Mr. Drattell founded Praesidian in 2002 and focuses on transaction origination, structuring, and execution, as well as portfolio management at the firm. Over his 30+ year career in the middle market, Mr. Drattell has sourced, structured and managed more than 200 private debt transactions. Mr Drattell is the Managing Partner of all Praesidian funds. Prior to founding Praesidian, from 1999 to 2002, Mr. Drattell was one of three Partners responsible for the formation of The Blackstone Group's first $1.14 billion mezzanine fund. Before joining Blackstone Mr. Drattell held senior positions at numerous financial institutions including Nomura Securities International., The Bank of New York, Heller Financial and Chemical Bank