Houston-based US Capital Advisors has appointed Michael McConnell as a managing director, specifically to focus on working with energy entrepreneurs looking to access additional capital to grow their businesses.

McConnell joins USCA from Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, where he was a vice president, also in Houston. Before this he co-founded the long/short equity hedge fund Spring Street Advisors and served as co-portfolio manager on the strategy. During his career he has also been involved with structuring several energy-related private equity transactions, which had a cumulative value of over $200 million in equity and debt.

In commenting on his appointment, USCA chief executive and managing partner Patrick Mendenhall highlighted how McConnell’s particular expertise would help the firm target energy entrepreneurs.

"Michael's unique background combines wealth management, buyside investment management and private equity experience. We feel that Michael's skillset is a great fit with our firm's focus on helping energy company owners and executives build value and manage wealth," he said.