Press Releases

Brian Mielcusny and Samantha Barbara Named 2025 Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars

October 6, 2025

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Benesch is pleased to announce that Partner Brian Mielcusny and Senior Managing Associate Samantha Barbara have been named 2025 Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars in Northeast Ohio.

The Rising Stars program recognizes emerging leaders in the M&A space. Honorees are selected for their sophistication and depth of experience in buying and selling assets, investing and raising capital, managing liquidity events, and overseeing acquisitions and integrations.

“We are proud to see Brian and Samantha recognized among this year’s Rising Stars,” said Corporate Practice Group Co-Chair Megan Mehlako. “Both bring exceptional skill, insight and dedication to their work. This recognition reflects the value they deliver to clients and the impact they have made in the Northeast Ohio dealmaking community.”

Brian Mielcusny

With a decade of experience, Brian counsels clients on corporate and securities matters, including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, fund formation and investment management. He has led a wide variety of complex transactions for a broad spectrum of clients, including family-owned businesses, private equity sponsors, institutional investors and public companies. Brian also regularly advises public company clients on corporate governance, SEC reporting obligations and board oversight matters, blending technical skills with practical, service-oriented execution.

Samantha Barbara

Samantha represents public and privately held companies and private equity funds in complex mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, corporate governance and securities law matters. Her deal work spans the full lifecycle, from formation to exit, and includes high-stakes acquisitions, carve-outs, recapitalizations and IPOs. She also advises on entity formation, board governance, regulatory compliance and business strategy, earning her a trusted seat at the table during clients’ most critical growth and liquidity events.

View the full list of honorees.