Piper Sandler Bolsters Missouri Public Finance Team with Veteran Hires

Piper Sandler, a leading investment bank, has strengthened its public finance division by bringing on board two seasoned professionals, Joe Kinder and Brent Blevins, as managing directors. The duo will spearhead the firm's Missouri public finance business, focusing on serving school districts and governmental issuers in the state.

Powering Missouri's Public Finance Landscape with Unparalleled Expertise

Expanding Piper Sandler's Midwest Footprint

Piper Sandler's strategic move to hire Kinder and Blevins underscores the firm's commitment to bolstering its presence in the Midwest region, particularly in the state of Missouri. As Dustin Avey, co-head of public finance at Piper Sandler, noted, "We are a market leader in the Midwest, and the addition of Joe and Brent is a natural fit that complements our existing Missouri practice."The new hires bring a wealth of experience and deep-rooted connections within the Missouri public finance landscape. Their expertise and understanding of the unique needs of school districts and governmental entities in the state will undoubtedly strengthen Piper Sandler's ability to deliver tailored solutions and exceptional results to its clients.

Elevating the K-12 Sector

The K-12 education sector holds a significant place within Piper Sandler's public finance franchise, and the firm has identified Missouri as a strategic priority for growth. Avey emphasized the importance of this sector, stating, "The K-12 sector is a meaningful part of our public finance franchise, and Missouri is one of our priorities as we focus on growing the business."Kinder and Blevins' extensive experience in working with Missouri school districts and governmental issuers will be invaluable in driving Piper Sandler's expansion in this crucial market. Their deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the K-12 sector will enable the firm to provide tailored solutions and exceptional service to its clients.

Leveraging Complementary Expertise

The complementary backgrounds of Kinder and Blevins further strengthen Piper Sandler's public finance team in Missouri. Kinder's focus on public finance and his established reputation as a thought leader for Missouri school clients, combined with Blevins' extensive experience in the education sector as a superintendent, administrator, teacher, and coach, create a powerful synergy.Avey praised the new hires, highlighting their alignment with Piper Sandler's commitment to delivering high-quality solutions and results to clients. "Our K-12 teams consist of high integrity professionals with a strong commitment to delivering solutions and results to clients. Joe and Brent's approach to the business aligns with this commitment," he said.

Proven Track Record and Industry Accolades

Kinder and Blevins bring a wealth of industry experience and accolades to Piper Sandler's public finance team. Kinder's 17-year focus on public finance and his established reputation as a thought leader for Missouri school clients have earned him the respect of his peers. Avey described Kinder as a "first-class professional who cares about serving clients."Blevins' extensive background in the education sector, including his experience as a superintendent, administrator, teacher, and coach, has provided him with a unique understanding of the needs and challenges faced by school districts. Avey praised Blevins' "special ability to relate to clients and understand their needs," as well as his "natural leadership" and focus on creating positive outcomes for clients.The new hires' previous firm, Stifel, was the top municipal underwriter in Missouri in the first half of 2024, further underscoring their expertise and industry standing. Piper Sandler, on the other hand, topped the financial advisor rank in the state during the same period, demonstrating the firm's strong presence and capabilities in the Missouri public finance market.

Strengthening Piper Sandler's Missouri Foothold

The addition of Kinder and Blevins to Piper Sandler's public finance team represents a strategic move to solidify the firm's position in the Missouri market. By leveraging the new hires' deep industry knowledge, extensive client relationships, and proven track record, Piper Sandler aims to further enhance its ability to serve school districts and governmental issuers in the state.This strategic hire aligns with Piper Sandler's broader vision of expanding its public finance franchise and cementing its status as a market leader in the Midwest. The firm's commitment to delivering high-quality solutions and exceptional service to its clients will be further bolstered by the expertise and leadership of Kinder and Blevins.