Acorn Growth Companies, based in Oklahoma City, is a private equity firm focused exclusively on aerospace and defense opportunities.

Venture Capital

Acorn Growth Companies

Allen supports Acorn’s fundraising and investor relations efforts with current and prospective investors.

Prior to joining Acorn, Allen was an Investment Banking Analyst at Truist Securities. She worked within the Leveraged Finance group advising and executing capital raises for corporate and sponsor clients, including leveraged loans, high yield, and bank debt.

Allen received her BBA degree in Finance from the University of Georgia.

Tillie Allen

Jeff Davis is a founding partner at [Acorn Growth Companies](/org/acorn-growth-companies). Jeff has also served on the board of the Oysterponds Jeff'storical Society, the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance, and the Ontario Securities Commission. Jeff has also worked as senior vice president at InsLogic and as an associate at Torys LLP.

Jeff Davis has a Bachelor of Laws from [York University](/org/york-university)'s Osgoode Hall Law School, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from [Western University](/org/western-university). Jeff is also certified in Workplace Mental Health Leadership from LifeWorks.

Jeff Davis reports to Rick Nagel, Managing Partner & CEO. They work with Jim Bridenstine - Senior Advisor, Darryl Wilkerson - Partner & COO, and Henry Gregson - Partner.

Jeff Davis

As vice president of finance and chief compliance officer, Woodruff is responsible for the analysis, financial reporting, tax planning, insurance and accounting-related functions of the organization. He provides critical support in the areas of due diligence and integration of new acquisitions. He also serves as chief financial officer for the Finance portfolio.

Woodruff brings more than 15 years of financial and operations management experience with both large, public companies and privately-held startup organizations. His background includes technical areas of operations, finance, treasury and accounting. As finance director for a division of Chesapeake Energy, and most recently CFO for a private-equity backed services firm. Woodruff was a member of the leadership team responsible for the formulation and execution of the short and long-term strategic plans, while ensuring timely access to capital resources. His extensive experience includes profit and loss responsibility for domestic and international portfolio companies along with oversight of start-ups and strategic expansion efforts across the U.S., Canada and in China.

Craig Woodruff

Jeff Morton is a Senior Advisor. Previously, he served as a senior partner and the chief financial officer, Morton managing and overseeing the financial management of the firm, it's funds, and its portfolio companies. He plays a critical role as part of the capital management team with efforts related to identification, negotiation, due diligence and acquisition. He actively participates in the corporate governance of the firm and is a board member of a number of the portfolio companies.

Morton has more than 30 years of financial management experience, as a senior manager with both Ernst & Young (formerly Arthur Young) and Deloitte & Touche (formerly Touche & Ross), and as the chief financial officer of numerous public and private, small to medium sized companies, in various industries including energy, food services, publishing, government contracting and banking. He has also been an entrepreneur, developing a multi-unit restaurant company he later sold.

Prior to joining Acorn in 2005, Morton served as the chief financial and administrative officer from 1999 to 2005 for a defense contractor that has been in the aerospace and defense sector since 1982. Among other duties, he was responsible for the management of all federal and state contract negotiations, including the necessary approvals and compliance with procurement regulations. Additionally, in 2005, he served as the corporate controller for a $3 billion publicly-held bank. Prior to these roles, he was the CFO for Eateries, a publicly traded restaurant management company.

Morton has served on the Oklahoma Venture Forum Board since 2002 and during the 2006-2007 session, he served as the OVF President. He earned a B.A. in Finance from Baldwin-Wallace College and is a certified public accountant.

Jeff Morton

As partner and CFO, Laura Siegal is responsible for providing accounting, financial and business leadership to the enterprise including the acquisition of and financial planning for Acorn and it's portfolio companies seeking to improve the financial performance of each company under management.

Siegal is a public company director and results-oriented leader with over 30 years of experience providing strategic guidance and operational oversight, with a passion for business success and talent growth. She has significant experience with strategic initiatives addressing opportunities and changing cycles resulting in successful business transformations. Her strengths include developing talent, integrating domestic and international teams, providing technical and financial oversight for public equity offerings, private placements, public and bank debt offerings, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and interactions with the SEC. During her career she has completed twenty-four acquisitions and six divestitures with a focus on the aerospace and defense markets.

Prior to joining Acorn, Siegal was chief financial officer for NEO Tech, a leading provider of electronic solutions to original equipment manufacturers in the aerospace and defense, medical and industrial high reliability markets. During her six-year tenure at NEO Tech, the company has had significant revenue growth and has diversified it's market sectors from aerospace and defense into other high reliability areas in the medical and industrial sectors. Prior to joining NEO Tech, she spent 13 years at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., (NASDAQ: KTOS), where she served as vice president and corporate controller and vice president of finance and treasurer.

Siegal is on the Board of [Iteris](/org/iteris) (NASDAQ: ITI) – a technology company focused on applied informatics in the transportation and agriculture markets. She is active in the industry, having served on the Board of Governors and Supply Chain Executive Committee of Aerospace Industries Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego and is a CPA.

Laura Siegal

Andrew Pollack

Megan Cox

As Managing Director for Acorn Growth Companies, Gary brings 36 years of aviation, advanced technology, and leadership experience. He supports cross-functionally in the activities of the firm but specializes in supporting the development, optimization, and operationalization of portfolio company growth strategies and operational capabilities. In 2008, Gary joined one of Acorn’s portfolio companies – Commuter Air Technology (CAT). In his different roles at CAT including Program Manager, VP of Business Development, Senior Vice President, and General Manager of a repair station, Gary was instrumental in the company’s monumental growth.

Prior to 2008, Gary had a very successful Navy career, completing 24 years of active-duty service. As a mustang Officer, he enlisted in 1984, he rose through the ranks to become an accomplished Naval Aviator, completing 10 world-wide deployments amassing more than 6000 flight hours as Instructor Pilot and Mission Commander. He flew numerous aircraft, namely the P-3 Orion and Boeing 737. He served as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer and Assistant Air Officer (mini-boss) aboard the USS Enterprise CVN-65 during the 9/11 attacks, setting a Naval Aviation record for the most aircraft “traps” in 24-hour cycle. His last flying tour was as Chief Pilot and Officer in Charge (OIC) for Navy Special Projects Squadron TWO, leading numerous multi-aircraft detachments in combat supporting Special Operations. His last staff tour was at Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC), where he was selected as Chief of ISR and Joint Special Operations Air Detachment Commander in the Philippines.

His most recent academic experience is with Oklahoma State University (OSU), where he served as the Deputy Director of the Unmanned Systems Research Institute (USRI) for 5 years, which recognized substantial growth supporting DOD UAS interest. He also served as an adjunct professor instructing Aviation Law, International Operations and Human Factors. He has a BS in Psychology from University of New York, a MS in Aviation Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a MS from the USMC Command & Staff College (Counterterrorism).

Gary was also selected as COO for Navatek LLC, a diverse maritime R&D company in the areas of fluid dynamics, propulsion, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technologies. Gary’s most recent endeavor was standing up the embryonic autonomy group for Berry Aviation in Stillwater, OK.

Gary Ambrose

Jamie serves as the Executive Coordinator and Office Manager for Acorn. She takes care of a myriad of daily responsibilities in the Oklahoma City office, and assists the D.C. and San Diego offices when needed. She ensures the smooth operation of the firm with her extensive organizational knowledge, her strong performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments, and diverse capabilities.

Jamie has an extensive experience in office management and executive assistant responsibilities.

Jamie Nance

Greg Agnew is currently a Partner at [Acorn Growth Companies](/org/acorn-growth-companies). From October 2014 to November 2018, they were Managing Director - Aerospace & Defense Investment Banking at Canaccord Genuity LLC. From July 2011 to October 2014, they were Managing Director - Aerospace, Defense and Transportation at FBR. From January 2004 to December 2011, they were Senior Vice President, Investment Banking at FBR. From January 2000 to March 2004, they were an Associate at JefferiesQuarterdeck.

Greg Agnew works with Jim Bridenstine - Senior Advisor, Darryl Wilkerson - Partner & COO, and Robert Hinaman - Senior Advisor. Greg Agnew reports to Rick Nagel, Managing Partner & CEO.

Greg Agnew

JJ Quinn is a highly accomplished operating executive with experience as a chief operating officer and CEO over multiple commands as a rear admiral with the United States Navy. He is an experienced business leader with more than 20 years of senior executive management experience in government and private industry. JJ has demonstrated expertise in international marketing and sales, strategic business planning, government relations and budgetary planning. He has a deep understanding and rolodex in the Washington Interagency and DOD acquisition process throughout government and industry, including congressional members and committee staff. JJ’s domain expertise spans manned and unmanned systems, cyber security, strike and surveillance systems, satellite communications and missile defense.

James J. Quinn

As the Managing Partner of Acorn, Rick Nagel leads the strategic direction of the firm and its portfolio assets.

Mr. Nagel first served Acorn as an Advisory Board Member and in 2004 joined as a partner, launching the firm¹s private equity practice. He leads, and is responsible for, Acorn’s current geographic footprint, fund operations, fundraising activity, investment deal generation, portfolio integrations and performance improvement initiatives.

Since joining Acorn, the firm has closed more than 30 transactions in areas that include advanced manufacturing, government IT services, defense electronics, engineering services, aircraft financing and leasing, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), maintenance repair overhaul, modernization and upgrades, radar, satellite communications, airborne logistics, air cargo, value-added distribution, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).

Prior to joining Acorn, Mr. Nagel was with Platinum Equity as part of their operating team, where he led several revitalization and transformation strategies that spanned high-growth enterprises and successful turnarounds. While at Platinum, Nagel was involved with 13 successful acquisitions.

Mr. Nagel is a current member of the Board of Governors for the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), US Army Association, the US Air Force Association, and the National Defense Industrial Association. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, is involved with numerous civic organizations, locally and nationally and serves both as the state president of the Oklahoma Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and as a National Trustee for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In addition, Mr. Nagel is the treasurer for US Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK, Appropriations & Rules)..

Nagel is a Phillips 66 Scholar and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Engineering. Nagel resides with his family in Norman, Oklahoma.

Rick Nagel

As a partner, Bradford leads Acorn’s portfolio and risk management practices, which includes developing proprietary macro, sector, and subsector research and performance monitoring capabilities. Bradford also participates in the firm’s due diligence efforts and serves on the investment committee.

Prior to joining Acorn, Bradford was a portfolio manager for Millennium Partners, a $20 billion+ hedge fund in New York, where he was responsible for a team of four and $750 million, which included an aerospace/defense book. Before Millennium, he was a senior analyst at Vollero Beach Capital Partners, a $1billion market neutral hedge fund based in New York, where he was responsible for building out the industrial investing capability at the firm.

Bradford started his career as a mid-cap aerospace/defense analyst for Citadel Investment Group, a $20 billion+ hedge fund based in Chicago and then transferred to Delos Investment Management, where he was responsible for trading transportation related equities and the analysis of various deal structures related to the private equity portion of the fund called Delos Shipping.

He has a B.A. in Accounting and an MBA from the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business and is a CFA® charterholder.

Brandon Bradford

Darryl is a career aerospace and defense executive with more than 40-years of experience in the national security domain. As a Senior Partner he is engaged cross-functionally in the activities of the firm but specializes in supporting the development, optimization, and operationalization of portfolio company growth strategies and operational capabilities. His affiliation with [Acorn Growth Companies](/org/acorn-growth-companies) began in 2004 when he joined as a member of the board of advisors.

Wilkerson transitioned from his advisory role in 2006, and joined Acorn as Vice President of Strategy and concurrently, as President and CEO of its first acquisition. Under his leadership, what began as a small-business aftermarket parts and components engineering and development company was repositioned to respond to the growing needs of the defense intelligence community. In a brief period of time, the company added a significant amount of IP, aircraft systems engineering, design, development, and integration capabilities and launched a very successful defense intelligence business.

Prior to joining [Acorn Growth Companies](/org/acorn-growth-companies) Mr. Wilkerson served in the United States Air Force, and in senior management roles within the national security portfolios of Teledyne Brown Engineering and L-3 Communications.

Wilkerson holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in business administration and organizational management, respectively. He is currently a fully matriculated doctoral student at the Overton Graduate School of Business (Liberty University).

Darryl Wilkerson

Jim Bridenstine was nominated to be the Administrator of NASA on September 1, 2017; he was confirmed by the [U.S. Senate](/org/u-s-senate) on April 19, 2018. Bridenstine was on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology during his time in Congress. He was the first elected official to be appointed NASA Administrator. As administrator, Bridenstine has led NASA in advancing America’s aeronautics, science and space exploration objectives.

Under Bridenstine’s leadership at NASA, America returned to once again launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, something not done since the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011. He did this while sustaining the commercial resupply of the International Space Station (ISS) and expanding ISS utilization.

Bridenstine launched NASA’s new human lunar exploration initiative named Artemis, which seeks to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon for the first time since 1972. This program utilizes the most powerful rocket ever built, the Space Launch System, as well as the Orion Crew Capsule, the Human Lander System and the Gateway. The Gateway is a lunar orbiting space station that will give American astronauts more access to the surface of the Moon than ever before.

Under Bridenstine, NASA also established the Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program to partner with private enterprise in landing rovers on the lunar surface. The rovers will contain tools and science experiments in preparation for the arrival of American astronauts. Bridenstine focused Artemis on proving NASA’s technology and perfecting NASA’s capabilities to live and work on another world in preparation for a crewed mission to Mars.

Bridenstine also reinforced NASA’s development of the X-57 Maxwell, the agency’s first all-electric aircraft and the X-59 Low Boom Flight Demonstrator, a quiet supersonic aircraft. He supported NASA’s aeronautical innovators in integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System and developing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) capabilities to help emerging aviation markets create air transportation systems that move people and cargo between underserved locations and areas with a high population density.

The agency’s dynamic science portfolio under Bridenstine included the Mars Perseverance Rover, scheduled to land on Mars in February 2021. He also focused on enhancing the nation’s fleet of Earth-observing satellites and making final preparations of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Prior to his time at NASA, Bridenstine was elected in 2012 to represent Oklahoma’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served on the Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. His career in federal service began in 1998 as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. He flew E-2C Hawkeyes off various aircraft carriers gathering 1900 flight hours, 333 aircraft carrier landings and dozens of combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He later transitioned to the F-18 Hornet and flew at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, the parent command to TOPGUN.

After transitioning from active duty to the U.S. Navy Reserve, Bridenstine returned home to Tulsa to serve as the Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.

Bridenstine completed a triple major at Rice University and earned his MBA at Cornell University.

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