Kristin Beal Joins Mesirow Financial Investment Advisory

CHICAGO, February 18, 2010 — Mesirow Financial today announced the hiring of Kristin Beal (29), as an investment manager in its Investment Advisory group. As part of the firm's Investment Advisory business, Beal specializes in asset allocation and financial planning strategies designed to meet the specific needs, goals and concerns of businesses, their owners and individuals.

Beal joins Mesirow Financial from Ameriprise Financial, where she was a financial advisor to affluent individuals, families and small business owners. Before that, she was an asset building manager at Shorebank Neighborhood Institute. Kristin holds Series 7 and 66 FINRA licenses, as well as an Illinois insurance license for life, accident, health and long term care.

Kristin earned her bachelor's degree in International Studies from The University of Chicago, as well as her master's degree in finance and poverty policy from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. She is a member of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Associate Board, the Flossmoor Juniors Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, and Big Shoulders Auxiliary Board. Kristin and her son are residents of Flossmoor, Illinois.

Mesirow Financial is a diversified financial services firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded in 1937, it is an independent, employee-owned firm with more than $37 billion in assets under management and more than 1,200 employees in offices across the country and in London. With expertise in Investment Management, Global Markets, Insurance Services and Consulting, Mesirow Financial strives to meet the financial needs of institutions, public sector entities, corporations and individuals. For more information about Mesirow Financial, visit its web site at mesirowfinancial.com.

For more information, please contact: Sheryl Dineen, Mesirow Financial, 312.595.8158.

The Mesirow Financial name and logo are registered service marks of Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc., © 2010, Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not necessarily complete and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. It should not be assumed that any recommendations incorporated herein will be profitable or will equal past performance. Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any Mesirow Financial investment vehicle(s).

Securities offered through Mesirow Financial, Inc. member NYSE, SIPC. Insurance services provided through Mesirow Insurance Services, Inc.