The new Board elected Mr. Mitchell at its first meeting on Friday, April 14. “Lee has made significant contributions to the CHX since joining the Board in 1996,” said CHX president and CEO Robert H. Forney. “The CHX has grown tremendously over the past four years by providing high quality service to all investors. I am confident that in his new role, Lee will give us important insights into how we can continue to best meet the needs of the investing public.”
Mr. Mitchell is a partner in Thoma Cressey Equity Partners, a private equity investment firm that specializes in starting and developing businesses in partnership with leading executives from high-potential industry sectors. The company operates offices in Chicago, Denver and San Francisco.
Prior to joining Thoma Cressey’s predecessor firm, Mr. Mitchell served as president and CEO of The Field Corporation and its predecessor company, Field Enterprises, Inc., both private investment and management companies.
Mr. Mitchell has practiced law in Chicago and Washington, DC. While a partner in the Sidley & Austin law firm, he managed the development of the firm’s Japan and Singapore offices. Mr. Mitchell has been a director of numerous public and private companies. He is a trustee of Northwestern University, where he serves on the Executive Committee; the Metropolitan Planning Council of Chicago, where he served as a past president; and other non-profit organizations. Mr. Mitchell is a member of both the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., and a juris doctor’s degree from the University of Chicago Law School. Mr. Mitchell and his wife Barbara reside in Glencoe, Ill., and have two sons.
“It is a privilege to be able to assume a larger role within an organization that has become as important to the equity markets as the CHX,” says Mr. Mitchell. “The CHX’s capable management, dedicated Board and top-quality membership have positioned the organization to benefit from the technological and regulatory changes that are sweeping the industry. I look forward to helping advance the CHX’s position as the market of choice for investors.”
Mr. Mitchell replaces David W. Fox, who retired from his post as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Mr. Fox served as CHX’s Chairman since 1996.
“Dave presided over the CHX during a time of tremendous growth and considerable change in both the Exchange and the industry. I can’t thank him enough for his guidance in helping the CHX reach the position it is in today,” Forney said.
The Chicago Stock Exchange was founded May 15, 1882 and is the second most active stock exchange in terms of share and trade volume. The CHX is also the fastest growing exchange providing the strongest force for competition to all U.S. markets. The CHX trades more than 4,500 NYSE, Amex, Nasdaq and CHX-exclusive issues, more than any other stock exchange in the world.
