Turnaround Management Association

Welcome to the 2026 TMA NextGen Leadership Conference!

We're excited to kick off two inspiring days in Atlanta, where emerging leaders from across the turnaround and restructuring industry have come together to connect, learn, and lead.

Get ready for meaningful networking, engaging professional development, and fresh perspectives that will help you grow your career and expand your impact. Whether you're forging new relationships, sharing ideas, or preparing for what's next, this is your opportunity to invest in the future of your leadership.

Here's to an unforgettable conference and the connections that will last long after Atlanta.

When businesses face uncertainty, the biggest challenge isn't always identifying the problem. Sometimes it's making the decision to act.

In the latest episode of the TMA Leading Edge Series, TMA Global Chair Rachael Smiley sits down with Past TMA Global Chair Matthew English, CTP, for a timely conversation about decision paralysis and why decisive leadership is essential during times of financial and operational distress.

Together, they explore how experienced turnaround professionals help organizations cut through uncertainty, prioritize the most critical actions, and preserve value in an increasingly complex business environment. The discussion also examines today's restructuring landscape, from higher interest rates and shifting market conditions to increased global competition, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in achieving successful outcomes.

▶️ Watch the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nmD7o_AYP0

This conversation is part of TMA's 10-part Leading Edge Series, produced by Second Wind Consultants/Rise Alliance, highlighting the leaders and ideas shaping the future of turnaround and restructuring.

Stay tuned for the next episode, Relationship Capital: Creating Efficiency in Distress with Alan Brody, premiering August 11.

We're thrilled to welcome Peter Cuneo as the keynote at the 2026 TMA Annual Conference, October 27–30 at the Marriott Marquis Houston.

From Distress to Disney: The Turnaround Story Behind Marvel's Comeback, sponsored by White Oak Commercial Finance, will take attendees inside one of the most remarkable business transformations in history.

Before Marvel became a global entertainment powerhouse, it was a distressed company fighting for its future. Peter Cuneo helped lead its post-bankruptcy turnaround, proving that disciplined leadership, tough decisions, and a clear vision can create extraordinary value.

This is more than a keynote. It's a real-world turnaround case study filled with lessons on leadership, resilience, stakeholder management, and value creation that every restructuring and turnaround professional can apply.

Don't miss this inspiring session at the 2026 TMA Annual.

Register today at annual.turnaround.org

Register now at annual.turnaround.org and join us in Houston, October 27–30, for the 2026 TMA Annual. This is your opportunity to Elevate Your Network with the professionals who can help move your business forward.

This is where introductions become relationships, and relationships become referrals, engagements, and lasting partnerships.

Over four days, you'll have countless opportunities to expand your network through:

🤝 Signature receptions and informal gatherings
🌟 TMA Network of Women and TMA NextGen connections
🌎 Chapter and international networking opportunities
🍽️ Meals, education sessions, and conversations with industry leaders

Everyone you need to meet. One place. One unforgettable event.
Register today at annual.turnaround.org

The keynote at this year's NextGen Leadership Conference is one you won't want to miss!

Join Andrew Papai, Alvarez & Marsal for an insightful presentation on Distress in the Chemicals Industry, exploring regional dynamics, macroeconomic trends, liability considerations, and a real-world restructuring case study on Fibrant. Featuring guest speakers Sarah Primrose, King & Spalding, and Thomas Hudson, Forvis Mazars, this session is just one of the many outstanding programs you'll experience at NGLC.

We can't wait to see this incredible lineup come to life in Atlanta! Learn more about this sold-out conference at nextgen.turnaround.org

After an exciting preliminary round, four exceptional teams have earned their place in the semifinals:

🏆 TMA Australia
🏆 TMA New York City (Team II)
🏆 TMA United Kingdom
🏆 TMA West Michigan

This isn't your average competition. The TMA Turnaround Tourney brings together rising professionals from TMA chapters around the world to put their finance, restructuring, and turnaround expertise to the test as they compete for the championship title.

Who are you cheering for? 👏 Which teams do you think will advance to the finals? Don't miss a moment of the action—sign up for live stream notifications today at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/rc7zbJJ !

Thank You to Our Preliminary Round Judges

Sally Barton, CTP
Jenna Birkhold, CTA, Accordion Partners
David Fraimow, CIFC Asset Management LLC - Direct Lending
Ronald Gellert, Gellert Seitz Busenkell & Brown LLC
Neil Gupta, SSG Capital Advisors LLC
Richelle Kalnit
Jill Kirshenbaum, Briar Capital Real Estate Fund LLC
Jeffrey Krause, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
Stan Mastil, CTP, CFF, CPA, SC&H Group, Inc.
Ivana Matic, I.M. Consulting Belgrade
Jennifer Meyerowitz, Esq., CTP, KCP Advisory Group
Joseph Richman, FTI Consulting
Eva Ringelspacher, Dr. Wieselhuber & Partner GmbH
Joanne Rumley, Foot Anstey LLP
Amalia Sax-Bolder, Reed Smith LLP
Ed Schaffer, Revolution Prep
Rachael Smiley, FBFK Law
Jack O'Connor, Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC

The countdown continues for the NextGen Leadership Conference in Atlanta, and we can't wait!

If you were lucky enough to secure your spot before registration sold out, you're in for an incredible experience. Don't miss Capital Markets Crossroads: Lending in a Volatile Market, where private credit and regulated lending professionals will explore today's evolving credit landscape, including economic uncertainty, refinancing risk, borrower performance, and capital deployment strategies.

See you in Atlanta! Learn more about the NextGen Leadership Conference at nextgen.turnaround.org.

Speakers
William Bence, Wingspire Capital
Scott Cowman, JPMorgan Chase Bank
Clara Goetsch, CPA, CR3 Partners
Courtney Jeans, Regions Bank
Claire McNamara, SG Credit Partners

New at the 2026 TMA Annual Conference in Houston: Body of Knowledge: The Regulatory Environment!

Enhance your restructuring expertise with this new 90-minute educational session covering environmental regulations, labor and employment requirements, and key government regulatory considerations in distressed situations.

📅 Thursday, October 29 | 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Add-on rate applies.

Register today at annual.turnaround.org and add this valuable session to your conference experience. Then, don't forget to click "Attend" on our LinkedIn Event to add the conference to your calendar and stay up to date on the latest conference news and networking opportunities: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/yesterday-tma-nyc-members-and-supporters-ugcPost-7483534585100750848-SxOx/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAwDf5QBV_1kPlwBm9xMQ-maQcx2ZVtfKoo

TMA UK is bringing a tradition of innovation, perseverance, and problem-solving excellence to the 2026 TMA Turnaround Tourney.

Representing one of the world's leading business and financial hubs, these NextGen professionals are ready to demonstrate the analytical thinking, strategic insight, and adaptability that define the UK's turnaround and restructuring community.

From England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Team UK embodies the diverse talent and collaborative spirit that continue to drive successful outcomes in complex situations.

Will Team UK rise to the challenge and earn a place among the tournament's best? The competition awaits.

The Final Round will be streamed live in October 2026. Sign up to be notified and show your support for Team UK: https://lnkd.in/git6-SQd

Team Members
Scott Bebbington, BDO
Lydia Lloyd, Foot Anstey
Sufiyaan Osman, CA, Gordon Brothers
Sarah Stevenette, Alix Partners

As alternative financing continues to evolve, so do the challenges facing businesses in financial distress.

In the latest episode of TMA's 10-part interview series produced by Second Wind Consultants/Rise Alliance, Merchant Cash Advances: An Engine of Distress, TMA Global President Brian F. Gleason, CTP, J.S. Held joins Michael Petrecca of Rise Alliance to discuss the growing impact of merchant cash advances, the importance of early intervention, and how collaboration among restructuring professionals helps create better outcomes for businesses and creditors.

Watch the full episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHu5-SF4oZg to gain insights on emerging lending trends, the evolving restructuring landscape, and the value of the TMA community in solving today's most complex turnaround challenges.