Matthew D. McCormick, vice president, principal and portfolio manager at Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel Inc., played a big part in projecting the firm to institutional investors nationwide.
Mr. McCormick died of an apparent heart attack Sept. 4 at age 44, said William F. Bahl, founder and chairman.
“He had no prior symptoms or indications,” Mr. Bahl said.
Mr. McCormick helped the firm increase its assets under management to more than $12 billion from when he joined the firm, Mr. Bahl said.
Mr. McCormick, who held the positions since joining the firm in 2003, “was largely responsible for the growth of our institutional business on a national scale,” Mr. Bahl said. “He had strong relationships with consultants and as a result we have business all over the U.S.”
Mr. McCormick shared coverage of the banking industry with Mr. Bahl and also worked with Mr. Bahl and other staff on the firm's institutional client services team.
“Matt was a strong team player with a high level of intensity and purpose,” Mr. Bahl said.
“Mr. McCormick's “primary function was client service to institutional investors, but he was also involved in the investment process,” Mr. Bahl said. “He sat on the (firm's) investment committee.”
“We have a deep bench,” Mr. Bahl said, noting the firm has a staff totaling 35, including adding three in the last six months.
Mr. Bahl said the firm uses a “team approach,” and Mr. McCormick's duties “will be absorbed by those people” with whom he worked.
Mr. McCormick “worked tirelessly to communicate his firm belief in the strength of our investment team and strategies for the benefit of our client,” said a Bahl & Gaynor statement.
“To the many professional colleagues who knew him, Matt led by example, held himself to the highest standard of excellence, and dedicated his life to helping others in many ways,” the statement said.
In a Pensions & Investments article in June 2010, Mr. McCormick expressed strong convictions about the firm's work.
“We can't guarantee performance, but we can stick to our discipline,” he said. “We're very big believers in active management.”
Mr. McCormick received a master's of business administration in marketing and a bachelor of science in business administration, both from Xavier University, Cincinnati.
He was an avid Xavier basketball fan, Mr. Bahl said.
Mr. McCormick is survived by his wife, Susan; a son, Patrick Dargin; and a daughter, Caroline Grace Dargin.
Donations may be made to The McCormick Brothers Memorial Fund, Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207. n
