Cascadia Capital, an independent investment bank serving middle-market companies, appointed Rhett Thurman as chief financial officer. A highly accomplished financial services executive with more than four decades of experience, Thurman brings a proven track record of helping investment banking and financial services businesses scale, expand their capabilities and execute long-term strategic initiatives.
In his new role at Cascadia, Thurman will oversee finance, strategic planning, human resources, technology and operations, working closely with Cascadia’s senior leadership to advance the firm’s priorities and strengthen its organizational infrastructure.
“We’ve been deliberate about the firm we’re building, investing in experienced bankers, expanding our expertise, and strengthening our position in the middle market,” Michael Butler, chairman and CEO of Cascadia Capital, said. “Rhett is a growth-oriented leader who has spent his career helping businesses scale and evolve, and his appointment reflects our commitment to building the leadership and infrastructure to support our long-term ambitions.”
Bob Diamond, founding partner and CEO of Atlas Merchant Capital, added, “When Atlas invested in Cascadia in 2022, we recognized the opportunity to build on an already strong foundation. The firm has made tremendous progress since then, attracting exceptional talent, extending its reach and creating new opportunities for its clients. Rhett’s appointment reinforces our confidence in Cascadia’s future and the team leading it forward.”
Thurman spent 16 years at Cain Brothers, the healthcare-focused investment banking firm, where he served as managing director, chief financial officer, chief administrative officer, and a member of the Board of Directors. Beyond his operational responsibilities, Thurman helped lead the firm’s strategic planning, corporate development initiatives and financing/treasury activities, culminating in its 2017 acquisition by KeyBanc Capital Markets.
Before joining Cascadia, Thurman served as chief financial officer of Angle Health, an AI-native health insurance company offering highly customized level-funded plans to the U.S. SMB market. At Angle, he led strategic finance, capital formation and financial operations. Previously, he served as managing director and CFO/CAO at Prager, where he led recapitalization and restructuring efforts and helped guide the firm’s combination with Hilltop Securities.
“I’ve known Cascadia and its leadership for many years and have watched the firm’s progress firsthand,” Thurman said. “What attracted me to this opportunity is the strength of the team, what they’ve accomplished already and the vision for what comes next. I’m excited to bring my experience to a firm with a solid foundation, committed financing partners and clarity of purpose, to help build on that momentum.”
