Summer Street COO Appointed

Summer Street Capital Partners, a Buffalo, New York-based private equity fund, announced that James D. Chambers has joined Summer Street as an Operating Partner.

In 2001, Chambers co-founded Conundrum Partners, a management advisory and investment firm. Previously, he served as the President of Business Services for Quest Diagnostics Inc., where he led key functions in the company's turnaround and growth strategy. His management of Quest's integration of SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories resulted in a more than $2 billion increase in market value for the combined company. Prior to joining Quest Diagnostics, Chambers held senior management positions in finance and corporate development at Corning, Inc., Vista Chemical and Conoco, Inc.

"Summer Street is fortunate to be able to add Jim's many talents to our team of experienced partners," noted Mike McQueeney, managing partner. "His track record of driving operational excellence, advising companies experiencing rapid growth and acquiring and integrating companies positions Jim as an outstanding resource for our portfolio companies."

Chambers will join current operating partners Doug VanOort, John Burgess and Michael Serventi in reviewing prospective investments and providing operational resources for Summer Street's portfolio companies.