Private Debt Investor named Alona Gornick, a principal on the senior loan origination team with Churchill Asset Management, a “Rising Star.” The designation places Gornick on a list that was judged by the publication’s senior editorial team and recognizes private credit professionals younger than 40 years old for career achievements in the industry.
Gornick joined Churchill in 2016 and became the firm’s first full-time originator since its launch as a TIAA/Nuveen affiliate in 2015. She has helped grow Churchill’s presence in the middle market and has earned the trust and confidence of private equity sponsors. Today, her primary coverage includes sponsors in the West Coast, Southwest and Midwest regions.
“On behalf of the firm, I congratulate Alona on this well-earned recognition from Private Debt Investor,” Ken Kencel, president and CEO of Churchill, said. “Known for her leadership abilities, talent for origination and commitment to outstanding client service, Alona is truly a rising star both at Churchill and in the middle market finance community. We are lucky to have her and look forward to her future successes.”
In addition to her track record with clients, Gornick also helped launch Churchill’s Chicago office. Today, more than half of the Chicago-based team, which Gornick cultivated, are women and 40% are of racial and ethnic minorities. Gornick is also a part of Nuveen’s Inclusion and Diversity Council.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected among my peers as a rising star in the private debt industry,” Gornick said. “I look forward to continuing to provide best-in-class services to our clients and working alongside some of the top talent in the industry.”
Churchill is an investment-specialist affiliate of Nuveen (the asset manager of TIAA) and provides financing solutions to private equity firms and their portfolio companies across the capital structure.
