#USA #Minneapolis #Managing Director #Woodward Park #Joe Lavely

Woodward Park Partners Introduces Joe Lavely

Woodward Park Partners, a prominent investment banking firm, has recently made an exciting addition to its leadership team. On November 3, 2025, the firm announced that Joe Lavely will be joining as a Managing Director, significantly strengthening its advisory capabilities.

Operating out of Minneapolis, Joe Lavely brings an impressive track record that spans over three decades in the mergers and acquisitions landscape. His wealth of experience includes guiding private, public, and private equity clients across diverse industries throughout the nation. This extensive background makes him a fantastic fit for Woodward Park Partners, which is known for its personalized approach to client relationships and transaction expertise.

Gene Bitonti, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Woodward Park Partners, expressed enthusiasm about Lavely’s arrival. “Joe's extensive M&A background and deep client relationships make him an outstanding addition to our growing platform,” Bitonti stated. He also highlighted that Lavely had previously worked with some of the current team members at Quarton International and Cowen, which underscores the strong collaborative culture that Woodward Park strives to maintain in its advisory practices.

Joe Lavely himself shared his excitement about reuniting with his former colleagues. “I'm thrilled to join Woodward Park Partners and to once again work alongside colleagues I deeply respect. The opportunity to reunite with former teammates and build something exceptional together—anchored in senior-level engagement, trusted client relationships, and high-quality execution—is incredibly exciting,” he remarked.

Before joining Woodward Park Partners, Lavely held the position of Managing Director at Metronome Partners. There, he advised mid-sized clients across a plethora of sectors on strategic transactions. His career also includes notable tenures at Quarton International and Cowen Inc., where he was instrumental in supporting both sell-side and buy-side mandates for private and institutional clients. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the growth of Greene Holcomb Fisher, helping transform it into a nationally recognized advisory firm prior to its sale to Bank of Montreal. His career began at Piper Jaffray, where he gained experience in investment banking and research.

Joe Lavely's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. Outside the office, he enjoys engaging in leisure activities such as golfing, taking advantage of Minnesota's fleeting summer periods, and playing guitar when the weather confines him indoors. Joe resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota, with his wife and two sons.

About Woodward Park Partners

Woodward Park Partners specializes in middle-market investment banking, offering high-touch advisory services complemented by significant senior professional involvement. They cater to financial sponsors, private business owners, and publicly traded companies, demonstrating expertise in various transaction types—including private company sales, mergers, acquisitions, and other financial advisory services.

As Woodward Park Partners continues to expand and evolve, Joe Lavely’s wealth of knowledge and extensive network suggests a promising future for the firm in delivering exceptional client service and strategic advisory solutions.