NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Star Mountain Capital, LLC (“Star Mountain”), a specialized private investment firm focused on delivering systematic alpha and low market-correlated, tax-advantaged returns from the inefficient lower middle-market, is pleased to announce that its Founder & CEO, Brett Hickey, has joined the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) Board of Directors.
The FPA, founded in 1918, is one of America’s leading non-partisan organizations dedicated to fostering public understanding of global affairs and promoting dialogue on international cooperation. Nearly every U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt has participated in FPA programs, a leading New York City forum for international policy dialogue and education.
As a leader in private market investing focused on the lower middle-market, Star Mountain Capital emphasizes long-term value creation, alignment, and partnership. Mr. Hickey’s appointment to the FPA Board of Directors reflects his commitment to advancing informed global engagement and his belief that strong international dialogue not only supports diplomacy and social stability but also drives responsible and sustainable business decision-making.
“The world today faces unprecedented geopolitical uncertainties, from shifting alliances and trade dynamics to global security and climate challenges,” said Brett Hickey, Founder & CEO of Star Mountain Capital. “It’s more important than ever that nations, institutions, and businesses work together to foster understanding and cooperation. Joining the Foreign Policy Association Board is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that aligns deeply with our belief at Star Mountain that successful investing requires awareness of the interconnected macro and geopolitical environment. Thoughtful, global engagement is not only good citizenship, but also good business.”
“Brett brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial vision, disciplined investing, and global perspective,” said Noel V. Lateef, President & CEO of the Foreign Policy Association. “His ability to connect business strategy with humanitarian purpose makes him a valuable addition to the FPA Board. His ability to connect business strategy with humanitarian purpose makes him an exceptional addition to the FPA Board. Brett’s participation will strengthen the bridge between economic innovation and international understanding.”
Mr. Hickey was previously honored by the Foreign Policy Association with its Corporate Social Responsibility Award, recognizing his leadership in promoting corporate values that advance both economic and societal well-being.
About the Foreign Policy Association
The Foreign Policy Association, headquartered in New York City, is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring citizens to participate in the foreign policy process and to deepen public understanding of international issues. The FPA serves as a platform for global dialogue through its public forums, publications, and education programs. For more information, visit www.fpa.org.
About Star Mountain Capital
With ~$4.5 billion in AUM (committed capital including debt facilities as of 10/31/2025), Star Mountain specializes in providing data-driven investment solutions across two core strategies:
- Direct Investments: Providing debt and equity capital to established lower middle-market businesses.
- Secondary Investments: Acquiring LP interests, direct assets, NAV loans and making primary LP commitments.
Star Mountain’s investors include public and private pensions, insurance companies, commercial banks, endowments, foundations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. Employee-owned and sharing profits with 100% of its U.S. full-time employees, the firm prioritizes alignment of interests to maximize value for stakeholders.
Since 2010, Star Mountain has completed over 100 direct platform investments and 50 secondary/fund investments in the North American lower middle-market. The firm has been recognized as one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies and a Best Place to Work by Crain’s New York Business and Pensions & Investments.
For more information, visit www.starmountaincapital.com.
Legal Disclaimer:
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase interests in any investment product. Awards and recognitions by third-party rating agencies, companies, or publications should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results or performance. They should not be considered as an endorsement, recommendation, or referral of Star Mountain Capital or its representatives by any client or third party. Rankings published by media and industry organizations are based on information provided by the recognized advisor. Additionally, readers should understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. Award descriptions and selection methodologies may vary.
Awards and Recognition Disclosure:
Star Mountain Capital’s awards and recognitions are based on third-party evaluations and criteria, which may be subjective. These honors do not imply a guarantee of future performance or an endorsement by current or past clients.
Ranking Methodologies:
- Crain’s Best Places to Work: Evaluations were conducted through a two-part process, assessing workplace policies, practices, and employee satisfaction via surveys. Participation required a fee solely for survey processing purposes. More details are available at Crain’s eligibility criteria.
- Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work: Companies were evaluated based on surveys measuring employee engagement (75%) and employer policies (25%). Participation required a minimum of 20 U.S. employees and $100 million in discretionary assets under management. Further details can be found at P&I eligibility criteria.
- Inc. 5000 Rankings: Companies were ranked based on revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, firms had to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent, with revenue thresholds of at least $100,000 in 2019 and $2 million in 2022. More details are available at Inc. 5000 criteria.
Contacts
Media:
John Polis – [email protected]
