Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, today announced the appointment of three new internal Directors to the firm's Board of Directors (the "Board"). Comprising a diverse group of business and industry executives, the Mesirow Board shapes all facets of Mesirow's corporate policy and strategy.

Joining the Mesirow Board effective immediately are:

Ben Blakney, President, Mesirow Institutional Real Estate Direct Investments. Ben joined Mesirow in 2014 and has more than 30 years of investment industry experience as a senior executive in both the public and private sectors. He is an active member of the Pension Real Estate Association, the National Association of Securities Professionals, and the Real Estate Executive Council and plays a key role in driving Mesirow's workplace inclusion.

Thomas F. Hynes, Senior Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution. Tom has been with Mesirow since 1997 and brings broad, deep perspectives on global institutional investing across traditional and alternative asset classes. He is a board member of LINK Unlimited Scholars and serves on the Finance Committee for CURE (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy).

Garry W. Cohen, Senior Managing Director, Mesirow Sale-Leaseback Capital. Garry joined Mesirow in 1984 and today serves as an integral part of the day-to-day operations and strategy of the Sale-Leaseback Capital group. He is also a member of Mesirow's Capital Markets Board of Directors, acts as the Supervising Broker on behalf of Mesirow real estate brokerage activities and is actively involved in all of the firm?s leasing activities on a global basis.

"Ben, Garry, and Tom bring deep insight into Mesirow's clients and capabilities, value our eight-decade commitment to corporate social responsibility and possess the independent judgment to make an immediate contribution to our Board," said Richard S. Price, Chairman and CEO of Mesirow. "As we seek new ways to deliver value to our clients and strategic partners, I believe the outlook for Mesirow has never been stronger."

"Our new Directors will enhance our Board through their professional experiences and financial acumen," said Natalie A. Brown, President and Director of Mesirow. "We congratulate Ben, Garry, and Tom for achieving this distinction of directorship, and we look forward to their many future contributions."

The addition of these seasoned professionals follows the July 2021 appointment of Larry D. Richman as the firm's first outside Board Director. Richman brings experience spanning a successful 40-year career in c-suite roles at LaSalle Bank, The PrivateBank, and CIBC.