M.T. Pursell

Tate Pursell is a veteran financial executive, board leader, and former U.S. Air Force Management Analysis Officer with deep expertise in both government and private sector financial management. He is the author of Government vs. Private Sector Financial Management: A Primer for Financial Managers Transitioning Between Sectors, a practical guide designed to help public-sector professionals prepare for private-sector roles. In his federal service, Captain Pursell led operations and cost analysis teams, implemented DoD-wide activity-based cost management systems, and evaluated performance across combat wing organizations. Transitioning to the private sector, he applied these same principles to reduce costs, drive operational improvements, and lead strategic turnarounds as CEO of five companies. Pursell has served on thirteen corporate boards—including multiple audit and risk committees—and has been designated an Audit Committee Financial Expert. As a group executive at two private equity firms, he oversaw eight portfolio companies and mentored leadership teams in KPI development, performance monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. He is currently a director of Air+, Inc., a privately-owned air purification company, where he is the corporate secretary. Presently, he is also an operating partner of MSI Capital Partners, an independent sponsor private equity firm focused on acquiring and managing manufacturing and business services companies. With a BA and MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Pursell also holds certifications in Private Company and Private Equity Governance from the Private Directors Association, as well as a Directorship Certification from the National Association of Corporate Directors. His presentation offers practical, actionable insights for federal financial professionals preparing for a successful career transition to the private sector.