Texas Capital Makes Four Senior Additions to Its Corporate and Investment Division

Texas Capital

Bob Chen, Head of Capital Markets

Texas Capital has brought in Ben Chen as its new head of capital markets. With more than three decades of experience in leveraged finance teams across industries such as energy, consumer retail, telecom, and more, Chen comes to Texas Capital after a four-year stint as a senior managing director with Guggenheim Partners in New York.

Education: University of California at Los Angeles (BA)

Ryan Bernath, Head of Investment Banking Industry Coverage

Ryan Bernath has also teamed up with Texas Capital as its head of investment banking industry coverage. Bernath has spent the past 15 years with B. Riley Securities as a senior managing director, investment banking. He specializes in mergers and acquisition and corporate finance transactions with large, mid, and small-cap public companies. He also has served with Barclays and Lehman Brothers. 

Education: University of California at Los Angeles (MBA), University of Southern California (BS)

Jon Merriman, Head of Equities

Assuming the title of head of equities with Texas Capital is Jon Merriman. Prior to his new position, he served as the chief business officer with the organization, focusing on originating and executing transactions in equity capital markets and equities trading. Merriman also founded and sold Merriman Holdings, an investment banking platform.

Education: Dartmouth College (BA)

Matt Johnson, Head of Equity Sales, Trading and Research

Matt Johnson will serve as the head of equity sales, trading and research with Texas Capital. Johnson has experience building and restructuring top-tier equity businesses, and has served with institutions such as Guggenheim Partners, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, and most recently with Performance Edge Partners as a partner. 

Education: Penn State University (BA)

Hotel Crescent Court

Brett Krafft, General Manager

One of Dallas’ landmark hotels in Hotel Crescent Court has named its new general manager in the form of Brett Krafft. With over four decades of hospitality experience in the industry, Krafft most recently served as area general manager with The Statler and Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre where he was tasked with managing a combined $46 million in annual revenue. 

Education: N/A

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center

Carol McBride, Chief People Officer

Carol McBride will serve as the chief people officer with Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. In this role, McBride will be responsible for leading all aspects of the nonprofit’s human resource strategy, talent development, employee engagement, and organizational culture. Prior to joining DCAC, she served as the founder and managing partner of The Carol McBride Group, advising organizations across the country on human resource department transformation and employee experience. 

Education: University of Phoenix (BS)

Jennifer LeBlanc, Chief Advancement Officer

DCAC has also brought in Jennifer LeBlanc as its chief advancement officer to add to its c-suite. As chief advancement officer, LeBlanc will look to oversee fundraising, marketing, and communications to grow DCAC’s impact, visibility, and support from donors and partners. LeBlanc previously was in charge of leading major fundraising campaigns that total more than $85 million at the Church of the Incarnation, including a $31 million capital campaign. 

Education: Stephen F. Austin University (BA)

Pure Wellness

Zach Webster, Chief Operating Officer

Zach Webster has promoted Zach Webster as its newest chief operating officer. Webster has spent the past decade with the company, most notably serving as head of operations, leading a national team of technicians, and overseeing supply chain management and purchasing. Moving forward, he will look to expand his focus to sales, strategic outreach, and scalable growth. 

Education: N/A

Haynes Boone

Leanne Stendell, Counsel

Haynes Boone has added to its trademark and advertising practice with Leanne Stendell. Stendell served with the practice for seven years until 2013 and has more than a decade of experience working as in-house trademark counsel for Yum! Brands and TGI Friday’s. She has also worked with brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell within the Yum! portfolio. The move marks the 15^th attorney to return to Haynes Boone since the beginning of 2024. 

Education: Southern Methodist University (JD), The University of Texas at Dallas (MBA, BS)