Laura Van Peenan, managing director of investment banking for William Blair, has been with the firm for 15 years. Previously, she was a banker for 10 years combined at Goldman Sachs and at the Northern Trust. Van Peenan has completed more than 100 M&A transactions, equity offerings, and financings, primarily in the technology and services sectors. She leads William Blair’s Community Impact Steering Committee, leads Recruiting, Talent Management and Diversity & Inclusion for the firm’s investment bank, and is a member of the firm’s Women’s Advisory Council. Van Peenan maintains board/volunteer positions with the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, HFS Chicago Scholars, the University of Chicago’s Urban Education Institute Partner Committee, AUSL, the Inspiration Corporation, and the University of Chicago Women’s Board. Van Peenan has an AB from Duke University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.