M&A Source | The Bridge | Winter 2025

4 | T h e B r i d g e W i n t e r 2 0 2 5

Chair’s Letter

As I pass the baton as M&A Source Chair,

I want to take a moment to reflect on

what a privilege it has been to serve this

extraordinary community of professionals

and to offer a heartfelt thank you to all the

members, volunteers, and staff of this great

organization. Over the past year, I have been

inspired by your dedication, collaboration, and

the shared commitment to excellence that

defines our organization.

What a Year!

When I first stepped into this role, I spoke about

fanning the flames of momentum built by those

who came before me. Thanks to all of you, those

flames have grown into a vibrant fire, illuminating

the path forward for M&A Source. Together, we

have achieved so much in 2024—from enhancing

member benefits and launching new educational

initiatives to hosting successful conferences that

connect and empower us as professionals.

While this is a moment of transition for me, it is

not an end but a continuation. The foundation we

have laid together fills me with optimism for what

lies ahead. As we welcome Kathlene Thiel as the

Chair of M&A Source for 2025, I am confident that

her leadership will bring fresh perspectives and

continued success to our organization. Kathlene’s

dedication and vision will ensure that M&A Source

continues to thrive and expand its impact in the

years to come.

As we look to the future, I encourage all of you

to remain engaged and take full advantage of

the incredible resources and relationships this

organization provides. Attend the conferences,

participate in the courses, and lean into the

network of peers who share your vision for

success in the lower middle market. The strength

of our community lies not only in what we achieve

individually but in the collective power of our

shared knowledge and experience.

Thank you for the trust you placed in me as your

Chair and for the unwavering support that has

made this past year so rewarding. It has been

an honor to serve, and I am deeply grateful for

the friendships, insights, and opportunities I have

gained along the way.

Let’s continue building on the successes we’ve

achieved and move forward with purpose and

pride. I am excited to remain part of this remarkable

community and look forward to seeing the great

things M&A Source will accomplish in the future

under Kathlene’s leadership. Onward and upward!

With deep appreciation,

Lamar Stanley

M&A Source 2024 Chair of the Board

Lamar Stanley

M&A Source 2024 Chair of the Board

As we welcome

Kathlene Thiel as

the Chair of M&A

Source for 2025, I am

confident that her

leadership will bring

fresh perspectives and

continued success to

our organization.

Kathlene’s dedication

and vision will ensure

that M&A Source

continues to thrive

and expand its impact

in the years to come.