2011-2012 Torch Fund Manager Profiles
HASLAM TORCH FUND
Chris Inklebarger
Chris Inklebarger is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. He received a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Journalism and Electronic Media from the University of Tennessee in 2007. After completing his undergraduate studies, Chris worked for both the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and ESPN Regional Television. He is currently enrolled in the dual degree program at the University of Tennessee pursing both his MBA as well as his JD. Chris just finished his second year at the University of Tennessee College of Law. He is currently a first-year student in the University of Tennessee MBA program, in addition to clerking at a bankruptcy firm in Knoxville.
Phil Payne
Phil Payne graduated in 2010 cum laude from the College of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Finance and a minor in Accounting. During his senior year of undergraduate, he worked in the Masters Investment Learning Center as an ambassador where he trained graduate and undergraduate students on Bloomberg investment software. After graduation, Phil was offered the opportunity to work as the Associate Director of the Master Investment Learning Center. His work at the Masters Investment Learning Center includes managing the Knoxville News Sentinel Stock Game, which has over 200 participants from 50 East Tennessee middle and high schools. During the summer of 2011, he worked as an intern with Merrill Lynch in Knoxville. He views his position as a Haslam Torch Fund Manager as an opportunity to increase his knowledge in capital markets and develop stronger wealth management skills. Upon graduation, Phil would like to pursue a career in investment banking as an analyst.
Andrew Stafford
Andrew Stafford graduated in 2010 with cum laude honors from East Tennessee State University with a BBA in Corporate Finance & Investments. During his undergraduate years he interned for The Pruett Financial Group focusing on wealth management and insurance products. After graduation he began working for Wells Fargo & Company as a Personal Banker in Greenville, South Carolina. Andrew’s concentration in the MBA program is business analytics. He is currently a Chartered Financial Analyst Level I candidate and is sitting for the examination in December 2011. He views his position as a LaPorte Torch Fund Manager as a valuable opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the Capital Markets and Equity Research. Andrew’s career goal is to work in investment banking as a financial analyst.
Alexander Stein
Alexander Stein is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in December of 2009 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language and World Business with concentrations in German and Business Administration. After the completion of his undergraduate studies, he worked for the Department of Defense in southern Germany as part of the MWR and AFRC programs. Alexander is currently a MBA Candidate at the University of Tennessee. He is pursuing a finance concentration and plans to use the experience as a Haslam Torch Fund Manager to gain more experience in the fields of Portfolio and Wealth Management.
LAPORTE TORCH FUND
Peter Capobianco
Peter Capobianco is native to East Providence, Rhode Island. He graduated from Brown University in 2007 with a degree in Geology-Biology, where qualitative analysis and critical thinking played a key role. After graduating, he founded his own business and worked as a retail manager. Peter also began investing and developing his portfolio with his own research and analysis. The application of these skills towards finance became a passion and led Peter to the University of Tennessee to pursue an MBA with a concentration in finance. As a career changer, the Torch Funds provide an excellent opportunity to further transition his skills for future success.
Kimel Fryer
Kimel Fryer graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Finance in 2009. While at the University of Memphis, Kimel served as Vice President of the Financial Management Association, Student Justice of the Student Government Association, and Public Relations Chair for Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. Kimel enrolled at the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she currently serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Tennessee Journal of Race, Gender, & Social Justice. In Fall 2011, Kimel enrolled in the J.D./M.B.A. program with a concentration in Finance. She plans to pursue a career in white-collar litigation, and believes that an experience in the LaPorte Torch Fund will strengthen her management and securities analysis skills.
Taylor Kennedy (joined February, 2012)
Taylor Kennedy is a native of Crossville, Tennessee. She is currently a junior at the University of Tennessee studying Finance with a special concentration in Logistics. In the summer of 2011, she worked as an intern in the logistics department at Roane Transportation Services located in Rockwood, Tennessee.Upon graduation, she plans to apply to the University of Tennessee College of Law. Taylor is thrilled to be chosen as one of the first undergraduates to be involved in the Torch Fund program, and she is eager to gain practical knowledge in the area of investments and portfolio management.Taylor's extracurricular activities include being an active member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, reading, and running.