USA, Columbus, Ohio. February 18, 2019

Rockbridge bolstered its leadership team and succession planning for its future in two ways, today. Kenneth J. Krebs, a Rockbridge co-founder, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, announced the promotion of Todd A. Walter, Executive Vice President and Associate General Counsel, to the role of General Counsel. Krebs will continue to be a strategic partner and leader of the firm he helped found 20-years ago.

Jim Merkel, Rockbridge CEO stated, "I could not be prouder of my partnership with Ken. Twenty-years ago when we founded Rockbridge, I knew that we would be successful because of the combination of talent, perseverance and integrity - all of which he embodies. Ken is special and has been a key driver of Rockbridge's growth and success."

Over the 20 years that Rockbridge has been in business, Ken has presided over significant increases in business growth and managed periods of intensified regulatory complexity, including the formation of the Bridgepoint Hospitality platform and the acquisition of two hotel management companies. Ken also led Rockbridge's filing to become a Registered Investment Advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2012.

Ken's impact isn't limited to the investment sector. He personifies Rockbridge's commitment to giving back to the local community through his involvement with organizations including The Ohio Honor Project and Ohio Honor Ride, The Boys and Girls Club of America, The Miracle League of New Albany, Pelotonia, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was honored by the New Albany Community Foundation with the Jeanne and John McCoy Community Service Award in 2015, and he received the Jeremiah Milbank Society Recognition from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

In addition, Ken was honored in 2017 by Columbus Business First with a C-Suite Award, acknowledging him as a top General Counsel in Central Ohio.

As EVP and General Counsel, Todd Walter will have primary oversight responsibilities for the overall legal affairs of the firm, including individual investment and fund-level activities, affiliate business matters, and compliance issues, as well as leading the 13-member Risk Management Team. Todd will report to Jordan Hansell, Rockbridge President.

"Over the course of the last 11 years, Todd's impact on the Risk Management Team as well as the overall Rockbridge organization, has been profound," said Krebs. "Beyond possessing exceptional technical skills, Todd thoroughly knows our business, has a deep understanding of our risk tolerances, and has repeatedly shown himself to be an exceptional leader and developer of talent. Acknowledging the formal elevation of his role to General Counsel is simply the logical progression of his upward leadership trajectory within our firm."

Since joining Rockbridge in 2007, Todd's work and responsibilities have expanded in tandem with the growth of the organization. He works closely with Rockbridge's Investment Group and Capital Markets Group to evaluate strategic options for Rockbridge's investment funds, to develop and implement policies and procedures designed to manage risk, enhance returns, and improve efficiencies and operations, and to evaluate and structure new opportunities. Todd was instrumental in the origination and operations of RB Hotel Development, Rockbridge's development management affiliate. He also helped lead Rockbridge's registration as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"Todd is a 'thought leader' for, and a tireless contributor to, our organization and will be a great steward of our legal affairs," said Hansell. "He is absolutely the right choice to guide our legal team, and Rockbridge is well positioned for future growth and success because of Todd's vision, talent and experience."

"I am humbled by the confidence that Rockbridge's Executive Leadership Team is placing in me by entrusting me with this leadership role within the firm," stated Walter. "I am grateful for Ken's advice, guidance, and mentorship since my arrival at Rockbridge. He has been an exceptional steward of the Risk Management Team, and I hope to build upon the strong foundation he has instilled in all of us. I also look forward to continuing to work with Rockbridge's leadership, and I believe that this arrangement will ensure a smooth and efficient transition as Rockbridge prepares to enter its third decade." 

Prior to joining Rockbridge, Todd practiced as an associate in the Corporate Group of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP, a large, regional law firm. There, he assisted in structuring, negotiating, and documenting a variety of corporate transactions. His experience included mergers and acquisitions, corporate financings, corporate formations, and corporate governance matters for publicly-traded corporations, privately-held companies, and non-profit organizations. Todd received his Bachelor of Science from Miami University and his Juris Doctorate from The Georgetown University Law Center.