Our Team
John Prinz
FOUNDER & CEO
John founded The Gordian Funds in 2016 and serves as its managing partner. With over 20 years of experience managing hedge funds, including Blackpoint Capital and Nite Capital, John has built a distinguished career in trading and market strategy. He follows the Berkshire 100 philosophy, which emphasizes a diversity of trading edges, enabling investment through all market cycles. While his expertise lies primarily in market investments, his entrepreneurial background includes selective real estate activities, reflecting over 40 years of family involvement in the rental industry. John holds a B.A. from the University of Nebraska and an M.B.A from Temple University.
Matt Damman
PORTFOLIO MANAGER & COO
Matt brings over 25 years of investment management and financial services experience, complemented by a strong operational background, to his role as Gordian’s Portfolio Manager. His career includes serving as an analyst and portfolio manager at Nite Capital, a hedge fund led by John Prinz, as well as a Vice President with J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank. In addition to his extensive financial expertise, Matt has owned and operated two middle-market businesses, gaining significant M&A experience on both the buy and sell sides. He holds a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University.
Sam Gallo
SPECIAL ADVISOR
Sam, founder of Volara Capital, previously served as Chief Investment Officer for the University System of Maryland Foundation, where he doubled assets and achieved top-decile risk-adjusted returns, winning the 2022 Endowment of the Year award.
Sam’s background includes leadership roles at PwC and Ennis Knupp & Associates, as well as experience as an Investment Strategist at Nite Capital and portfolio manager/trader at Goldenberg, Hehmeyer & Company. He has served on the Maryland 529 College Savings plan board, the Managed Funds Association (MFA), and other industry organizations.
He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, dual Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Illinois, and holds both CPA and CAIA designations.
Rod Bare
SPECIAL ADVISOR
Rod Bare is an independent options strategist focused on volatility-linked strategies utilized in income portfolios. Previously he was a partner at Callan LLC, a pension investment consulting firm. Rod has held investment advisory roles at Russell Investments, Morningstar, and Deutsche Bank. Prior to Deutsche Bank, Rod was an options trader on the floor of the Chicago Board Options Exchange. He has an MBA in finance and statistics from the University of Chicago.
Eileen Ziemann
BUSINESS & OPERATIONS MANAGER
Eileen has over 30 years of operational experience. Most recently, she was the Director of Operations for a multi-million 7-location retail company. Her prior experience includes accounting, finance, sales and human resources in rapidly growing small businesses. Eileen manages the funds’ office and accounting activities.
Mick Hayes
ACQUISITIONS & LEASING MANAGER
Mick has over 10 years experience as a special projects manager for one of the world’s largest online retail organizations. He joined the Gordian team in 2016, and his vast experience has provided him with a finely honed skill set that enables Mick to recognize real estate trends, and act on them. His skills also lend to finding tenants and building relationships to find the right fit for our properties.
Sitting with my father in front of the first apartment house my family bought in 1952. It was here that the idea for Gordian was born.
John Prinz
Founder & CEO
