The Haile Stock Pitch Competition brings together some of the brightest minds from NKU and beyond to showcase their research, analytical skills, and creativity in front of a panel of judges. Teams of up to four students will select and analyze a publicly traded company, then deliver a concise stock pitch presentation highlighting why their chosen stock is a compelling investment opportunity. Each team will have 10 minutes to present, followed by judge Q&A and feedback. With a total prize pool of $4,500—including $2,500 for first place—the competition not only offers an exciting challenge but also valuable experience that mirrors the real-world work of financial analysts. Food and refreshments will be provided, and the event promises to be both competitive and collaborative, offering students a chance to learn, network, and put their skills to the test.
Thanks to a generous donation, the first five teams outside of NKU will have their registration fee waived. Once the first five non-NKU teams are filled, teams will be able to register for $20. NKU teams should reach out to Dr. Lee Kersting ( kerstingl1@nku.edu) or Amberly Nutini (nutinia2@nku.edu) to register. Please register as a team (1 ticket per team) not as individuals.

Managing Director - Investments
Wells Fargo Advisors
High Yield & Convertible
Capital Markets Director
Fifth Third Securities

Chase Slyder, CFP ('19)
Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
UBS Financial Services
Nathan Monks
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
John Brannon, Ph.D., PPM, CFP
Partner & Portfolio Manager
LiveWell Capital
Casey Bohland
Vice President
Valuation Research Corp.
Patrick Sheeran
Vice President
Republic Bank
Jacob Holbrook
Cincinnati Regional President
First Financial Bank
Billy Wersel
NKY Market President
First Financial Bank
William Hoover
Investment Specialist
Lifetime Financial Growth
Keith Schneider
President & Founder
Square1, Inc.
Alec Parnitzke, ('24)
Valuation Analyst
Valuation Research Corp.
Cameron Bridges
Associate Equity Research Analyst
Bartlett Wealth Management
Tim Blankenhorn
Retired Bank Executive
Rob Hall, ('92)
Onboarding Team Leader
Fidelity Investments
Ross Mcintosh
Onboarding Team Leader
Fidelity Investments
Kristopher Kellinghaus, CFA ('07)
Director of Investments
MCF Wealth Management
Coy Hunt, ('25)
Investment Banking Analyst
Dean Dorton
Zachary Smith
Equity Research Associate
Bahl & Gaynor
Colin Kersting, CFP
Founding Partner
Triplecrown Wealth Management
Adam Kunsman
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
Patrick Wilson
Executive Vice President
Lifetime Financial Growth

For our conference attendees and teams we now have details concerning the competition, including
Event Format, Judging, and Advancement
Stock Selection Criteria and Analysis Requirements
Click the link above for details you'll need to be prepared for the competition
There are several hotels in the greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky Area to choose from. We would recommend that you consider these hotels when booking accomodations:
Hampton Inn & Suites Wilder, Kentucky
Here's what you can expect at the 2026 Haile College Stock Pitch Competition:
Food and drinks will be provided at the venue.
Prize pool:
A total of $4,500 will be awarded to the winners as follows:



Have questions about the 2026 Haile College Stock Pitch Competition?
Lee Kersting, Ph.D. | Chair, Accounting, Economics & Finance Department | kerstingl1@nku.edu
Jake Stokes | President, NKU Investment Club | stokesj7@nku.edu
Amberly Nutini | Assistant Director of Outreach | nutinia2@nku.edu