Meet The Team
Our Team
Behind every successful exit is a team of dedicated professionals. Meet the SEA team who will work tirelessly to ensure your success.

Deal Team Members

Curt Cyliax
Managing Director
cacyliax@se-adv.com

Curt Cyliax
Curt has over 40 years of experience working with entrepreneurial companies. His career began in public accounting, earning the designation of Certified Public Accountant. Prior to starting Strategic Exit Advisors, he spent almost 20 years in publicly and privately held entrepreneurial companies. His career spans a breadth of industries including manufacturing, research and development, joint ventures, new product commercialization and B to B services.
Throughout his career, he has devoted time and resources to charitable work. He helped to start a horseback riding program for handicapped children in Bucks County as well as start The Philadelphia Art Show, which raised funds for cancer patients at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. He has also spent decades coaching both youth and high school sports. His charitable philosophy led to the development of Strategic Exit Advisors ‘Pay It Forward’ program for philanthropic business-owner entrepreneurs.
Curt is a graduate of Drexel University. His leisure time is spent with family on the Chesapeake Bay, skiing or as a spectator of oval track racing. He lives with his family and dogs in Doylestown, PA.
Throughout his career, he has devoted time and resources to charitable work. He helped to start a horseback riding program for handicapped children in Bucks County as well as start The Philadelphia Art Show, which raised funds for cancer patients at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. He has also spent decades coaching both youth and high school sports. His charitable philosophy led to the development of Strategic Exit Advisors ‘Pay It Forward’ program for philanthropic business-owner entrepreneurs.
Curt is a graduate of Drexel University. His leisure time is spent with family on the Chesapeake Bay, skiing or as a spectator of oval track racing. He lives with his family and dogs in Doylestown, PA.

Michael J. O’Donnell
Managing Director
modonnell@se-adv.com

Michael J. O’Donnell
Mike began his professional career in investment banking and has subsequently enjoyed over two decades serving as a corporate finance, treasury, risk management, and investor relations professional. Mike has operated in publicly traded, private equity owned, and nonprofit organizations in a wide range of industries, including automotive, chemical, mining/materials, telecom, hospitality, and education. Mike is energized by his return to investment banking.
Through witnessing the work of his own family members, who are business owners and entrepreneurs, Mike has developed deep appreciation for what goes into building and growing middle market companies, along with a strong drive to enable owners to accomplish their exits in the best possible ways.
Mike graduated from Dartmouth College as a member of the football team. He earned his MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler business school, his Masters of Taxation from Villanova University, and holds the Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He resides in Devon, PA with his wife and children. Mike is an active Appalachian Trail hiker, a forever-mediocre golfer, and enjoys traveling to National Parks and sports stadiums with his family and friends.
Through witnessing the work of his own family members, who are business owners and entrepreneurs, Mike has developed deep appreciation for what goes into building and growing middle market companies, along with a strong drive to enable owners to accomplish their exits in the best possible ways.
Mike graduated from Dartmouth College as a member of the football team. He earned his MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler business school, his Masters of Taxation from Villanova University, and holds the Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He resides in Devon, PA with his wife and children. Mike is an active Appalachian Trail hiker, a forever-mediocre golfer, and enjoys traveling to National Parks and sports stadiums with his family and friends.

Tony Parisi
Managing Director
tparisi@se-adv.com

Tony Parisi
Tony has over 25 years of experience in corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions, business development and operations as an investment banker, lender, investor and corporate officer. He has worked within companies and with clients to raise capital, grow revenues, optimize operations and close deals.
Tony has operated in a variety of industries, including technology, software, energy, cable and telecom, water and construction services, as well as manufacturing. He has served as CFO of a high-growth technology company, CFO of a commercial solar project company, treasurer of a $500 million environmental and construction services company. He also has significant project finance experience in energy, telecom and real estate.
Tony enjoys getting to know his clients, learning what makes their companies tick and working hard to achieve his clients’ goals. His combination of banking and operational experience is valuable in understanding client priorities, describing client value propositions, structuring transactions and creating alignment to complete deals.
Tony graduated from Brown University with concentrations in Economics and History. He resides in Berwyn, Pennsylvania with his wife and children. Tony is active in coaching girls ice hockey and is an avid platform tennis guy.
Tony has operated in a variety of industries, including technology, software, energy, cable and telecom, water and construction services, as well as manufacturing. He has served as CFO of a high-growth technology company, CFO of a commercial solar project company, treasurer of a $500 million environmental and construction services company. He also has significant project finance experience in energy, telecom and real estate.
Tony enjoys getting to know his clients, learning what makes their companies tick and working hard to achieve his clients’ goals. His combination of banking and operational experience is valuable in understanding client priorities, describing client value propositions, structuring transactions and creating alignment to complete deals.
Tony graduated from Brown University with concentrations in Economics and History. He resides in Berwyn, Pennsylvania with his wife and children. Tony is active in coaching girls ice hockey and is an avid platform tennis guy.

Rob Waring
Managing Director
rwwaring@se-adv.com

Rob Waring
Rob is an experienced finance professional and former CPA with experience in public accounting and a deep operational orientation from his background in senior financial management roles. While in industry, he served primarily with high-growth businesses in the pharmaceutical, chemicals and consumer products industries, where he was responsible for acquisitions and divestitures as well as corporate finances.
He particularly enjoyed his work in business transactions because there was always something new to discover. He loved the passion that owners of small and mid-sized businesses held for their companies. So, when he left the corporate world, he decided to combine the things he loved to do and help middle-market business owners with mergers and acquisitions.
He specializes in developing strategies for business owners to maximize and realize value from their businesses. His areas of expertise include business value growth, financial modeling, succession and exit strategies, the development of strategic acquisition plans and negotiating agreements for SEA’s sell-side clients. Rob speaks about middle market mergers and acquisitions, business value growth, exit planning, and internal business transitions to management or family members.
Rob is a graduate of Lehigh University and resides in Doylestown, PA with his wife and children. He is active in youth sports and served on the Board of the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation. He also enjoys the outdoors via hiking, camping or a round of golf.
He particularly enjoyed his work in business transactions because there was always something new to discover. He loved the passion that owners of small and mid-sized businesses held for their companies. So, when he left the corporate world, he decided to combine the things he loved to do and help middle-market business owners with mergers and acquisitions.
He specializes in developing strategies for business owners to maximize and realize value from their businesses. His areas of expertise include business value growth, financial modeling, succession and exit strategies, the development of strategic acquisition plans and negotiating agreements for SEA’s sell-side clients. Rob speaks about middle market mergers and acquisitions, business value growth, exit planning, and internal business transitions to management or family members.
Rob is a graduate of Lehigh University and resides in Doylestown, PA with his wife and children. He is active in youth sports and served on the Board of the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation. He also enjoys the outdoors via hiking, camping or a round of golf.

Peter Hissey
Director
phissey@se-adv.com

Peter Hissey
Peter, a former SEA Summer Analyst, has been working in the investment banking industry since 2019. Prior to joining SEA, Peter worked in the Investment Banking Public Finance Group for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he helped price, structure, and execute municipal bond transactions. He worked with clients in the Atlantic Region and Puerto Rico including the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia School District, State of Maryland, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Delaware Valley Regional Finance Authority.
Before he entered the world of investment banking, Peter played seven years in the Boston Red Sox organization after being drafted directly out of high school. After his playing career ended, he attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated with Summa Cum Laude as well as Beta Gamma Sigma Honors with a concentration in Finance.
Peter has been a part of many successful teams and knows how to get a group moving in the right direction and to finish strong. His work ethic and positivity combined with his unique experience help him to connect with clients across industries and drive excellent results.
Peter resides in Erdenheim with his wife and two young children. He is active in his local church and serves as President of the Board of an anti-human trafficking foundation in Ecuador called Casa Dunamis International.
Before he entered the world of investment banking, Peter played seven years in the Boston Red Sox organization after being drafted directly out of high school. After his playing career ended, he attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated with Summa Cum Laude as well as Beta Gamma Sigma Honors with a concentration in Finance.
Peter has been a part of many successful teams and knows how to get a group moving in the right direction and to finish strong. His work ethic and positivity combined with his unique experience help him to connect with clients across industries and drive excellent results.
Peter resides in Erdenheim with his wife and two young children. He is active in his local church and serves as President of the Board of an anti-human trafficking foundation in Ecuador called Casa Dunamis International.

Jamie Lavarnway
Vice President
jlavarnway@se-adv.com

Jamie Lavarnway
Jamie brings a diverse and dynamic background to the SEA team. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bucknell University with a degree in Business Management, she has been a ‘jack of all trades’ in a number of entrepreneurial endeavors. Most recently, she has served as the Director of Athlete Content Development for a national youth athlete scouting program and project manager for Pro Baseball Insider youth coaching programs.
Jamie brings hustle and attention to detail to her work. She graduated from The Art Institute of Philadelphia Culinary Arts program in 2010 and loves working on the fly. She thrives in a fast-paced environment and is a great teammate in high pressure situations. The combination of her business and culinary degrees makes her a tactical, multitasking expert.
After traveling the country for 13 years and working on the road, she is thrilled to reside in her hometown of Englewood, Colorado with her husband Ryan, daughter Blake, and West Highland Terrier Tuck. She is an active runner and loves cooking, traveling and entertaining.
Jamie brings hustle and attention to detail to her work. She graduated from The Art Institute of Philadelphia Culinary Arts program in 2010 and loves working on the fly. She thrives in a fast-paced environment and is a great teammate in high pressure situations. The combination of her business and culinary degrees makes her a tactical, multitasking expert.
After traveling the country for 13 years and working on the road, she is thrilled to reside in her hometown of Englewood, Colorado with her husband Ryan, daughter Blake, and West Highland Terrier Tuck. She is an active runner and loves cooking, traveling and entertaining.

Matthew Brasher
Vice President of Business Development
mbrasher@se-adv.com

Matthew Brasher
Matthew Brasher is Vice President of Business Development at Strategic Exit Advisors, where he focuses on building long-term relationships with founders, CEOs, and advisors in the lower middle market. He supports the firm’s growth by identifying opportunities and guiding business owners as they consider exit strategies.
Before joining SEA, Matthew was a Business Development Associate in J.P. Morgan’s Corporate & Investment Bank. In this role, he developed proposals, led market research, managed a portfolio of public sector clients and supported institutional clients with financing strategies. Earlier in his career at Vanguard, he guided clients through investment solutions and retirement planning with a personalized, service-driven approach.
Matthew earned his B.A. in Accounting from Albright College, where he played on the varsity lacrosse team. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, tennis, and spending time with his family.
Before joining SEA, Matthew was a Business Development Associate in J.P. Morgan’s Corporate & Investment Bank. In this role, he developed proposals, led market research, managed a portfolio of public sector clients and supported institutional clients with financing strategies. Earlier in his career at Vanguard, he guided clients through investment solutions and retirement planning with a personalized, service-driven approach.
Matthew earned his B.A. in Accounting from Albright College, where he played on the varsity lacrosse team. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, tennis, and spending time with his family.

Julian Ciurlino
Analyst
jciurlino@se-adv.com

Julian Ciurlino
Julian is an Investment Banking Analyst at Strategic Exit Advisors and a rising fourth-year student at Drexel University, majoring in Finance with a minor in Real Estate Management and Development. At Drexel, he is actively involved in student organizations, having refounded a fraternity on campus and serving as both Treasurer and Secretary. He is also an Equity Research Analyst for Drexel’s Dragon Fund, where he helps manage $5.5 million of the university’s endowment.
Julian began his career with the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, supporting the Finance and Accounting team while also coaching and mentoring youth on and off the golf course. He later completed his first co-op at Hamilton Lane, where he gained valuable insights into private markets.
Outside of work, Julian enjoys golf, supporting Philadelphia sports teams, and staying active through running and the gym.
Julian began his career with the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, supporting the Finance and Accounting team while also coaching and mentoring youth on and off the golf course. He later completed his first co-op at Hamilton Lane, where he gained valuable insights into private markets.
Outside of work, Julian enjoys golf, supporting Philadelphia sports teams, and staying active through running and the gym.
Executive in Residence
The SEA Executive in Residence (EIR) program was established to extend the firm’s capabilities and subject-matter expertise in certain industries. The professionals in SEA’s EIR program provide real-time industry intelligence that serve as a resource for SEA clients.

Bob Cahill

Bob Cahill
Bob is a seasoned executive with a vast array of operational and strategic experience in entrepreneurial businesses. Since joining SEA, Bob has been focused on helping entrepreneurs in a variety of industries to maximize their exit value. His formative career was spent in public accounting, real estate and banking. Those roles included tax and audit experience in multiple industries, assisting with private and public real estate syndications and commercial lending, all in large company environments. He made the move into lower middle-market businesses with the acquisition of a manufacturing and distribution business where he served as President and CEO and oversaw all aspects of the business.
Bob has worked with owners in several entrepreneur-owned businesses as a C-level Finance and Operations Executive with a focus on maximizing business value. These businesses were in the hospitality, industrial distribution, staffing and industrial manufacturing and distribution industries. In these roles, he provided financial and operating strategies to improve the bottom line with experience in sell-side and buy-side transactions. It’s his curiosity and tenacity of inquiry that get Bob to fully understand a clients’ story and it is through the numbers, culture and operating structure that the value of a company is ultimately revealed.
Bob is a CPA (inactive) and a graduate of St. Joseph’s University (BS Accounting) and Drexel University (MBA Finance). In his efforts to give back, Bob has served on non-profit boards. He enjoys outdoor activities of golf and a nice swim in the ocean.
Bob has worked with owners in several entrepreneur-owned businesses as a C-level Finance and Operations Executive with a focus on maximizing business value. These businesses were in the hospitality, industrial distribution, staffing and industrial manufacturing and distribution industries. In these roles, he provided financial and operating strategies to improve the bottom line with experience in sell-side and buy-side transactions. It’s his curiosity and tenacity of inquiry that get Bob to fully understand a clients’ story and it is through the numbers, culture and operating structure that the value of a company is ultimately revealed.
Bob is a CPA (inactive) and a graduate of St. Joseph’s University (BS Accounting) and Drexel University (MBA Finance). In his efforts to give back, Bob has served on non-profit boards. He enjoys outdoor activities of golf and a nice swim in the ocean.

Ted Hissey

Ted Hissey
Ted Hissey is a senior marketing and general manager with experience across multiple consumer businesses. He started his career at Pepsi-Cola where he spent 14 years leading such businesses as the Mountain Dew brand and the Pepsi-Ocean Spray alliance. He then moved on the spirits business, first at Diageo and then at Brown-Forman, where he had responsibility for multiple brands, including Smirnoff, Cuervo, and Southern Comfort. At Brown-Forman he led such functions as Digital Marketing, Consumer Research, Design, Media, and also developed a corporate marketing training program. Since leaving Brown-Forman in 2015, Ted has been the Chief Marketing Officer for a start-up sports drink brand and also of Turning Point Brands. He now consults in the craft beverage space. He has a consistent record of driving both top and bottom-line growth across a wide variety of brands.
Ted grew up in the Philadelphia area and received his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University. He has an MBA from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg School.
Ted grew up in the Philadelphia area and received his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University. He has an MBA from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg School.

Christina Takoudes Morrison

Christina Takoudes Morrison
Christina Takoudes Morrison is a senior finance executive with a long track record of success with Fortune 500 companies in business transformation, financial leadership, mergers and acquisition, IT implementation and global intelligence. She held senior roles at Aramark, Merck, and Wyeth following her investment banking with Deutsche Bank (formerly Alex Brown & Sons) where she focused on health care, technology, media, financial and consumer sectors executing M&A and capital raising transactions.
Ms. Morrison is a Board Member and Audit Committee Chair of InVivo Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NVIV), a Board Member of Angel Flight East, and a Member of the Board of Overseers of The Amos Tuck School.
Ms. Morrison received her undergraduate degree from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and her MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
Ms. Morrison is a Board Member and Audit Committee Chair of InVivo Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NVIV), a Board Member of Angel Flight East, and a Member of the Board of Overseers of The Amos Tuck School.
Ms. Morrison received her undergraduate degree from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and her MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Don Millstein

Don Millstein
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Don Millstein is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in building businesses, as well as raising capital and managing M&A transactions. For over 20 years, Don was President of E-Mon Corporation, the leader in electric submetering. He expanded E-Mon sales, marketing, and engineering efforts, streamlined its manufacturing processes, and led the sales process of E-Mon to Hunt Oil. After leaving E-Mon for 2 years, Don teamed up with private equity firm Branford Capital to buy back E-Mon. A few years later, Don orchestrated the sale of E-Mon to Honeywell, resulting in the Middle Market Deal of the Year for Private Equity. Don then ran the electrical division of Honeywell for several years.
Don was also President of Encelium Technology, a lighting controls company, where he was part of the senior management team that raised additional venture capital funding prior to its sale to Siemens. As President of H2O Degree, a water and energy conservation company, Don expanded its geographic reach and arranged investment from Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
Don received his MBA from Rider University and started his career at KPMG as a CPA. He is currently a member of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Investment Advisory Council and a Director of the Utility Management Conservation Association. Previously he was a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), and the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Task Force. Don has been a member of the Department of Energy (DOE) Committee on Energy Efficiency, Commerce and Trade, and a U.S. Delegate to the hemispheric energy symposium.
Don was also President of Encelium Technology, a lighting controls company, where he was part of the senior management team that raised additional venture capital funding prior to its sale to Siemens. As President of H2O Degree, a water and energy conservation company, Don expanded its geographic reach and arranged investment from Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
Don received his MBA from Rider University and started his career at KPMG as a CPA. He is currently a member of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Investment Advisory Council and a Director of the Utility Management Conservation Association. Previously he was a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), and the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Task Force. Don has been a member of the Department of Energy (DOE) Committee on Energy Efficiency, Commerce and Trade, and a U.S. Delegate to the hemispheric energy symposium.

