
- Steve Lyons
-
8 years
- William Weber
-
2 years
- High Net Worth/Taxable Investing:
- John J. Medveckis
-
45 years
- John Pickering
-
15 years
Client Service / Business Development
- Team
-
Industry Experience
- Samuel H. Ballam III
-
25 years
- Thad Fletcher
-
25 years
- John S. Hamblett
-
24 years
- Theresa M. Weiss
-
35 years
Operations / Compliance
- Team
-
Industry Experience
- Bruce A. Smith
-
32 years
- Linda N. Perna
-
18 years
Investment Team:
Experience
Average investment experience = 15 years
Stability
Average tenure with Cooke & Bieler = 12 years
Continuity
Systematic hiring of the next generation of professionals
to insure the long term future of the firm
Experience
Average investment experience = 15 years
Stability
Average tenure with Cooke & Bieler = 12 years
Continuity
Systematic hiring of the next generation of professionals
to insure the long term future of the firm
