ACG 101 July 16 2026 ESOP Panel

Nora brings more than two decades of investment banking experience to advising company owners, founders and other stakeholders on recapitalizations and merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, with a particular focus on ESOP transactions. She has a breadth of experience in leading the due diligence, valuation and execution of transactions involving private and family-owned businesses. With each client, Nora focuses on developing solutions that integrate their employee ownership, legacy and social impact objectives into their business evolution goals.

Nora previously held senior positions with B. Riley Securities, a middle market brokerage firm where she led public and private market M&A efforts for clients. Earlier in her career, she held roles as a Vice President at Cappello Global, LLC, a CFO consultant and an Associate Director at UBS Investment Bank.

Ed is President and CEO of SES ESOP Strategies and Co-Chair of the ESOP Group at Stevens & Lee. He is dedicated to helping companies create long term sustainable employee ownership and bringing best practices to the ESOP community. He helps companies navigate the complexities of ESOPs and advises business owners on selling their companies to employees through an ESOP. Ed holds a JD from Georgetown University and a BA from Catholic University of America.

Nick joined UBS in 2011. Prior to his tenure at UBS, he worked with high net worth individuals at a hedge fund in Greenwich, CT. As a senior team member with The Capital ESOP Group, Nick focuses on educating business owners on tax-efficient exit strategies. He is committed to helping clients recognize their options, understand the pros and cons of each strategy and choose the best succession plan for themselves and their families. Nick also creates tailored cash flow analyses comparing the taxable sale of privately held businesses and a tax-deferred sale to an ESOP under §1042 of the Internal Revenue Code. With a consultative approach, Nick seeks to earn his clients’ trust through open, transparent communication and by working with clients’ tax and legal advisors to construct an overarching strategy

Brent Diehl is Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of S & J Supply Company, Inc., a 100% employee-owned distributor serving the water and wastewater infrastructure industry in Southern California. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning finance, operations, governance, and strategic planning, Brent leads financial strategy, capital allocation, treasury management, and long-term ownership planning. He has served on the company's Board of Directors since 2005 and as Chairman of its ESOP Committee since 2008, helping guide employee ownership strategy, culture, governance, repurchase obligation planning, and long-term value creation. Brent is also the Founder and Principal of Heartland Capital & Advisors LLC, where he advises boards, business owners, and leadership teams on CFO advisory, ESOP strategy and governance. He is a passionate advocate for employee ownership and enjoys speaking on ESOP leadership, financial stewardship, and building sustainable ownership cultures.

Sean Vaughn is an experienced commercial banking executive with over 20 years of experience advising middle-market companies on ESOP strategy, employee ownership, and tax-efficient ownership transition alternatives. Before joining PNC, Sean co-led the national ESOP practice at Wells Fargo Bank, where Sean structured and executed complex ESOP-related transactions for companies across a broad range of industries.

At PNC, Sean focuses on helping companies and shareholders evaluate, structure, and finance ESOP transactions that advance strategic, ownership, and liquidity objectives. Sean advises clients on capital structure design, repurchase obligation financing, and acquisition financing, with a focus on preserving and expanding employee ownership while enhancing long-term shareholder value. Sean holds FINRA Series SIE, 79, and 63 licenses and studied Political Science and Economics at San Francisco State University and the University of California, Berkeley. Sean is an active member of the National Center for Employee Ownership, The ESOP Association, and ESCA.