Chief Investment Officer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jacob Merriam

Chief Investment Officer

Jacob Merriam is a Junior Business Finance Major. Jacob joined the RIF because he has had a passion for investing since he was a kid. The RIF provides him with a valuable platform to gain real-world experience in investment management. Through the fund, he has expanded his investing knowledge while strengthening his ability to communicate portfolio performance, investment strategy, and market developments to investors. After graduation, Jacob plans to pursue a career in private wealth management. Outside of the RIF, Jacob enjoys playing Tennis for Bethel.

NAthan Hunt

Chief Operating Officer

Nathan is a Senior Finance Major joined the RIF because it was recommended to him, and he thought that it would be a great opportunity to get real-world experience that he wouldn't necessarily get in my classes. After graduation, Nathan hopes to work and travel. Outside of the RIF, he enjoys being a part of the Men’s Soccer Team at Bethel, being a Shift Leader, intramurals, traveling & being outdoors.

Risk & Operations

Jon Ritz

Director of Risk & Operations

Jon Ritz is a Senior Finance major. He joined the RIF to gain real-world investment experience that goes beyond what is taught in the classroom. He also wants to develop his skills in portfolio management, risk assessment, and leadership. After graduation, Jon plans to work in wealth management. Outside of the RIF, Jon enjoys staying active, attending Church events, and spending time with friends. He is a Track and Field athlete, a Young Life leader, and a BethelBiz Mentee.

Albert Rundell

Risk & Operations Analyst

Albert Rundell is a Senior, Business Finance, Analysis & Analytics Major. Albert joined the RIF to gain real-world knowledge of investing and investment analysis. After graduation, Albert plans to start his career at Boyum Wealth Architects. Outside of the RIF, he enjoys being on the Bethel Football Team, outdoor activities, and all sports. He loves waterskiing and wake surfing.

Charlie Solberg

Risk & Operations Analyst

Charlie Solberg is a junior Accounting and Finance major. Charlie joined the RIF to gain real-life experience in investing. After graduation, he hopes to take the CPA Exams. Outside of the RIF, Charlie enjoys being a part of the Bethel Golf Team.

David Vieceli

Risk & Operations Analyst

David Vieceli is a Actuarial Science & Finance, and Biblical & Theological Studies Major, as well as a minors in Mathematics, Computer Science. David joined the RIF to learn more about what risk management looks like in the context of an actively managed investment fund. After graduation, he hopes to work as an actuary in the healthcare industry and will work towards his ASA and FSA designations. Outside of the RIF, David likes bass, muskie, or king salmon fishing.

Emily Eisma

Risk & Operations Analyst

Emily Eisma is a Business Finance & Accounting major. Emily joined the RIF to gain hands-on experience as part of a team with a deliverable each month. The RIF provides an opportunity to apply classroom skills and prepare for a career in finance. After graduation, to pursue a career in Corporate Finance as a Financial Analyst. Outside of the RIF, Emily enjoys playing on the Bethel tennis team and working in the Career Development office.

Helayna Winter

Risk & Operations Analyst

Helayna is a Junior Accounting & Finance major. Helayna joined the RIF to gain deeper insight into business analysis and bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world application, further preparing her for a fast-paced career in corporate accounting and finance. After graduating from Bethel, she plans to sit for the CPA exam and begin my career in corporate accounting. Her long-term goal is to advance into a senior leadership role where she can drive financial strategy and contribute to long-term business growth. In her free time, Helayna is involved in Bethel Biz and BBEA. She enjoys playing pickleball, fishing, hunting, baking, reading, and watching the Minnesota Vikings.

Teagan Viebrock

Risk & Operations Analyst

Teagan is a junior Finance major. Teagan joined the RIF to gain real-world experience in investing and portfolio management. He saw it as a perfect opportunity to build knowledge in his chosen career. After graduating, he plans on becoming a Financial Advisor. Outside of the RIF, he is a wide receiver on the Bethel football team.

Will Barthel

Risk & Operations Analyst

Will Barthel is a junior Business Finance, Analytics & AI major. Will joined the RIF to deepen his understanding of investments through hands-on activities managing real money. After graduating, Will plans to become an investment analyst. Outside of the RIF, Will enjoys playing on the football team.

Investor Outreach & Marketing

Eloise Nelson

Director of Investor Outreach & Marketing

Eloise is a junior in Accounting & Finance. Eloise joined the RIF to gain hands-on experience in a way the classroom does not provide. The RIF provides her with an opportunity to learn, advance her skills, and prepare her for the real world. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in commercial banking. Outside of the RIF, Eloise enjoys being part of the choir at Bethel, writing music, as well as being a student leader (a Fellow) for the Mentorship program, BethelBiz

Caleb Mattes

Investor Outreach & Marketing Specialist

Caleb is a Junior Business Finance and Relational Communications major. Caleb joined the Royals Investment Fund to deepen his investing knowledge and gain hands-on experience in finance. After graduation, Caleb plans to pursue a career that combines business, finance, and building relationships, using his communication and problem-solving skills to help others. Outside of the RIF, Caleb serves as the Director of Operations & Outreach for BBEA (Bethel Business and Economics Association) and enjoys working out, running, playing sports, and spending time outside with friends.

Elijah Klenk

Investor Outreach & Marketing Specialist

Elijah is a Junior Finance major. He joined the RIF to further his knowledge of the financial markets, as well as improve his communication skills. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a career in the wealth management industry. In addition to the RIF, Elijah is also a Resident Assistant on campus and works in the Wellness Center. He enjoys spending his free time being outside, working out, traveling, and skiing.

Leif Forsman

Investor Outreach & Marketing Specialist

Leif is a Senior Accounting and Finance major. Leif joined the RIF to gain hands-on experience in the financial world and develop critical skills for his future career. Through his role in Investor Outreach & Marketing, he has the opportunity to build relationships and strengthen his communication skills. After graduation, Leif plans to pursue a career in corporate finance or audit. Outside of the RIF, Leif is the President for BBEA and is involved in Bethel Biz and enjoys lifting, golfing, and watersports.

research

Wes Myers

Director of Research

Wes is a senior Business Finance major. Wes joined the RIF to gain knowledge of the stock market and investing. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in Financial Planning. Outside of the RIF, Wes enjoys playing disc golf.

HAYDEN SPERBECK

Assistant Director of Research

Hayden is a Junior Finance major with a minor in Spanish. Hayden joined the RIF to gain real experience in equity research and portfolio management. After graduation, he hopes to work in the finance or investment industry. In addition to the RIF, Hayden is also on the Bethel Baseball Team.

Jacob larson

Research Analyst

Jacob is a senior Accounting and Finance major. He joined the RIF to build research and presentation skills in an area of interest for his potential future career. He has always enjoyed following the stock market. Jacob is planning on going into corporate finance or public accounting after graduating while pursuing either a CPA or CFA license. Jacob enjoys golfing, pickleball, frisbee golfing, and almost anything else that can be done outdoors.

JESSE BALC

Research Analyst

Jesse is a senior Finance and Data Analytics major. Jesse joined the RIF to maximize shareholder returns. After graduating from Bethel, Jesse is looking to become a Global Financial Innovator. Outside of the RIF, Jesse plays on the men’s golf team, with a +5 handicap and a 340 Carry.

JOE WESTLUND

Research Analyst

Joe joined the RIF to gain real-world experience and skills that are transferable to the workplace. He is also looking to challenge himself, and learn more about investing. Upon graduation, he will be working as an Inventory Analyst at Target Corp. Outside of the RIF, he also plays on the NCAA Men’s hockey team.

Cole Gerrell

Research Analyst

Cole Gerrell is a junior Actuarial Science & Finance major. Cole joined the RIF to gain hands‑on experience managing a fund while applying his investing skills and what he’s learned in the classroom. After graduation, Coleto become an actuary or to pursue a career in finance and investments. Outside of the RIF, he enjoys playing football here at Bethel.

Andrew Crowser

Research Analyst

Andrew is a Senior Business Finance major. Andrew joined the RIF to gain real-world experience in the investment industry. After graduation, Andrew is looking to pursue Financial Advising, specializing in whole life planning. Outside of the RIF, Andrew enjoys biking, swimming, climbing, and has been a part of several music ensembles.

Jack Rosendahl

Research Analyst

Jack is a senior in Business Finance and Analytics. He joined the RIF because he wanted to learn more about investing and put some of the skills he has learned in the classroom to use before graduating. After graduating, he is looking to pursue a full-time job in either finance or analytics. Outside of the RIF, he is on the Men's Basketball team, and he loves to golf.

Jake Svenddal

Jake is a junior in Business Finance and Data Analysis & Analytics. Jake joined the RIF because he has always had a passion for investing and wanted hands-on experience to build on what he is learning in his classes. The fund provides him with an opportunity to deepen his investment knowledge alongside peers who share his interests. After graduation, Jake plans to pursue an analyst or advisor position in the investment industry, with the long-term goal of earning his CFA designation. Outside of the RIF, Jake plays on Bethel’s Men’s Hockey Team and enjoys golfing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Jameson OFlynn

Research Analyst

Jameson is a Sophomore Finance major with a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies. After graduating from Bethel, he plans to pursue a career in the finance industry where he can work directly with people and make a kingdom impact on the world. Jameson is still exploring which area of finance he would like to specialize in, but is interested in opportunities in financial advising, wealth management, and other client-focused roles. Jameson wants to build a career where he can combine his interest in finance with a passion for building relationships and serving others. Jameson joined the RIF because he saw an incredible opportunity to build practical skills for the finance world. He is looking to gain real-world experience that will prepare him well for his future career. In addition to the RIF, Jameson plays hockey on the Bethel Men’s Team and enjoys playing golf and watching sports.

Jay Neubert

Research Analyst

Jay is a Junior Business Finance Major.  After graduating he plans on working at a real estate investing firm as well as building his own real estate portfolio. Jay joined the RIF because he wanted to gain real-world experience and learn how the investment process works beyond the classroom. He also wanted the opportunity to work with other students who are interested in investing and learn from their different perspectives. Jay joined the RIF to challenge himself, build practical skills, and become more confident in making investment decisions. Jay enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. He is a member of the Bethel Men’s Basketball team and enjoys golfing, spending time at the lake, and riding bikes.

Daniel gabrio

Daniel is currently a senior at Bethel as a Business Finance Major and a Minor in Mathematics. He joined the fund to get valuable experience working with investments and managing funds, while also being in a supportive and amazing community! After graduating, he wants to join the workforce in the finance and investment industry or the golf industry. Some of his hobbies include golfing, bowling, and curling. Fun fact about him is that in high school, he was the only one in his school history to compete in a Golf state championship, a Bowling state championship, and a curling state championship!

ANDREW CROWSER

Greyson is a senior Business Finance major. He joined the fund because he wanted hands-on experience with investing and to see how the markets actually work in real life. He thinks it’s a great way to learn outside the classroom, work with other students who are into finance, and gain skills he can actually use in my career. After graduation, Greyson hopes to pursue a career in accounting, wealth management, or community banking. Outside of school, he enjoys pickleball, tennis, singing, and acting.