Richard A. Graham
Mr. Graham is a Managing Principal and the founder of Striker Partners where he oversees all activities of the private investment firm including sourcing, evaluating, monitoring, and divesting of portfolio company interests. Striker is involved in multiple industry verticals, including business services, education, logistics, healthcare and sports, specifically soccer, which Striker manages through the For Soccer Ventures platform. Richard serves on the boards of numerous Striker portfolio companies and on the firm’s Investment Committee. He also leads the Graham family’s investment in Major League Soccer through the Philadelphia Union franchise, where he was actively involved in building the highly-regarded Union Academy program and founded YSC Academy, an innovative and first-of-its-kind soccer-specific school for elite soccer players from grades 6 through 12. Striker Partners is a member of The Graham Group, an alliance of independent investment firms, operating businesses and philanthropic entities. Richard has a broad array of philanthropic and charitable interests, among which include nature and conservation initiatives he undertakes through Richie Graham Photography. Mr. Graham earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, and resides in suburban Philadelphia with his family.
Derek R. Spence
Mr. Spence joined Striker Partners as a Managing Principal in 1999 to help establish the firm's investment strategy. He has primary responsibility for overseeing all of the activities of the firm, including sourcing, structuring and negotiating transactions, as well as evaluating operating performance, coordinating financial and legal due diligence and reviewing transaction agreements for Striker's Investments. Mr. Spence spends much of his time working directly with portfolio company management teams to better position the businesses for long-term growth. Mr. Spence is also currently a founding partner and member of the investment committee of Frontline Healthcare Partners, a sector-focused fund launched by Striker in 2020. Prior to joining Striker, Mr. Spence worked directly for the Office of the Chief Executive at Deloitte & Touche ("D&T") in New York, analyzing and executing principal investment opportunities for the firm on a global basis. While at D&T, he played a key role in structuring, negotiating and closing numerous transactions in various countries. Mr. Spence has significant financial, operational and strategic business experience within the life sciences, manufacturing and business services industries. Mr. Spence’s past and present board directorships include: Valmarc Corporation, FleetLogix, Inc., Data Driven Safety, Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, Virtual, Inc., YSC Sports, LP, High Performance Sports, LLC, YSC Academy, Surgent McCoy, LLC, Touchstone Wireless, LP, Eastern Wireless, LP, LaserGrade, LP, Larex, Inc. and Nurture, Inc., and he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of South Shore Conservatory in Hingham, MA. Mr. Spence earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowdoin College and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and resides in suburban Boston with his wife, and six children.
Charles J. French
Mr. French, a Managing Principal at Striker Partners, joined the firm in 2002. He has responsibility for sourcing, evaluating, and executing transactions, and is also actively involved in Striker’s efforts to provide strategic guidance and assistance to its portfolio companies. Mr. French is also currently a founding partner and member of the investment committee of Frontline Healthcare Partners, a sector-focused fund launched by Striker in 2020. Prior to joining Striker, Mr. French was Director of Finance and Operations for the software provider SoftCoin, Inc., where he managed the company's financial strategy and corporate development efforts. Mr. French also worked for several years in the investment banking groups of Alex. Brown & Sons and Deutsche Bank AG, in both the U.S. and Europe. As an investment banker, he helped structure and execute equity and fixed income financings, as well as mergers and acquisitions for clients in the U.S. and European transportation, aerospace and defense industries. Mr. French’s past and present board directorships include: FleetLogix, Inc., Data Driven Safety, Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, Virtual, Inc., Touchstone Wireless, LP and Surgent McCoy, LLC. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, Cum Laude, from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He resides with his wife and two sons in suburban Philadelphia.
Ryan P. Mooney
Mr. Mooney, the Managing Director of Sport and Education at Striker Partners, assumed the role in 2022. He has responsibility for overseeing the firm’s sport and education investments and provides strategic guidance and assistance to its portfolio companies in these sectors. Prior to joining Striker, he served in leadership roles with multiple companies in the firm’s portfolio. Mr. Mooney also spent over a decade at the U.S. Soccer Federation, where his tenure culminated as the organization’s Chief Soccer Officer. His past and present board directorships include: For Soccer Ventures (FSV), YSC Sports, Sideline Soccer Solutions (S3), Knowles Athletic, and YSC Academy. Mr. Mooney earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Le Moyne College and he holds three graduate degrees in Education, Sports Management, and Exercise and Sports Sciences. He resides in New York with his wife and two children.
Gregory W. Okupniarek
Mr. Okupniarek has been with Striker Partners since its inception in 1998. As the CFO, Mr. Okupniarek has primary responsibility for overseeing the accounting, finance and tax functions for Striker and its portfolio companies. Mr. Okupniarek provides support in sourcing, evaluating and executing transactions. Prior to joining Striker, Mr. Okupniarek was the Controller of BSC, an international sports marketing and event-promotion company, which created and developed a televised series of global soccer events. In this capacity, Mr. Okupniarek managed the accounting, finance and tax functions, and assisted in developing the company’s financial strategy. Mr. Okupniarek earned his Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University and his M.B.A. from The Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University. He resides with his wife, daughter, and son in suburban Philadelphia.
General Contact Information
Striker Partners
224 County Line Road
Wayne, PA 19087
TEL: 610. 722. 0500
FAX: 610. 293.1551