Our Team

Operators, Investors, and Advisors.

Integrated expertise across insurance brokerage, capital markets, real estate advisory, and M&A — with deep operational experience in every discipline.

Insurance Operations
30+ years combined experience in commercial insurance, client service, and agency leadership
Capital & M&A Expertise
$5B+ in completed transactions, 12+ operating businesses managed
Multidisciplinary Credentials
CPAs, CFAs, J.D., MBA — spanning insurance, finance, legal, and HR leadership
Leadership & Administration

Centered Partners Team

Chip Smith
Chief Executive Officer
J.D., MBA, Licensed RE Agent
Attorney and founding principal with M&A, corporate, and real estate expertise. Led transactions exceeding $500M. Board member of multiple portfolio companies.
csmith@centeredpartners.com
Kay Cameron, CPA
Chief Administrative Officer
B.S., CPA, Licensed RE Professional
30+ years in office administration, real estate, and accounting. Combines operational insight with financial acumen. Expertise in compliance, legal coordination, multi-project management.
kcameron@centeredpartners.com
Dave Estes
Chief People Officer
MBA in Finance
Strategic HR executive leading talent acquisition, workforce planning, and employee engagement. Former Chief People & Admin Officer at ATIS/Greenleaf through major merger.
destes@centeredpartners.com
Art Sordo
Shareholder / Vice President
Business Management (Trulaske)
20+ years in sales leadership and agency development. Leads cross-functional teams driving efficiency through technology, staffing, and workflows. Former Sales Director at Gateway Underwriters.
asordo@centeredpartners.com
Jill Berger
Shareholder / Client Services Manager
14+ Years Insurance Experience
14+ years specializing in admin operations and process improvement for commercial clients. Managed accounting for $20M+ premium book. Known for operational excellence and client satisfaction.
jberger@centeredpartners.com
Elaine Rossy
Shareholder / Client Services
CRM, CIC, CRIS Designations
30+ years insurance experience specializing in construction, property development, and management. Team leader of St. Louis client service. Former Aon, Willis, Rollins Hudig/Hall. Authority in coverage analysis, program design, and claims coordination.
erossy@centeredpartners.com
Kathleen Janick
Marketing Director
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Marketing strategist with experience spanning brand development, digital campaigns, and go-to-market execution. Former Director of Marketing at Ingredient Impact. Leads Centered Partners' marketing, communications, and brand strategy.
kjanick@centeredpartners.com
Client Advisors

Centered Partners Advisors

Joe Stroot
Shareholder / Client Advisor
B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies (Mizzou), MBA Finance (SLU)
Insurance & employee benefits specialist focusing on PE firms and portfolio companies. Leads clients through full transaction lifecycle from due diligence to post-close program management.
jstroot@centeredpartners.com
Brad Grellner
Shareholder / Client Advisor
Business Studies (Ole Miss), 14+ Years Automotive Industry
Results-driven professional with deep expertise in sales, finance, and insurance. Active real estate investor for 12+ years. Brings strategic thinking and operational execution to every client engagement.
bgrellner@centeredpartners.com
Kevin P. McLaughlin, SIOR
Commercial Real Estate Advisor
SIOR Designation, 25+ Years CRE Experience
Commercial real estate broker specializing in industrial, office, and retail properties. Founded two separate brokerage firms and completed more than 1,000 transactions across 19 states.
kmclaughlin@centeredpartners.com
John Moore
Shareholder / Client Advisor
30+ Years at Lockton Companies, VP & Senior Sales Producer
Helped grow Lockton's St. Louis office from 5 associates to 275+ employees while establishing offices in Nashville and Memphis. Known for integrity, collaboration, and a philosophy of sharing knowledge and networks. Leading Centered's business expansion efforts.
jmoore@centeredpartners.com
Tate Matheny
Shareholder / Client Advisor
Missouri State University, Former Professional Baseball Player (Red Sox)
Former professional athlete drafted by the Boston Red Sox (4th round, 2015). Three-time Best Defensive Outfielder in the Red Sox organization. Son of former MLB catcher and manager Mike Matheny. Brings elite competitiveness, discipline, and team-first mentality to client relationships.
tmatheny@centeredpartners.com
Gerri Mazdra
Shareholder / Client Services Manager
B.A. Organizational Studies, Licensed Health & Life Agent
30 years in employee benefits across Marsh McLennan, Gallagher, Lockton, Mercer, and Aon. Expertise in self-funded strategies, financial modeling, renewal negotiations, and M&A due diligence for mid-market and enterprise clients.
gmazdra@centeredpartners.com
Emily Fox
Shareholder / Account Manager
IL P&C Producer License
Commercial P&C account manager specializing in client service, renewal management, and policy administration. Experienced with certificates, endorsements, claims, audits, and captive programs. Previously at Acrisure/SMIS.
efox@centeredpartners.com
Capital Partners & M&A Team

Greenleaf Capital Team

Colin Smith, CPA
Founding Principal
M.S. Finance, B.A. Accounting
CPA and founding principal with deep finance and consulting experience. Former VP of Finance overseeing $1B+ global operations. President of Arco.
colin@greenleafcp.com
Ryan Tkach, CFA, CPA
Managing Director
B.S. Finance & Accounting
Dual-credentialed (CFA, CPA) director focusing on M&A diligence, valuation, and portfolio support. CFO at ATIS, board member at R&R Sanitation.
ryan@greenleafcp.com
Michael Morrison
Director & President, R&R Sanitation
B.A. General Studies
20+ years managing global operations in automotive and waste management. Founded CSI, led European turnaround. Oversees acquisitions and business development.
mmorrison@greenleafcp.com
George Pope
Director, IT & Software
B.A. Business Administration
10+ years managing enterprise IT for 12+ acquisitions. Custom NetSuite solutions, infrastructure oversight, and platform integration across portfolio companies.
george@greenleafcp.com
Nicho Sorrentino, CPA
Manager
M.S. Accountancy
CPA with 6+ years at PwC in audit and consulting. Supports portfolio companies in accounting, M&A, analytics, and strategic planning. Deal origination and diligence.
nicho@greenleafcp.com
Wayne L. Smith, II
Senior Advisor
B.A., University of Missouri
Former Managing Director & GP of Eagle Funds. Former Chairman of Laclede Chain Mfg, CFO of Intrav, President of Windsor Capital. VP at Citibank and Mercantile Bank.
wayne@greenleafcp.com
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