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Meet the Advisors

Our Team Is Ready

Our team of entrepreneurs, C-Suite executives, and deal professionals understand the growing pains and deal complexities within smaller and middle markets and provide organizations with guidance through transactions and transitions.

We bring deep subject matter expertise across a number of emerging verticals including Edtech, Cleantech, and SaaS.

Rick Beyer

Rick Beyer

Co-Founder
Executive Chairman

Chairman and co-founder of Newport, Rick is a former college president, successful tech CEO, and corporate officer of a $1 billion public company, combines higher education and business expertise. He has a successful track record of leading industry initiatives and driving organizational change and growth.

Chris Beyer

Chris Beyer

Co-Founder
Managing Partner

As co-founder and Managing Partner, Chris brings extensive experience of transaction and corporate development for venture and private equity-backed companies. As a CPA with a background in M&A as well as a CFO, he blends technical and strategic competencies that deliver a unique strategic perspective to clients.

Adam Phillips

Adam Phillips

Managing Director

Adam brings over two decades of experience in investment banking, portfolio management, and industry research. A key member of the capital strategy team, Adam’s expertise spans multi-asset investing, portfolio management, emerging markets, energy transition, and deep tech. He has held senior roles at notable non-profit organizations and financial institutions as Head of Sustainable Investments and ESG Research, respectively.

Ken Knueven

Ken Knueven

Senior Fellow

With over 25 years of experience spanning Fortune 500 companies and higher education, Ken is a leader known for driving transformative change and innovation. He's committed to advancing initiatives that engage with social entrepreneurs and stakeholders in Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Dr. Neil Kerwin

Neil Kerwin

Senior Fellow

As a nationally recognized specialist in public policy and former college president, Dr. Kerwin actively engages in research and teaching on administrative processes, policy implementation, and American government. His impressive career also includes leadership roles in multiple large higher education institutions and organizations.

Ryan Alberg

Ryan Alberg

Senior Principal
M&A

Ryan offers extensive buy-side investment expertise with a focus on high-volume M&A and UHNW asset management. He has a track record of successful transactions, having been an integral part of corporate development teams at large global corporations.

Joe Tropiano

Joe Tropiano

Principal
Corporate Development

Joe has more than twenty years of senior financial and executive expertise. He brings successful experience working with family offices and PE firms, includes managing investment opportunities, transaction advisory, and overseeing portfolio company growth. In addition, Joe has held positions as a Director of Finance for a publicly traded company and as a Principal at a CPA/Audit firm.

Eve Canty

Eve Canty

Senior Advisor
Corporate Development

With over a decade of experience, Eve is a versatile operator and strategic advisor skilled in disciplined, data-driven change management. She has successfully contributed to large and small organizations across various industries, providing clarity and execution in addressing complex challenges.

Alex Barnett

Alex Barnett

Senior Advisor
Corporate Development

Alex possesses a strong background in corporate development, product management, and strategic planning, with a focus on complex data analysis and market research for clients. Having senior roles in the Corporate Development space, Alex is instrumental in identifying strategic growth opportunities, evaluating partnerships, and conducting financial modeling, while also leveraging expertise in market and business intelligence projects.

Smith Collett

Smith Collett

Advisor
Capital Strategy

Smith is a seasoned professional with a strong marketing and strategy background, coupled with M&A consulting experience. His expertise spans strategic planning, market research, M&A strategy, value creation, and post-merger integration.

Jamel Manoun

Jamel Manoun

Advisor
M&A

Jamel has a diverse background encompassing audit, private equity, investment management, and reporting. He initiated his career in audit and focusing on process improvement and financial statement opinions. His expertise spans accounting, acquisitions, financial modeling, FP&A, and investor reporting.

Our Partnerships and Portfolio

Newport both partners and invests in companies within our industries of expertise. Our list of partners and portfolio companies include: