Blue River Announces Promotions and New Addition to Corporate Marketing

August 18, 2026 – Blue River Financial Group welcomed a new team member and announced multiple promotions in Q2 of 2026. Michael Herrmann is now leading the buy-side division following his promotion to Managing Director & Buy-Side Practice Leader. Buy-side also promoted Fideh Samaha to Director, Business Development. Paige Mason is now Executive Assistant to Sara Clevenger, CEO and Tina Waber is Executive Assistant to Rich Phillips, COO. The sell-side division promoted Evan Haigh to Managing Director, and the Corporate Marketing team welcomed Krystal Parcher as Associate. These changes reflect Blue River’s continued growth and ongoing investment in the team supporting it.

Michael Herrmann, Managing Director & Buy-Side Practice Leader, brings over 20 years of experience in M&A and has successfully closed numerous transactions across a wide variety of markets, including retail, industrial distribution, and manufacturing. He has deep experience managing the entire deal process, from origination through closing and transition. Herrmann holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance from the University of Houston and is a Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) through the Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA).

Evan Haigh, Managing Director, is responsible for financial analysis, financial modeling, industry research, and outreach. He is a NACVA Certified Valuation Analyst, was recognized as a 2021 30 Under Thirty Honoree by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA), earned the Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) designation from AM&AA in 2023, and was named ACG Detroit’s 2023 Rising Star of the Year. Haigh graduated from Walsh College of Accountancy and Business in 2019 with a bachelor’s in business finance.

Fideh Samaha, Director, Business Development, brings experience in marketing, customer relations, sales, and real estate, and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. She spent four years selling residential and new construction real estate for an industry-leading homebuilder and currently holds a Michigan Real Estate license, giving her a solid foundation for building successful, lasting relationships.

Paige Mason, Executive Assistant, brings over 13 years of international experience supporting C-suite leaders and managing critical business operations across industries including global supply chain, distribution and logistics, medical technology, and financial services. With a foundation in communications from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, she has developed deep expertise in executive support, complex travel logistics, stakeholder relations, and high-profile event coordination.

Tina Waber, Executive Assistant, provides company support through administrative tasks, CRM management, VDR management, and employee training. She earned her Master’s Degree at the University of Cologne, Germany, and before joining Blue River worked as a front desk receptionist, as well as an editor, publisher, and graphic designer.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team. Michael, Fideh, Evan, Paige, and Tina each bring exactly the kind of talent and character that make Blue River what it is and watching them step into these new roles is a reminder that our growth is really a story about the people behind it,“ said Sara Clevenger, CEO. “We’re committed to always get better, and that commitment starts with investing in our people so we can keep delivering the level of service our clients deserve.”

Rich Phillips, COO, added “Congratulations to Michael, Fideh, Evan, Paige, and Tina. Each promotion reflects real readiness; the judgment and track record to take on more, not just tenure. That’s how we want to keep growing.”

Krystal Parcher, who recently joined the Corporate Marketing team as Corporate Marketing Associate, brings a diverse background in marketing, content strategy, and communications, with experience spanning digital media, corporate marketing, project management, and client relations. She earned an education in Marketing and Advertising from the Academy of Art University and has supported organizations through strategic content development, social media management, and campaign execution, with a strong focus on clear, engaging brand communication.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Krystal to Corporate Marketing,” said Dana Bolgar Popov, Director, Marketing and Business Development leading Corporate Marketing. “Her background in content strategy and brand communication is a great fit for how we tell Blue River’s story, and she’ll be a real asset to the team as we continue to invest in our voice within the middle market M&A community.”

Blue River congratulates each of these team members and looks forward to their continued contributions in the firm’s next chapter.

About Blue River

Blue River Financial Group is a middle market merger and acquisition advisory firm. We assist corporations, private equity groups and individuals in the sale and acquisition of businesses and have completed assignments in multiple business segments. With over 20 years of experience spanning across 50 global industries, Blue River provides a suite of services to middle market clients including corporate development, private equity support, valuations, and transaction consulting, placing a premium on relationship-centered transaction counsel and client focus.

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