Michael Reed

Michael Reed is a Partner and Managing Director of Smith Reed Partners, where he advises wealth management, asset management, fintech, and financial services firms on acquisition strategy, mergers and acquisitions, capital formation, and pre and post transaction integration. Over the course of his career, he has participated in more than 30 transactions representing over $20 billion in assets transacted.

Michael brings an uncommon combination of advisory, operating, and entrepreneurial experience to his work. He has envisioned, launched, and managed 16 ventures, including 12 limited liability companies, three nonprofit organizations, and one C-corporation. His experience building organizations, strengthening leadership teams, developing employee-centered cultures, and creating effective operational infrastructure gives him a practical perspective on what enables institutions and people to grow.

Previously, Michael co-launched Dakota Wealth Management, LLC and helped build the firm into a multi-state platform with three subsidiaries, 14 offices across 11 states, and $2.5 billion in assets under management. Earlier in his career, he built an international reputation in perioperative spine care and concierge healthcare services. In 2011, his firm was acquired by Hospital for Special Surgery, the institution’s first acquisition in its 150-year history. He subsequently served as Director of HSS Florida and helped advance the hospital’s presence in the Southeast.

Michael has also devoted meaningful time to nonprofit leadership and educational initiatives. The North American Spine Society recruited him to launch the North American Spine Foundation, which raised millions of dollars to support its Spine 10 x 25 initiative, a national effort to reduce spine disability in the United States. His work contributed to the passage of H.Res. 432 in the 114th Congress.

A published author and frequent speaker, Michael has written 13 peer reviewed articles and delivered more than 170 podium presentations internationally. He holds a doctorate in operational management, an MBA from Boston University, an executive certificate in Wealth Management: Theory & Practice, and six professional certifications in mergers and acquisitions.

Michael and his wife, Chelsea, have been married for 33 years and have two adult sons. An accomplished endurance athlete, he competes in Ironman triathlons, marathons, and ultramarathons. He is honored to serve on the Board of The Path to College and to support its work expanding opportunity and helping students pursue higher education.