Leadership

Powell Investment Advisors is led by partners with deep experience in private equity, institutional investing, public markets, and capital stewardship across cycles.

The firm’s leadership reflects its origins: disciplined, independent, and grounded in long-term alignment.

Earl W. Powell - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Earl W. Powell brings decades of experience in private capital, governance, and institutional investing.

He is the Founding Partner and Chairman Emeritus of Trivest Partners, L.P., a private equity firm based in Coral Gables, and previously served as a partner at KPMG Peat Marwick. His career has been defined by disciplined capital allocation, structural growth investing, and a commitment to long-term value creation.

Mr. Powell has also played significant roles in institutional governance. He helped establish and previously served as Chairman of the University of Florida Investment Corporation. He is a Trustee of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, where he previously chaired the Investment Committee, and is Trustee Emeritus of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. He also served as a Trustee of the University of Florida.

Jesse A. Wachs, CFA - Chief Investment Officer

Jesse Wachs serves as Chief Investment Officer and is responsible for portfolio construction, asset allocation, and investment strategy across public and private markets.

Prior to joining Powell Investment Advisors, Mr. Wachs was a Senior Analyst and Trader at PRS Group, where he focused on fundamental and technical analysis of convertible securities and equities across sectors. He also managed a global macro equity overlay strategy within the firm’s convertible arbitrage portfolio. Earlier in his career, he worked in investment banking at TD Securities in New York.

Mr. Wachs brings an institutional mindset to capital allocation, combining macro awareness, structural growth exposure, and disciplined risk management. He serves on the Investment Committee for Chapman Partnership and remains actively engaged in market analysis and commentary.

He graduated with high distinction from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Todd J. Gross Portfolio Manager

Todd Gross serves as Portfolio Manager and is responsible for investment research, due diligence, and portfolio oversight.

Prior to joining Powell Investment Advisors, Mr. Gross was an Associate at Trivest Partners, where he evaluated investment opportunities, analyzed strategic acquisitions, and monitored portfolio companies. Earlier in his career, he worked in investment banking at Banc of America Securities and as a tax associate at KPMG in New York.

Mr. Gross brings a disciplined analytical approach rooted in accounting, transaction structuring, and private equity evaluation. His background strengthens the firm’s ability to assess risk, structure opportunities, and maintain tax awareness within portfolio decisions.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accounting from the University of Florida and is a Certified Public Accountant.