The partners at SMH Private Equity Group have more than 50 years of combined investment experience.

Charles L. (Chip) Davis, Managing Partner

Mr. Davis joined SMH in 1991 and launched PEG Fund I in 2004 and PEG Fund II in 2006. Chip has over 15 years experience investing in early to growth-stage technology businesses, a deep energy industry network, and extensive deal structuring experience. He currently is a board member or observer of RigNet Communications, NuPhysicia, and Zilliant. Prior to joining SMH, Chip served in the Small Business Audit division of PriceWaterhouse and the Tax Division of Arthur Andersen. He is a graduate of Washington & Lee University and is a CPA in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jim Newell, Managing Partner

Mr. Newell joined PEG in 2010. He previously was a Partner with Altira Group LLC from 2000 to 2010. From 1994 to 2000, he was a Partner in Aspect Management Corporation making venture investments in upstream oil and gas projects and early to growth-stage energy technology companies. From 1976 through 1994, Jim was a financial executive in the oil and gas industry, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and public financings. He has served on the boards of more than 20 portfolio companies, including, most recently, RigNet, Syntex Management Systems, Enerpulse, Energy and Power Solutions, GridPoint, Renaissance Lighting, NexGen Emissions, Southwest Windpower, LandTel Communications, World Telemetry, and WindLogics. Jim graduated Summa Cum Laude from Trinity University and is a CPA in Texas and Colorado..

Fred Lummis, Associate

Mr. Lummis is a recent graduate from the full-time MBA program at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business. Fred interned with the PEG team during the summer of 2010. Prior to joining PEG, Fred worked as a commercial banker in the credit department of Regions Bank’s Houston office. There he underwrote and managed credits for middle market companies in the energy, manufacturing, service, and non-profit sectors. Fred’s current responsibilities include screening and originating investments, conducting due diligence, performing valuations, financial modeling, and reporting. Fred holds a B.A. in Economics from Trinity University..