Tom Benedetti, Partner

Tom has spent nearly two decades building an extensive network of high net worth individuals and private investors around the world. Tom has brought investors together to participate in unique business and investment opportunities to build success for everyone involved. Prior to co-founding BHC, Tom co-founded Benedetti & Farris, a full-service fundraising and special event planning firm focused on fundraising for national political organizations, state governors, United States congressmen and senators. Tom serves as a board member of OpenRevolution, Davis Media and as a board observer of Certes Networks.

Tom holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from the College of William & Mary and earned his MBA at Georgetown University. Tom and his wife Liz reside in Richmond, VA with their three children.  He enjoys golf, traveling and is very active in civic affairs, including promoting the UCI Road Cycling Championships in Richmond in 2015.

Andrew Tichenor, Partner

Andrew’s business and financial experience spans public accounting, small business and large corporations. Prior to co-founding BHC, he worked for the CPA firm McGladrey & Pullen and for Rehrig International, a $60M manufacturing company. These experiences provided him with insights into the business, financial and operational performance of privately held, small to mid-size companies. Andrew then joined America Online, serving as a business and financial liaison to the Interactive Marketing and Business Affairs groups. Prior to starting his business career, Andrew served as a member of the United States Navy’s underwater explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team in Coronado, CA.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Richmond and earned his MBA at Georgetown University. Andrew resides in Richmond, VA with his wife and two children. He’s an avid golfer and enjoys spending time near the water, preferably the Caribbean Sea.

Sam Sezak, Partner

Before joining Blue Heron Capital, Sam was a co-founder and Managing Partner of Breo International, a development company focused on real estate opportunities in southeastern Europe. Sam had previously worked as portfolio manager for New Vantage Group, a venture capital firm where he co-managed a portfolio of over $35 million and 35 early stage companies. Prior to joining New Vantage Group, Sam worked for Merrill Lynch’s Global Markets and Investment Banking Division. Sam has spent several years in the Ukraine and in Poland as a Peace Corps volunteer and a business consultant.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Cornell University School of Hospitality Management and earned his MBA at Georgetown University. Sam and his wife Maureen reside in Portland, Maine with their two sons Tommy and Sammy.  Sam enjoys staying active with hockey, baseball, surfing, mountain biking, and also participating in triathlons and marathons.  He is active with small business development initiatives in the State of Maine and emerging markets primarily in Haiti, Central America, and Eastern Europe.

Christine Lane, Controller

Christine provides experienced insight into developing and maintaining the financial health of the firm while keeping the internal processes current and efficient. Her investment knowledge comes from 11 years of experience working for full service brokerage firms in Richmond, the last 5 years of which she spent in the role of Chief Financial Officer. Her 16 plus years in accounting have also included working in the manufacturing and interior construction industries.

Christine earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mary Washington College and is currently attending Virginia Commonwealth University working toward becoming a CPA. She currently holds the Series 28 FINRA securities license.

Christine resides in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and son and loves family time, the beach, running, tennis and being outdoors.

Ashley Langford Walker, Relationship Manager

Ashley joined Blue Heron Capital in 2010 as a Relationship Manager. Before joining the BHC team, Ashley worked with the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Circuit City Stores, Inc. While at Children’s Hospital Foundation, Ashley was responsible for fundraising through events and relationships with corporate partners and donors. At Circuit City, she was part of the Event Marketing team where she developed corporate vendor relationships, including the NFL and NASCAR. Ashley also worked to rollout new Circuit City store grand openings across the country.

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Randolph-Macon College. Along with her husband and their dog, she spends plenty of time outdoors shooting, fishing and kayaking.