Rising Stars

Sample didn't know she'd grow up to be a bond underwriter, but she loved her internship experience, which opened her mind to municipal finance.

Erika Smull found herself studying municipal bonds since they account for a large portion of water infrastructure project financings. 

"Early on in my career I learned to search for opportunities. It's like hitting a really good golf shot and then you are hooked," said Cameron Thatcher. "That was me."

As bond counsel, Walsh has financed health care and affordable care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, charter schools and many other nonprofit organizations.

"There's always something going on, whether it's improving water systems, managing our two airports, or stadium financing," said Brendan White.

"Taking the time to inspire, mentor and grow someone's knowledge is a benefit to the industry. I want to be someone the next generation can look to help them find their path," said Tom Zemetis.

Analysts Chris Collins and Melissa Nicandri were among the 64 passengers and crew aboard American Airlines flight 5342. The Bond Buyer will honor them at the Rising Stars dinner.

Introducing The Bond Buyer's newest class of Rising Stars, who will be honored at an awards dinner in Boston on Sept. 30, 2025.

Revisit each class of The Bond Buyer's Rising Stars, from 2016 through 2024, as nominations open for the 2025 honorees.

"I didn't even know this was an industry that existed. I didn't think there was a place to marry finance, investment banking and public policy. I found my calling," said Arndt.

"I look forward to continuing to work on interesting projects and taking on more responsibility" Bain said.

"I was a public policy major," Calabrese said. Her studies focused on the regulatory environment at different levels of government, providing "the perfect segue into munis."

"When I joined Stradling right out of law school, I didn't know what public finance was and I didn't know what I was getting into, but I quickly discovered that I love what I do," said Charlebois.

"Public finance was a great fit and I was excited to find something I loved," Chevalier said.

"I joined Loop straight out of college," said Gellert, who graduated from Penn State University in 2013. "I appreciated the math behind bonds and wanted to have a long-term career."

"I had that internship and felt strongly I wanted to pursue that career path," said Goggins.

"It's a rewarding experience to be part of that group and to be with like-minded women," Gupta said. "I see a lot of young women looking for the same mentorship that I received."

"I loved my work, and I thought I would do that forever, but I realized that if I really wanted to help people, I had to take my work from a micro level to a macro level," said Harrington.

"What is exciting about this work is the sheer number of things in the city I get to touch. I am working on airports, water utilities, affordable housing projects and more. It's interesting and fun," said Hastedt.

"I am really excited for the upcoming $1 billion-plus deal planned for next year to complete the renovations and expansion that will change the core of the downtown and be a catalyst for change that will impact the community for generations to come," said Hernandez.