Star Mountain Capital announced that James Camarda has joined as a Managing Director in Star Mountain’s Tampa, Florida office.

Camarda brings two decades of expertise in the alternative investment sector, having collaborated with some of the world’s leading alternative investment firms. Camarda has advised financial advisors, family offices, foundations, endowments, and individuals on leveraging alternative investments to optimize their investment objectives, including portfolio construction.

“James has had an impressive 20 year career in alternative investments at Merrill Lynch, one of the world’s largest investment management firms,” said Brett Hickey, Star Mountain Capital Founder & CEO. “James will play a pivotal and multifaceted role, including forming and managing strategic partnerships with wealth management platforms and other investors.”

“Having gotten to know Star Mountain’s leadership team and impressive client base, I was intrigued by how large and fragmented the lower middle-market is, making up nearly 50% of the U.S. economy. With M&A activity expected to increase among small and medium-sized businesses due to aging demographics, I see a unique opportunity for investors," said Camarda. "Star Mountain's distinctive origination, underwriting and portfolio value-add platform positions us well to capitalize on these opportunities, providing exposure to a market segment many portfolios lack.”

During his extensive career at Merrill Lynch, now part of Bank of America, Camarda established himself as a thought leader in the alternative investment space. As a Director and Divisional Alternative Investments Specialist, he led a team of four specialists, managed a seven-state territory and engaged with over a thousand financial advisors. His tenure included working with a comprehensive platform featuring over 75 evergreen funds and approximately 30 new private market drawdown funds annually.

Camarda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from SUNY Buffalo State College and is Series 66 and Series 7 licensed. Outside of his professional endeavors, Camarda is dedicated to philanthropy, through his support of the Boys and Girls Club, the Latin American Association and the Foster Care Support Foundation.