Sam Schwartz leads the Financial Institutions Group M&A effort for Mizuho Americas. Sam has more than 25 years of leadership experience in investment banking, asset management and private equity.

Sam is passionate about improving support for individuals and families affected by mental illness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. He joined the NAMI NYC Metro Board in October 2021, with a commitment to increasing advocacy and awareness of the challenges facing individuals with mental illness and helping to ensure they have the services needed to lead healthy lives.

Sam worked at Credit Suisse for 17 years in various management positions including CEO of Asset Management Finance, Head of M&A for Credit Suisse Asset Management, and Managing Director in M&A, Investment Banking. Previously, he was Managing Director in M&A Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Independent Investment Partners, Board and Investment Committee Member of Hightower Advisors, and Senior Advisor to Dynasty Financial Partners and Shenkman Capital.

Sam is a CPA (Inactive) and received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Binghamton University. He has also served on other not-for-profit boards, including Education Pioneers and The McCarton Foundation.