Senior Leadership
James M. “Jim” Lynch
Jim Lynch is a founder of Ashland Capital Partners and serves as chair of the firm’s investment committee. Since Ashland’s inception in 2004, Jim has played a pivotal role in the execution and oversight of every portfolio company investment. As both a debt and equity investor, he is deeply involved in developing and implementing business strategies, building management teams, and currently serves on the boards of many Ashland portfolio companies.
Jim retired as a Partner, member of the Executive Committee, and Chairperson of the Finance Committee at Winston & Strawn, a leading international law firm based in Chicago. Prior to his tenure at Winston & Strawn, he was a Partner at Jenner & Block and Arthur Andersen. Throughout his distinguished career, Jim specialized in tax law, securities law, and M&A transactions for numerous Fortune 500 companies. He was recognized as a Super Lawyer in 2005–2006 and 2008–2018. Jim holds a JD from John Marshall Law School, an LLM from Georgetown University, and a BSBA from Xavier University.
jlynch@ashlandcapitalpartners.com
Investment Team
James C. Lynch
Senior Managing Director
James Lynch is a Senior Managing Director at Ashland Capital Partners. James began his career with Ashland in 2015 as an Investment Analyst and has steadily advanced through a variety of roles within the firm. Prior to joining Ashland, James gained valuable experience as a Financial Analyst at both Aon Corporation and the Tribune Company, and also managed Precision Pouches, a former Ashland portfolio company.
At Ashland, James is involved in deal sourcing, investment analysis, due diligence and portfolio company support. He also oversees the firm’s finance and accounting functions. He earned his degree in Accounting from DePaul University.
jclynch@ashlandcapitalpartners.com
Tom Fitzgerald
Managing Director
Tom Fitzgerald joined Ashland Capital Partners as Managing Director in August 2024. At Ashland, Tom is responsible for deal sourcing, investment analysis, investor communications, banking relationships, and supporting assigned portfolio companies.
Prior to joining Ashland, Tom served as a Premier Sales Account Executive with the Chicago Cubs, where he specialized in sourcing and developing corporate and enterprise-level partnerships. Before his time with the Cubs, Tom spent four years in executive search, focusing on the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Tom holds a degree in Management from the University of Illinois.
tfitzgerald@ashlandcapitalpartners.com
Cole White
Associate
Cole White joined Ashland Capital Partners in March 2024 and currently serves as an Associate. Cole is responsible for deal sourcing, financial modeling, and supporting assigned portfolio companies. He began his career at Ashland as a Business Development Specialist, focusing on identifying potential acquisition targets and expanding the firm’s investment pipeline.
Cole graduated in December 2024 with a degree in Finance from Baylor University. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M University. Cole’s blend of academic achievement and hands-on experience supports Ashland’s mission to identify and grow high-quality investments.
cwhite@ashlandcapitalpartners.com