ADA, OK – The Chickasaw Nation has established Pennington Creek Capital, a private capital investment firm with plans to open an investment office in Dallas, TX, led by Curt Crofford, Hicks Equity Partners Managing Director, reporting to Dan Boren, Chairman of the investment firm and Secretary of Commerce for the Chickasaw Nation. The newly established office, coupled with the recent launch of Good Springs Capital in mid-2023, furthers the continued expansion of the Chickasaw Nation’s diversification efforts.
Crofford joins Pennington Creek Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sovereign Native Holdco, to expand the reach and accelerate the firm’s strategy of investing in middle market companies with strong cash flow characteristics led by founders and entrepreneurs with high potential for growth and a strong market position.
“Through selective investments in established enterprises with solid leadership and strong values, Sovereign Native Holdco has driven economic expansion and growth for companies while generating returns we can use to deliver quality programs and services for the betterment and advancement of our citizens and the communities we serve,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby.
“With Curt’s three decades of diverse investment experience globally and his extensive relationships nationally, we are confident he will be instrumental in executing our investment strategy and opening new opportunities,” said Boren.
For the past 19 years, Crofford has executed, managed and overseen a broad investment mandate in the private equity investing group of the Thomas O. Hicks family office. At Hicks Equity Partners, Crofford identified selective investments ranging from $10 million to $100 million in middle market companies ranging in value from $30 million to $500 million, where he focused on specialty manufacturing, commercial aerospace and defense, food and beverage, software, oil and gas, and distribution companies.
“Curt’s notable success in identifying and leading significant investments will bring a fresh perspective and energy to our firm. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to what lies ahead,” said Boren said.
“I am thrilled to join Pennington Creek Capital and be part of a seasoned and respected organization focused on investing with greater purpose, namely, to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people,” said Crofford. “Additionally, I have admired the Chickasaw Nation’s business acumen for many years, and I have profound respect for the leadership of Governor Anoatubby and Secretary Boren. I am looking forward to this next chapter of my career. I believe strongly that the patient, long-term capital of the Chickasaw Nation is a compelling alternative to the increasingly short hold periods of institutional private equity firms.”
