OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL – September 22, 2026 – Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc. (“Prairie”), a leading corporate advisory and investment banking firm, is proud to announce that Macie Dorow, Vice President, Joseph Labetti, Vice President and Darrell Smith, Vice President have all received Emerging Leaders Awards from The M&A Advisor.
This award recognizes young professionals under 40 who have made significant contributions to M&A, corporate finance, and restructuring, while also showing dedication to their careers and charitable efforts. A panel of independent judges selected the winners from a diverse group of outstanding candidates, assessing their achievements in both business and community service.
This was announced and celebrated at the 2026 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit on September 14, 2026, in New York City, NY.
“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition from The M&A Advisor. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to build my career at Prairie surrounded by people who have invested in me, challenged me and given me opportunities to grow. Helping business owners navigate such an important moment in their lives is a privilege, and I’m grateful for the clients, colleagues and mentors who have been such an important part of my career,” commented Macie Dorow.
Joseph Labetti said, “I am honored to receive The M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leaders Award. I am fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team at Prairie Capital Advisors, whose collaboration and shared commitment to our clients make this work so meaningful. I’m grateful for the trust of our clients and for the mentors and colleagues who have supported me throughout my career, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as we help clients navigate an ever-evolving transaction landscape.”
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the tremendous support, mentorship and opportunities I’ve received from Prairie’s leadership throughout my career. I’m equally grateful to the entire Prairie team, whose collaboration, commitment and hard work from top to bottom have played an important role in my growth and in everything we accomplish together,” said Darrell Smith.
Tom DeSimone, Managing Director, said, “Having three Prairie professionals recognized with this award is a tremendous accomplishment and is a testament to the talent we have across our firm. Macie, Joseph and Darrell have each become key contributors to our success and, more importantly, trusted advisors to our clients.”
“This recognition is well deserved and reflects the meaningful impact they are already making at Prairie. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued contributions to our firm,” added Anthony Dolan, Managing Director.
About The M&A Advisor
The M&A Advisor was founded in 1998 to publish insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions. Over the past twenty-two years, we have established and now serve the world’s premier organization of M&A, Turnaround, and Finance professionals. Today, The M&A Advisor is the preeminent organization recognizing excellence, honoring achievement, presenting thought leadership, and facilitating connections among the world’s leading dealmaking professionals.
About Prairie Capital Advisors
Prairie is a leading financial advisory firm specializing in creating and executing ownership transition strategies for middle-market companies nationwide. For more information, visit www.prairiecap.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Wendy Gugora, Chief Marketing Officer
Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.
630.413.5574
wgugora@prairiecap.com
