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Celeste Baxter
Research Director
With over 20 years of Target Research experience, Celeste contributes to Nolan’s sell side and buy side research activities. She collaborates with Nolan’s deal teams to understand the goals of our clients as they relate to the sale or acquisition of a company, then delivers qualitative and quantitative research that aligns with the criteria provided by the client to find that desirable match.
Because of her multiple industry-spanning research background, Celeste has a deep understanding of diverse industries, along with an appreciation for the goals of sellers, acquirers and private equity groups. She holds historical and current knowledge of middle market M&A activity that is applied to her daily work. Celeste supports each transaction utilizing Nolan’s proprietary information services, latest tools and technology. She is tenacious in her own efforts to satisfy Nolan’s client’s goals.
Prior to joining Nolan, Celeste supported the research efforts at a St. Louis independent investment firm for 7 years. She earned her degree at Allegheny College, spending her undergraduate summers as a cartographer/research assistant for Archaeology digs at Clarion University. Reconnecting with former colleagues, Celeste spent the last 5 year’s summer sessions participating in Archaeological digs in Mainz, Germany. Memorable sites included finding a WWII bomb shelter that had been destroyed in Allied raids, as well as exploring the excavation of the oldest church in Germany to include finding Roman ruins beneath the site.
Celeste’s volunteer activities have included working for Sign of the Arrow, a philanthropic group that donates all profits from their needlepoint shop to charity. Celeste has been a volunteer and sponsor for University City Children’s Center.
When she is not digging for research information or Archaeological relics, Celeste spends enjoyable time digging in her own expansive garden and baking delicious treats.
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” – Zora Neale Hurston
