Bio

As Chairman of Citizens M&A Advisory, Ralph brings over 40 years of experience in investment and commercial banking to his engagements. In 2004, Ralph founded Western Reserve Partners, a boutique middle-market investment bank specializing in M&A, capital raising and other financial advisory services for middle-market companies across a focused set of industry verticals. Prior to founding Western Reserve Partners, Ralph managed the investment banking division of McDonald Investments Inc. In addition, he chaired the firm’s investment committee. After the sale of McDonald to Key Corp, he became manager of the combined investment banking groups and was also named a member of KeyCorp’s executive committee, as well as the equity underwriting, debt underwriting and M&A commitment committees. Prior to joining McDonald Investments, Ralph was employed at American Fletcher Corporation (now JPMorgan Chase) for 10 years, most recently serving as division manager in the corporate group. His previous experiences at Bank One include: manager, international banking division; board member and executive director of American Fletcher Bank Suisse, S.A.; general manager of the European branch, Luxembourg; and area manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Ralph has a BA from Duke University, an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management and a graduate degree in banking from the Stonier Graduate School at Rutgers University. He also serves on the board of directors of numerous private and public companies.