Summit Mutual Funds - Meet The Team

The Summit Investment Partners team is comprised of around 30 employees that focus on several different investment advisery services in the following areas: Commercial Mortgage and Real Estate, Equity, Fixed Income, High Yield and Marketing. In addition to our managing directors and portfolio managers is a staff of investment analysts and support employees who help to complete our team and present a full range of knowledge and assistance for our clients.

William W. Lester, CFA Senior Managing Director of Insurance Investments

Bill joined the Firm in 1983. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1980. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Representative and General Securities Principal of Ameritas Investment Corp., an Investment Advisor Representative of the Summit Investment Advisors, member of the CFA Institute, past director and past President of the CFA Society of Nebraska. Experience: Research Analyst, First Mid American, 1980-1983.

Steven R. Sutermeister Senior Managing Director of Mutual Funds, Separate Accounts and Structured Products

Joined the Firm in 1990. Education: M.B.A., Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, 1977; B.S. in Business Administration, in Finance and Management, Miami University 1976. Experience: Summit Investment Partners, President, 1999-present; Summit Investment Partners, Manager Fixed Income Department, 1990-1999; Summit Mutual Funds, Inc., President, Director and Chief Executive Officer, 1999-present; Union Central Mortgage Funding, Inc., President and Director, 2002-present; Washington Square Capital, Inc., Senior Vice President, 1988-1990; Salomon Brothers, Inc., Vice President, 1977-1987.

Gerald Q. Herbert, CPA Treasurer, Director of Finance and Accounting

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2005. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, Xavier University, 1989; Certified Public Accountant, 1992, licensed by Ohio Board of Accountancy. Experience: Controller, General Factory Supplies Co., 1996-2005; Controller, Bob Sumerel Tire Co., 1996; Tax and Audit Supervisor, Mountjoy & Bressler, 1989-1995.

Thomas G. Knipper, CPA Vice President, Controller and Chief Compliance Officer

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 1998. Education: B.S. in Business Administration summa cum laude, The University of Dayton, 1979; Certified Public Accountant, 1981; licensed by Ohio Board of Accountancy. Experience: Union Central Life Insurance Company, Assistant Controller, 1995-1998; Gateway Investment Advisers & The Gateway Trust, Chief Accounting Officer, 1993-1995; Deloitte & Touche, Senior Audit Manager, 1978-1992.

Babu V. Sonti Director of Information Systems

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 1998. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics, The Ohio State University, 1987; M.A. in Mathematics with concentration in Graph Theory and Combinatorics, University of Maine, 1982. Experience: Union Central Life Insurance Company, 1988-1998; Assistant Professor of Math/CS, College of Wooster, 1985-1987.

Marci S. Gartner, FLMI Senior Investment Operations Analyst

Marci joined the Firm in 2002. Education: B.S in Business Administration emphasis in Accounting, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2001. FLMI, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp., and Investment Advisor Representative of Summit Investment Advisors.

Tony L. Durante Network Specialist

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2000. Education: Attended University of Cincinnati, 1991. Experience: Union Central Life Insurance Company, IS Service Center Specialist 1997-2000; IS Service Center Technician 1993-1997; Life Support Operator 1990-1993.

Stephanie R. Bernauer Accounting and Financial Analyst

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2008. Education: B.S. in Business Administration in Finance, University of Dayton, 2007. Experience: Administrative Assistant, Xenia Power Equipment, 2006-2007.

Angela M. Ledbetter Mutual Fund Administration & Compliance Associate

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2006. Education: Attended the University of Cincinnati. Experience: Western and Southern Financial Group, Account Administrator, 1999 - 2006; U.S. Bank, Trust Associate, 1999; Fifth Third Bank, Mutual Fund Representative, 1997 - 1999.

Mary H. LoChiano Investment Operations Analyst

Mary joined the firm in 2000. Education: BS in Finance; Northwest Missouri State, 1997, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp. Experience: Administrative Assistant, Nebraska Bankers Insurance & Services Co., 1998-2000.

Cheryl A. Lunn Receptionist

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2000. Education: Eastland Career Center, Secretarial Science, 1976. Experience: Miami University, Program Associate, 1996-1999.

Fixed Income & Index

James Mikus, CFA Managing Director of Fixed Income

Jim joined the Firm in 1986. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1985. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp., member of the CFA Institute, and past President of the CFA Society of Nebraska.

Gary R. Rodmaker, CFA Managing Director of Fixed Income and High Yield

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 1998. Portfolio Manager, Corporate Bonds and Index Products; Co-Portfolio Manager, Summit Bond Portfolio; Portfolio Manager, Summit High Yield Bond Fund. Education: B.S. in Finance, Xavier University, 1986; Chartered Financial Analyst, 1992; Fellow of Life Management Institute, 1991. Experience: Union Central Life Insurance Company, Portfolio Manager, 1989-1998; Ohio Casualty Insurance Company, Financial Analyst, 1986-1989.

Michael J. Schultz Managing Director of MBS and ABS

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 1992. Education: M.B.A., The Ohio State University, 1980; B.A. in Economics, The Ohio State University, 1977; Experience: Union Central Life Insurance Company, Portfolio Manager, 1992-1998; ICH Capital Management Group, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, 1988-1992; Ohio School Employees Retirement System, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, 1984-1988.

Christopher D. Farwell Director - Structured Securities

Joined the Firm in 2007. Education: M.B.A., Northern Kentucky University, 2001; B.S., University of Cincinnati, 1999. Experience: National City Bank, Director & Senior Vice President – Structured Products Investment Banking, 2007; Banc of America Securities, LLC, Vice President – Global Structured Products, 2003-2006; Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Portfolio Analyst – Fixed Income, 2001-2003.

Andrew S. White, CFA Managing Director of Private Placements

Joined the Firm in 1999. Education: B.A. in History, Geneva College; MBA Business Administration, University of Maryland. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp, member of the CFA Institute and a member and past director of the Washington Society of Investment Analysts. Experience: Portfolio Manager, Acacia Life Insurance Company, 1977-1999.

D. Scott Keller, CFA Assistant Portfolio Manager - Fixed Income

Joined Summit Investment Partners, Inc. in 2000. Education: B.S. in Finance, University of Cincinnati, 1987; Chartered Financial Analyst, 2001. Experience: Union Central Life Investment Product Manager 1996-2000; Fidelity Brokerage Services 1989-1996.

Tina J. Udell, CFA Assistant Portfolio Manager - Fixed Income

Tina joined the Firm in 1998. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1997. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp., an Investment Advisor Representative of Summit Investment Advisors, member and secretary for the CFA Society of Nebraska, and a member of the CFA Institute.

Robert C. Scott, CFA, CFP® Senior Fixed Income Analyst

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2007. Education: MBA, Thomas More College 2001; BA in Economics, University of Cincinnati 1994, Chartered Financial Analyst, 2004; Certified Financial Planner, 2002. Experience: Cincinnati Financial Corp., Fixed Income Analyst 1999-2007.

Michael R. Gatliff, CFA Fixed Income Analyst

Mike joined the Firm in 2004. Education: B.A. in International Business emphasis in Finance, Nebraska Wesleyan University, 2000. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp., member of the CFA Society of Nebraska, and member of the CFA Institute. Experience: Associate Investment Analyst, Assurity Life Insurance Company, 2001-2004.

Craig D. Sorrell Fixed Income Analyst - Mortgage & Asset-Backed Securities

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2005. Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Business, The Ohio State University, 2005; Level III candidate in the CFA Program.

Patrick A. Day Fixed Income Analyst

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2006. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, in Finance, Xavier University, 1986. Fellow of Life Management Institute, 2001. Experience: Carillon Investments, Senior Securities Principal, 1999-2006; Fidelity Brokerage Services 1998.

Gail C. Cazel Fixed Income Research Analyst

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2006. Education: M.B.A., Xavier University, 2008; B.S. in Business Administration in Finance and minors in Math, Accounting and Business Law, University of Toledo, 2005.

Andrew G. Melchiorre Fixed Income Research Analyst

Joined the Firm in 2008. Education: BSBA in Finance and Real Estate, The Ohio State University, 2008.

Doreen T. Fornash Administrative Officer and Portfolio Assistant

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 1999. Experience: US Bank, Senior Trust Associate 1990-1999; American Institute of Banking, Principals of Banking 1991.

Lafran B. Preble Senior Administrative Assistant

Lafran joined the firm in 1998. Education: B.A. in Business Administration, Chadron State College, 1984.

Equity

James R. McGlynn, CFA Managing Director of Equities

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 1999. Education: B.B.A. in Finance, University of Texas, 1980; Chartered Financial Analyst 1983. Experience: Tom Johnson Investment Management, Portfolio Manager 1991-1999; Securities Management and Research, Portfolio Manager 1987-1991; American National Insurance Company, Assistant Portfolio Manager 1984-1987; University of Texas, Securities Analyst 1980-1983.

John N. Thompson, CFA, CFP Managing Director of Equities and Surplus Investment Strategies

John joined the Firm in 1995. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1989; MBA Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 1991. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Principal of Ameritas Investment Corp., an Investment Advisor Representative of Summit Investment Advisors, member of the CFA Institute, past president of the CFA Society of Nebraska, and member of the Financial Planners Association. Experience: Financial Analyst, Immanuel Medical Center 1991-1995.

Eugenia M. Simpson, CFA Director - Private Clients

Joined the Firm in 2002. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, MBA in Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1980 and 1982, respectively. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp., an Investment Advisor Representative of Summit Investment Advisors, member of the CFA Institute, and past director and past president of the CFA Society of Nebraska. Experience: Officer and Director of Research for Kirkpatrick Pettis; Chief Investment Officer, LongView Capital Management; Officer and Director of Research for Mutual of Omaha Fund Management Company; Portfolio Manager, Mutual of Omaha Fund Management Company; Various Positions, First Mid America.

Yvonne M. Bishop, CFA Assistant Portfolio Manager - Equities

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2000. Education: M.B.A., Xavier University, 1996; B.A. in Mathematics with concentration in Statistics, University of Cincinnati, 1989; Chartered Financial Analyst, 1999. Experience: Pacholder Associates, Inc., Senior Vice President, 1997-2000; Gradison McDonald Investments, Inc., Registered Investment Associate, 1990-1997.

Soniya V. Choksi, CFA Senior Equity Analyst

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2002. Education: B.S. in Business Administration magna cum laude, in Finance, The Ohio State University, 2002. Chartered Financial Analyst, 2006.

Joseph M. Lionberger, CFA Equity Analyst

Joe joined the Firm in 2002. Education: B.S. in Finance, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2000. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp., an Investment Advisor Representative of Summit Investment Advisors, member of the CFA Society of Nebraska, and a member of the CFA Institute.

Ryan D. Johnson, CFA Equity Analyst

Joined the Firm in 2004. Education: B.S. in Business Administration emphasis in Finance, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2004. CFA Charterholder, General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp. and an Investment Advisor Representative of Summit Investment Advisors.

Susanne E. Rinne Senior Administrative Assistant

Susanne joined the Firm in 2006. Education: B.S. in Business Administration emphasis Finance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1998. Experience: Sales Assistant, Smith Hayes Financial Services, 2000-2006; Sales Assistant, Piper Jaffray, 1998-2000.

Commercial Mortgage & Real Estate

Jon B. Weinberg Managing Director of Commercial Mortgages & Real Estate

Joined the Firm in 1977. Education: Bachelors in Business Administration, Southern Methodist University 1977; Member of Urban Land Institute and Mortgage Bankers Association of America; Licensed as Nebraska Broker, 1980; Series 22 through Ameritas Investment Corp.

Mark C. Elsaesser, CFA Director of Mortgage Production

Joined the Firm in 1993. Education: M.B.A. in Finance and Real Estate, University of Cincinnati, 1993; B.S. in Hotel Administration, Cornell University, 1981; Chartered Financial Analyst, 2001. Experience: JLS Properties, 1989-1993; B.F. Saul Company, 1988; Westin Hotels, 1981-1988.

Cristofer S. Brown Commercial Mortgage Asset Manager

Joined the Firm in 2006. Education: B.S. in Business Administration in Finance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1998. Experience: Security Financial Life Insurance Company, Mortgage Loan Officer, 1998-2005.

Erin P. Zigmond Commercial Mortgage Asset Manager

Joined the Firm in 2006. Education: M.Ed. in Education Administration, Wright State University, 1995; B.S. in Business Administration in Economics, Wright State University, 1991. Experience: US Bank, Commercial Lender, 2005-2006; Chase Bank, Commercial Lender, 2000-2005; Siebel Systems, Large Corporate Sales Executive, 1995-2000; Norwest Bank, Commercial Credit Manager, 1991-1994; US Navy Reserve 1987-1990, US Navy Active 1984-1987.

A. Michael Spurlock Senior Commercial Mortgage Analyst

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2005. Education: B.B.A. magna cum laude in Finance and Real Estate, University of Cincinnati, 2005.

Christine A. Evola Commercial Mortgage Analyst

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2006. Education: B.S. magna cum laude, with honors, in Business Administration, Finance and Real Estate/Urban Analysis, minor in Economics, The Ohio State University, 2006.

Amy M. Buntgen Commercial Mortgage Analyst

Joined the Firm in 2007. Education: M.B.A. in Interdisciplinary Business, Bellevue University, 2007; B.A. in Sociology, minor in Psychology and Biology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2000. Experience: Ameritas Worksite Benefits, Case Coordination Specialist, 2002-2007; Security Financial Life, Western Case Coordinator, 2000-2002.

Suzanne J. Languis Senior Mortgage Loan Secretary

Joined the Firm in 1986. Experience: Panama State Bank-Farmers Insurance Agency, 1979-1986.

Teresa A. Klein Director Loan Administration

Joined the Firm in 2006. Education: Attended Florida State University in Math Education. Experience: Fifteen years CMBS servicing management and servicing platform development.

Kimberly A. Waller Loan Administration Manager

Joined the Firm in 2000. Experience: Kemba Cincinnati Credit Union, Senior Loan Officer, 1997-2000; Fifth Third Bank, Servicing Account Representative, 1981-1995.

Shannon M. Koon Loan Administration Analyst

Joined the Firm in 2001. Education: B.S. in Business Administration in Marketing, Xavier University, 2007. Experience: Union Central Life Insurance Company, Group Service Specialist, 1998-2001; Planes Moving and Storage, Accounting & Collections Associate, 1997-1998.

Linda J. Moss Senior Loan Administrator

Joined the Firm in 2007. Education: Associate of Applied Science, Southeast Community College, 1993. Experience: Assurity Life Insurance Company, Mortgage Loan Coordinator, 200-2007; Tier One Bank, Loan Servicing Specialist, 1993-2000.

Tonya R. Scott Loan Administrator II

Joined the Firm in 2004. Experience: Ashore Funding, Residential Mortgage Jr. Underwriter and Loan Closer, 2002-2004; Citizen Star Financial, Office Manager, 2001-2002; Land America, Residential Mortgage Closing Coordinator, 1999-2001; Huntington Bank, Consumer Lending, 1995-1999.

Susan J. Daniels Loan Administrator II

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2007. Education: Currently attending the University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College. Experience: Ownit Mortgage Solutions, Mortgage Auditor, 2005-2006; American General Finance, Account Specialist, 2000-2004.

High Yield

Gary R. Rodmaker, CFA Managing Director of Fixed Income and High Yield

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 1998. Portfolio Manager, Corporate Bonds and Index Products; Co-Portfolio Manager, Summit Bond Portfolio; Portfolio Manager, Summit High Yield Bond Fund. Education: B.S. in Finance, Xavier University, 1986; Chartered Financial Analyst, 1992; Fellow of Life Management Institute, 1991. Experience: Union Central Life Insurance Company, Portfolio Manager, 1989-1998; Ohio Casualty Insurance Company, Financial Analyst, 1986-1989.

Kevin P. Aug, CFA Assistant Portfolio Manager - High Yield

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2003. Education: University of Cincinnati, MBA, 2001; BS in Finance and Accounting, Miami University, 1997; Chartered Financial Analyst, 2007. Experience: Crew Capital, Equity Research Analyst, 2003; Pacholder Associates, High Yield Investment Analyst, 2001-2002; PPM America, Inc., Auditor in Commercial Finance Group, 1997-2000.

Samuel P. Cooper, CFA, CPA Assistant Portfolio Manager - High Yield

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2003. Education: M.B.A., Vanderbilt University, 1998; B.S. in Business Administration in Accounting, The University of Tennessee, 1992. Certified Public Accountant, 1994; Chartered Financial Analyst, 2001. Experience: Morgan Keegan & Co., First Vice President (Fixed Income Research), 2002-2003; Wachovia Securities, Inc., Vice President (Corporate Finance and Fixed Income Research), 1998- 2002; Hospital Corporation of America, Senior Auditor 1994-1996; KPMG LLP., Senior Auditor, 1993-1994.

Marketing

David V. Mazza, CPA National Marketing Director

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2001. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, University Scholar, in Finance and Accounting, Xavier University, 1993; Certified Public Accountant, 1999; Successfully completed Level II of the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam. Experience: Conseco Capital Management, Second Vice President, 1998-2001; Bank One, Risk Advisor, 1995-1998; Ernst & Young LLP, Senior Auditor, 1993-1995.

Todd W. Dahlstrom Regional Director

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2008. Education: B.A. in English Literature, North Park University, 2000. Experience: Regional Vice President, FTJ FundChoice, 2006-2008; Area Sales Representative, American Funds, 2005-2006; Agent/Registered Representative, Ohio National Financial Services, 2003-2005.

Michael A. Haire Regional Director

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2008. Education: B.S. in Education, Ithaca College, 1997. Experience: Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC), Recruiting and Transition Manager, 2002-2006, Business Development Manager (RIA), 2006-2007.

Barbara J. Piatt Regional Director

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2000. Education: B.A. in Gerontological Studies with concentration in Marketing, College of Mt. St. Joseph, 1996. Experience: Union Central Life Insurance Company, Individual Annuity Representative II, 1997-2000; Accredited Pension Representative, 1997, Pension Specialist, 1995-1997.

Matthew J. Boyko Internal Wholesaler

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2008. Education: BS in Business Administration, in Finance. Ohio University, 1995; Licensed Registered Representative since 1996. Experience: H.J. Myers and Co, Investment Broker -1996, Fidelity Investments, Mutual Funds Sales Associate, 1996 -1998, Brokerage Sales Associate, 1998 – 2000, Senior Financial Representative – High Net Worth Division, 2000-2008.

Diane M. Busch Senior Marketing Communications Specialist

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2006. Education: B.B.A. in Marketing, University of Cincinnati. Additional courses in computer graphics and graphic design, UCLA and Santa Monica College. Experience: New Creative Enterprises, Marketing Communications Manager, 1999-2006; Trust Company of the West, Marketing Communications Publisher, 1997-1999; Westmark Realty Advisors, Marketing Production Manager 1994-1997.

Catherine A. Zehr Senior Operations & Performance Reporting Specialist

Joined the Firm in 2000. Education: B.S. in Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1988. General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp. and an Investment Advisor Representative of Summit Investment Advisors. Experience: Sales Assistant, Smith Hayes Financial Services, 1998-2000.

Kevin L. Keene Marketing Reporting Analyst

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2006. Education: B.S. in Business Administration in Finance, The University of Toledo, 1993. Successfully completed Level I of the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam. Experience: Director of Administration, FTJ FundChoice, 2001-2006; Pension Administrator/Financial Planning Associate, S.G. Donahue & Co., 1995-2001; Registered Representative, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, 1993-1995.

Christa V. Ballenger Operations & Performance Reporting Specialist

Joined the Firm in 2003. Education: B.S. in Business Administration emphasis in Finance, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 1999. She is a General Securities Registered Representative of Ameritas Investment Corp. and an Investment Advisor Representative of Summit Investment Advisors. Experience: Registered Sales Assistant, Smith Hayes Financial Services, 1999-2003.

Jamie L. Ritter Marketing Communications Assistant

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2008. Education: B.S. in Integrated Strategic Communication with emphasis in Public Relations and Sociology, University of Kentucky. Experience: Prison Health Services, Marketing Assistant, 2006-2008; EOP Architects, Marketing Assistant, 2005-2006.

Karen Lopour Operations and Performance Reporting Assistant

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2008. Experience: Ameritas Investment Corporation, Records Specialist I, 2005-2008; Ameritas Life Insurance, Payroll Rep II, 2002-2005; Basso, McClure & Goeglein, LLP, Receptionist/Secretary, 2000-2002.

Sara Rood Operations and Performance Reporting Assistant

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2008. Education: B.S. in Sports Administration with emphasis in Marketing, University of Nebraska-Kearney, 2005. Experience: Allstate Financial Services, New Accounts Specialist, 2006-2008.

Elizabeth A. O'Shea Marketing Assistant

Joined Summit Investment Partners in 2006. Education: B.A. in Business Communication and attended graduate program in Psychology, University of Central Florida; Florida Real Estate License, 2003; Ohio Real Estate License, 2001. Experience: Re/Max Realty, Realtor, 2001-2006; General Electric Aircraft Engines, Project Consultant, 2000; MedPlus, Marketing and Tradeshow Coordinator, 1998-1999, Time Warner Cable FSN, Video-On-Demand Coordinator, 1993-1996.