Congratulations to Ted Barlow on 10 years at BVA! Through both his leadership and hands-on execution, he has played a key role in a wide range of complex matters, including breach of contract disputes, intellectual property litigation, and securities cases. Ted approaches each engagement with a steady composure, thoughtful analysis, and a deep commitment to delivering excellent results for our clients. We are grateful for Ted’s many contributions over the past ten years and are proud to have him as a part of the BVA family!
This month, we celebrate Ladonda Shaffer’s 10th anniversary at BVA. Over the past decade, Ladonda has been a trusted partner to firm leadership and a steady, reliable presence behind the scenes, helping ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the teams she supports. Ladonda brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to her work and her dedication to quality, service, and continuous improvement has helped strengthen the firm and support its continued growth. Thank you, Ladonda, for your dedication and hard work over the past ten years!
BVA Group Partner Laurie-Leigh White recently participated in The ESOP Association’s Valuation Advisory Committee annual meeting where industry professionals gathered to discuss key valuation topics impacting ESOPs. BVA Partner Afshin Sayani joined fellow valuation leaders as well to exchange perspectives on current developments, technical considerations, and best practices shaping ESOP valuations. Active involvement in industry organizations like The ESOP Association helps BVA stay closely connected to evolving valuation standards and emerging issues affecting ESOP companies, trustees, and advisors.
A transaction supported by BVA has been named a finalist for “Deal of the Year” ($250M–$999M) in D CEO’s 2026 M&A Awards, recognizing the landmark ESOP transition for Pogue Construction. The recognition highlights the continued momentum of employee ownership transactions and the collaboration among advisors supporting complex deals. BVA Deal Team: Laurie-Leigh White, Shelby Stewart, Afshin Sayani. Read more about the transaction and the recognition: https://www.bvagroup.com/news/2026/03/09/bva-advises-on-esop-transaction-recognized-in-d-ceo’s-2026-m-a-awards
BVA’s Gabriel Hicks recently attended the inaugural NABE Econ + Law Summit where leading economists and regulators examined emerging issues at the intersection of economics and the law. Discussions highlighted how artificial intelligence and digital assets are reshaping complex financial disputes, influencing expert analysis, securities litigation, cryptocurrency enforcement, and the future of antitrust oversight. Read more on our website.
Chris Salamah has been promoted to Senior Analyst at BVA Group. He consistently performs beyond his level, bringing discipline, curiosity, and judgment to his work. His focus on improving analyses, models, and review processes, combined with strong communication with both colleagues and clients, has made him a dependable and high-value member of project teams. Congratulations to Chris!
Jackson Blissett joined BVA in the Plano office as a Financial Analyst on January 19th. He is a recent MS Finance graduate from Texas A&M. Welcome to the BVA team!
Gabriel Hicks has been promoted to Vice President at BVA Group, reflecting his growing technical and programming expertise and impact across antitrust and securities litigation matters. He is a key contributor on complex engagements and an active mentor to junior analysts, providing hands-on training in market efficiency, mortgage-backed securities analysis, and securities litigation workflows. A well-earned milestone for Gabriel!
We are excited to announce Sam Makin has been promoted to Senior Vice President at BVA Group. Sam plays a key role in the continued growth of the firm’s ESOP practice and is a trusted advisor to trustees across engagements, reflecting the confidence placed in his judgment and expertise. His contributions extend beyond client work, including meaningful leadership in strengthening BVA Group’s training program and advancing core valuation models. Sam’s promotion reflects our commitment to developing leaders in an environment where professionals can continuously grow, supported by teams that invest in long-term careers. Congratulations, Sam!
Announcing the promotions of Jack Chen and Emily Chiu to Managing Directors at BVA Group. Jack provides intellectual leadership through his work expanding the firm’s securities and economics practice, applying deep expertise across financial markets, technical analysis, and complex valuation to support clients and advance the firm’s capabilities. Emily delivers operational leadership across the firm, serving as a trusted advisor to leadership and playing a central role in staffing, training, and execution, while also contributing meaningfully to client work and earning the confidence of highly discerning clients. Together, these promotions reflect BVA Group’s continued growth, depth of leadership, and investment in the people who help shape the firm’s future. Well-deserved recognition for both Jack and Emily!
