July 7, 2009 - Anthony (“Tony”) H. N. Schnelling, Founder and CEO of Bridge Associates LLC and Noted Turnaround and Restructuring Professional, Dies at 62
July 7, 2009It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that Bridge Associates LLC (“Bridge”) announces the passing of Anthony (“Tony”) H.N. Schnelling, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and one of Bridge’s Founding Members. On July 7th, Tony passed away at the age of 62 at his home -- Meri-Mac Farm -- in Amenia, New York after a valiant battle against cancer. Tony was supported and comforted at every step along the way by his loving and beloved wife and best friend Bettina Whyte.
Fluent in six languages, Tony’s accomplishments were many and diverse, including receiving a BA from Swarthmore College, an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a JD from the Fordham Law School. A prolific author and lecturer, Tony served as Vice President of Development for the American Bankruptcy Institute and was a member of the organization’s Board of Directors. Tony was recently honored by his peers when he was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy.
Three years ago, Tony and his partners resolved to expand the firm’s senior ranks and its service offerings through aggressive recruiting efforts. These efforts were rewarded with the addition of numerous experienced practitioners throughout Bridge’s seven office locations, as well as the addition of a successful healthcare turnaround and restructuring practice.
Eighteen months ago Bridge launched a focused initiative to transition the actual day-to-day leadership of the firm to a broader group of senior leaders.
Earlier this year, Bridge’s executive committee appointed David N. Phelps and Louis E. Robichaux IV as Co-Managing Members of Bridge with responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the firm. Mr. Phelps, who served as Bridge’s Chief Operating Officer, has nearly 30 years of experience in strategy development, along with extensive experience in operational and financial restructurings and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Robichaux is a leading restructuring, crisis management and financial advisory practitioner with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. Carl H. Young III, a Founding Member of Bridge, will continue his responsibilities as President and will assume the additional role of Chairman.
As a result of these strategic initiatives, the Executive Committee of Bridge believes that the firm has strengthened its position in the turnaround and restructuring marketplace and is well-configured for future success.
The Members and Associates of Bridge extend their deepest sympathy to Tony’s family and friends during this time of loss. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Anthony Schnelling Lectureship Series in Commercial Bankruptcy at Fordham University School of Law, attention Julie Lucas, 140 West 62nd Street, New York, New York 10023.