Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC has promoted six existing professionals to become partners and owners of the firm. The designation recognizes each of the individual's significant contributions and reflects their purchase of equity ownership. The new partners span a range of roles at the firm including investments, client service, trading and operations. As a result of these promotions, ten of the firm's twelve employees have an ownership stake in the firm.
The new partners are:
- Derek S. Johnston, CFA – Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager SMid Cap / Research Analyst
- Lawrence F. Carlin, CFA – Partner and Equity Research Analyst
- David R. Neiderer, CFA – Partner and Equity Research Analyst
- John E. Schipper – Partner and Head Trader
- Michelle L. Czerpak – Partner and Operations Manager / Client Service Coordinator
- Alida Bakker-Castorano – Partner and Operations Manager / Performance Analyst
Bob Mitchell, Co-Founder and Managing Partner/Portfolio Manager, stated, "We very much appreciate these individuals' contributions over the years, and we are proud to have them join us as our partners." He added, "We believe that the partner's equity ownership continues to them with our clients' investment goals and enables them to more directly participate in the continued growth of Conestoga."
Derek Johnston, Co-Portfolio Manager of Conestoga's SMid Cap Growth strategy added, "Conestoga'sculture of teamwork and passion for investing creates an exciting work environment for everyone at the firm. I am excited to become a partner of the firm and I am looking forward to the years ahead."
Conestoga has experienced steady growth over the past decade, and the firm's assets under management now surpass $4 billion. The firm's flagship mutual fund, the Conestoga Small Cap Fund, announced a soft close in 2018 and is now only available to advisors and clients with existing investments in the Small Cap Fund.
Conestoga's new business development efforts are now focused on its SMid Cap Growth strategy, a combination of small- and mid-capitalization growth stocks, that is offered via a mutual fund or separate account. The SMid Cap Growth strategy is supported by the same five-person investment team using a similar approach across a wider range of market capitalization. As of August 31, 2018, Conestoga manages $165 million in SMid cap growth assets including over $79 million for the Conestoga SMid Cap Fund which will reach its five-year anniversary in January 2019. "Conestogaemploys a disciplined approach to the growth of the firm, and we believe our SMid Cap Growth strategy will be an important part of the firm's long-term success," said Mark Clewett, Managing Partner and President of Conestoga.
About Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC
Headquartered in Wayne, PA, Conestoga Capital Advisors, an independent investment advisory firm, manages over $4 billion in Small and SMid Cap growth company portfolios for both institutional and individual investors as of August 31, 2018. Since its founding in 2001, Conestoga has offered investment management services focused on high quality, conservative growth companies. The firm strives for capital appreciation through their consistently applied investment discipline, fundamental research and a patient, long-term approach.
