SpringTide exists to provide efficient, collaborative investment solutions to investment advisors, family offices and financial institutions.
Our goal is to complement our clients’ existing resources, strengthen their underlying client relationships and help them scale by delivering differentiated investment solutions through an accountable and collaborative open-architecture platform.
Periodic insights and updates from the SpringTide investment team
SpringTide Partners
As Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Aaron Dirlam oversees the investment process at SpringTide. Aaron works with the rest of the investment team in determining the appropriate asset allocation for client portfolios, monitoring investment managers currently working with SpringTide clients, and conducting research to identify and select new investment managers. Aaron is also responsible for monitoring markets for emerging trends or developing risks that may impact SpringTide clients’ portfolios.
Prior to launching SpringTide in 2017, Aaron was Director of Research at Altair Advisers. Prior to joining Altair in 2005, Aaron was a senior investment analyst at Vogel Consulting, a multi-service family office. He has also worked at Harris Associates from 1999-2004, where he was a senior associate.
Aaron is a CFA® charterholder and has earned the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation. Aaron graduated from Lake Forest College with degrees in Business and Psychology. He is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.
As Co-Founder and Director of Research, Paul Courtney guides the investment process at SpringTide Partners. Paul works with the rest of the investment team in determining the appropriate asset allocation for client portfolios, monitoring investment managers currently working with SpringTide clients, and conducting research to identify and select new investment managers. Paul is responsible for coordinating and prioritizing manager searches as well as monitoring markets for emerging trends or developing risks that may impact SpringTide clients’ portfolios.
Prior to founding SpringTide in 2017, Paul worked at Altair Advisers, a $4 billion Registered Investment Advisor in Chicago, for over 10 years, most recently as Director of Research. Paul is a CFA® charterholder and has earned the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation. Paul graduated summa cum laude from the University of Johannesburg with bachelors and graduate degrees in Investment Management. He is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago and on the advisory board of Advisor Perspectives.
As Chief of Staff, Cindy Crimmins oversees a range of operational, financial and client relations functions as well as supporting the rest of the senior team in these areas. Cindy works alongside SpringTide’s Co-Founders on strategic initiatives and the day-to-day functioning of SpringTide’s multiple offices. Cindy is also responsible for coordinating human resource functions including talent acquisition.
Prior to joining SpringTide in 2022, Cindy worked in Operations and Office Management for Carson Wealth Chicago. Cindy brings over 25 years of Operations and Office Management experience to SpringTide. Cindy holds a B.S. in Business from Eastern Illinois University.
As Research Analyst, Regan works with the rest of the investment team in determining the appropriate asset allocation for client portfolios, monitoring investment managers currently working with SpringTide clients, and conducting research to identify and select new investment managers. Regan is responsible for monitoring markets for emerging trends or developing risks that may impact SpringTide clients’ portfolios.
Prior to joining SpringTide in 2021, Regan worked as an Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Regan graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and is a licensed CPA in Illinois and Massachusetts. She is a CFA® charterholder and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.
As Research Analyst, Lawrence works with the rest of the investment team in determining the appropriate asset allocation for client portfolios, monitoring investment managers currently working with SpringTide clients, and conducting research to identify and select new investment managers. Lawrence is responsible for monitoring markets for emerging trends or developing risks that may impact SpringTide clients’ portfolios.
Prior to joining SpringTide in 2021, Lawrence worked for NMG Benefits (South Africa) as an Investment Analyst before being promoted to Investment Consultant, responsible for servicing institutional retirement funds across Southern Africa. Lawrence holds a Bachelors degree in Investments Management from the University of Stellenbosch, is a CFA Charterholder, and has passed CAIA level 1.
As Research Analyst, George works with the rest of the investment team in determining the appropriate asset allocation for client portfolios, monitoring investment managers currently working with SpringTide clients, and conducting research to identify and select new investment managers. George is responsible for monitoring markets for emerging trends or developing risks that may impact SpringTide clients’ portfolios.
George completed bachelor’s and graduate degrees in Economics and Risk and Investment Management, respectively, at the North-West University of Potchefstroom, South Africa. George is a CFA Charterholder.
As Research Analyst, Frances works with the rest of the investment team in determining the appropriate asset allocation for client portfolios, monitoring investment strategies currently used by SpringTide, and conducting research to identify and select new investment strategies. Frances is also responsible for monitoring global markets for emerging economic and market trends or developing risks that may impact SpringTide clients’ portfolios.
Prior to joining SpringTide in 2022, Frances worked at ID Capital as a Financial Analyst, focusing on macroeconomic research and reporting on companies and sectors in various markets. Frances holds a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Cape Town.
As Junior Research Analyst, Austin works with and supports the rest of the investment team in determining the appropriate asset allocation for client portfolios, monitoring investment managers currently working with SpringTide clients, and assisting with research to identify and select new investment managers.
Austin completed his bachelor’s and graduate degrees in Investment Management and Financial Economics at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Austin currently lives in Cape Town.
Elizabeth Stockton is the Founder of Clear Sharp Writing. As Editor, Elizabeth is responsible for the editing of SpringTide’s client communications and special projects. Elizabeth has provided writing and editing services for the investment management industry, as well as other highly technical industries, for 25 years. She has experience with multiple asset classes and types of firms, including fixed income investments, equities, hedge funds, mutual funds, RIAs, and institutional consultants.
Skilled at many forms of writing, Elizabeth helps busy clients create compelling marketing collateral, proposals, investor reports, white papers, and other technical material.
Michael is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Tallwoods Partners, LLC, an investment office for high-net-worth families. From 1995 to 2013, he was with William Harris Investors, Inc. (WHI), a family office managing over $1 billion, serving as Executive Vice President since 2000, and heading the Alternatives Investment Group. From 1991 through 1995, Michael served as an associate in the corporate department of the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York.
Michael received a J.D. degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, and a B.A., magna cum laude, in humanities from Yale University. He is also a member of the Bar of the State of New York and is on the Advisory Board of Invest for Kids.
Noah Kroese is the founder of Noah Kroese Illustration and an accomplished illustrator, cartoonist and author. As illustrator, Noah is responsible for the digital imagery used in SpringTide’s market commentaries, outlooks and trends reports as well as special projects. Since graduating with a B.F.A. from the University of Idaho in 2004, he has worked with a diverse group of national and international organizations and businesses, including Microsoft, NASA and World Wrestling Entertainment.
