Nicolas W. Combemale

CFO, Ross Institute for Advanced Study and Innovation in Education, age 43

Since September 2006 Mr. Combemale has served as CFO of the Ross Institute for Advanced Study and Innovation in Education. In addition he has been nominated to the Boards of Ross School in East Hampton, NY and Ross Global Academy Charter School in Manhattan.

From 2001-2006 Mr. Combemale has served as CFO of Morriss Center School “MCS”. He became involved through his role as a Trustee of MCS when it became evident that MCS faced significant financial difficulties. He stepped in as CFO in order to turnaround the financial and administrative performance of the school. In 2003 he played a leading role in merging the school with The Morriss Center for Arts and Sciences which pledged a major multi-year gift to underwrite the operations of the school. In 2003 he also designed and launched a new cultural program, “Morriss Center Dance” as the cultural centerpiece of The Morriss Center for Arts and Sciences in conjunction with leading members of New York City Ballet.

From 1998-2001 Mr. Combemale was involved is various private technology and real estate investment opportunities.

Prior to this he was Chairman and CEO of Alper Holdings USA, Inc., a diversified holding company, from 1993 to 1997. In 1993 Alper Holdings USA was formed to acquire First City Industries which was then in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. After gaining control of First City Industries the two companies were merged and the resultant entity was brought out of bankruptcy. From 1993-1996 over $700,000,000 of assets were divested in order to stabilize the company around its core manufacturing and real estate entities. Starting in 1996 a roll up was commenced to create the largest independent water based printing ink company in the world.

This followed a career on Wall Street in investment banking. Prior to his tenure at Alper Holdings USA, Inc., Mr. Combemale served as a managing director at VMI Securities, Inc. from 1991-1992. VMI Securities was boutique investment banking and securities firm specializing in cross border M&A, corporate finance, and securities trading. From 1989-1991, he was a Vice President in the investment banking division at Nomura Securities International, Inc., and from 1984-1989, he was a Vice President at Paine Webber International, Inc. Additionally, at various times from 1992-1997, he has served on the boards of Cambridge Lee Industries, Inc., Scovill Fasteners, Inc., Arcar Graphics LLC, Progressive Ink LLC and Industrial and Apparel Fasteners, Ltd. (South Africa).