The Ridgepine Team
Combining extensive investment experience with deep expertise in behavioral analysis.
Trenton O. Smith
Investments
Trenton's Bio
Trenton O. Smith is the former Head of Equities and Alternative Investments at AAA – The Auto Club Group, a $9 billion AUM not-for-profit property and casualty insurer and automotive services membership organization. Mr. Smith developed AAA’s private markets investment program from the ground up, increasing the firm’s allocation to private markets from less than 1% to 25%, with $1.8 billion in commitments. His strategic approach enabled the AAA portfolio to exit the J-curve in under three years.
Previously, Mr. Smith was a Portfolio Manager for Dow’s portfolio investments group. In this role, he oversaw $2.5 billion of the $36 billion in global corporate pension and captive insurance company assets. He managed a $500 million direct real estate portfolio, handled private equity investments, led private credit underwriting, and sat on the alternative investments committee, evaluating investments across private credit, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private equity.
Mr. Smith holds an M.B.A. in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a B.A. in Global Trade from Brigham Young University.
John S. Pennington
Legal & Compliance
John's Bio
John S. Pennington is an experienced compliance professional and attorney specializing in investment funds, corporate and business law, real estate, and securities. With over a dozen years of legal expertise, he is licensed to practice in New York and Utah, and holds a Series 65 license.
Most recently, Mr. Pennington was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, where he advised investment funds on over $10 billion in capital formations. His expertise in fund formation, securities, and business law has made him a trusted advisor for successful client outcomes.
Previously, Mr. Pennington served as Chief Compliance Officer at Sundance Bay, a multi-asset manager with over $800 million in investments. He led the firm’s SEC registration as a Registered Investment Advisor, managed compliance and regulatory issues, and ensured adherence to industry standards.
Mr. Pennington began his career at Bridge Investment Group (NYSE: BRDG), a real estate investment group with over $48 billion AUM. As associate counsel, he gained crucial insights into fund management and real estate law.
Mr. Pennington holds a J.D. from Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and a B.A. in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University.
