Directors/Investors

Aspire’s board of directors play a vital role in helping to build the company.  The board, comprised of senior publishing executives, top consultants, and experienced investors, governs the company and participates in strategic planning and corporate development.  The following executives and investors serve on our board and are active in providing governance, oversight, strategic consultation, and networking:

Clay Hall - More than 30 years owning, operating, and advising magazine publishing companies spanning 100 different magazine titles in 20 different sectors.
chall@aspire-media.com

 

Walter Florence - Frontenac Company Managing Director and current board member of SI International Inc. and ypOne Publishing LLC.
wflorence@frontenac.com

 

Ryan McNally - Partner at Catalyst Investors and currently on the board of directors of Start Technology Group.
ryan@catalystinvestors.com

 

Peter Derow -  Former president and chairman of Newsweek, president of CBS Publishing Group and CEO of Institutional Investor.
derow@mindspring.com

 

Don Nicholas - Founder and Managing Director of Mequoda Group, direct marketing consultant, architect and founder of Lighthouse Magazine Publishing Model, founder CEO of Blue Dolphin.
don@mequoda.com

Frontenac Company, a well-established private equity firm based in Chicago has more than $1 billion under management and has successfully invested in more than 135 companies since its inception in 1971, including several media and communications companies. Catalyst Investors L.P., is a New York-based private equity fund focused on traditional and emerging segments of the media and communications industries. Catalyst, along with its investment banking partner Daniels & Associates L.P. has extensive experience in all sectors of media and communications, as well as relationships with many leading media companies and entrepreneurs. Clay Hall, CEO and other executives at the company area also investors in Aspire.