With over 20 years of experience in the ESOP space, Andrew leads Lazear’s post-close transition process across all regions. He works with business owners and management teams during their first year as an ESOP-owned company to interpret the ESOP calendar and the roles of professional advisors within the ESOP ecosystem. Educational topics include ESOP mechanics, preparation for valuation diligence, census data, TPA testing, plan audits, participant communication, governance, distribution/repurchase obligation policies and ESOP accounting for bank compliance certificates. Additionally, Andrew serves as Lazear’s market leader for new ESOP development in the Cincinnati Tri-State Area and continues to hold a FINRA 63/79.

Andrew also currently serves as an independent board member for a 100% ESOP-owned S-Corp based in Kentucky. Prior to joining Lazear, he held the position of Vice President in J.P. Morgan’s ESOP Advisory Group. Andrew collaborated with bankers, clients, and prospects across the lower Midwest to the Gulf Coast, providing guidance to management teams throughout all stages of ESOP ownership and executing various ESOP transactions. Previously, he worked as a middle-market commercial banker at Fifth Third Bank.

Before returning to banking, Andrew held successive roles as CFO, followed by President/CEO and internal trustee of a multi-state, 100% ESOP-owned S-Corp. Addressing mature ESOP challenges, he successfully oversaw the sale of non-union subsidiaries, paying out over 90% of the approximately 300 participants at multi-year share price highs. Subsequently, he managed the wind-down of legacy entities and executed on the termination of the ESOP plan in his capacity as internal trustee.

In addition to his extensive banking and corporate experience, Andrew has held various leadership positions within The ESOP Association, including on the Board of Directors, Board of Governors, and Fiduciary Committee. As an advocate for ESOP ownership, he assisted in securing bipartisan co-sponsorship for H.R. 3586, the “S-Corporation ESOP Promotion and Expansion Act of 2009”.