Longstanding Technology Consulting Firm Samaha & Associates Announces Succession Plan

By W.B. King

Grown from a small entrepreneurial venture into a respected industry leader under Sabeh Samaha’s leadership, the Miami-based Samaha & Associates announced a strategic leadership transition to support the company's continued growth and long-term vision.

“When I started this firm, my goal was to provide stellar technology consulting services to the credit union’s ‘people helping people’ movement. I am so thankful to each and every person who believed in our firm and supported us along the way,” said Samaha who started the company in 1998 and will remain a board member. “We have always been humbled by this support and all votes of confidence over these many years.”

Capable Hands

Left to right: Adam Denbo and Sabeh Samaha

As a board member, Samaha will focus on long-term strategy, governance, and support of the executive leadership team, while ensuring continuity of the company's mission and culture, he said. The company’s former Managing Partner, Adam Denbo, has been appointed President and CEO. He will assume responsibility for leading day-to-day operations and strategic growth initiatives.

“I am so pleased that Adam, who has been with the firm for over 15 years, is our new president and CEO. Our clients and team members couldn’t be in more capable hands,” Samaha added. “With Adam at the helm, the future is indeed bright.”

With an emphasis on mergers, third-party system conversions, and core system conversion project management, Denbo’s career within the credit union industry spans nearly 30 years. Prior to joining Samaha & Associates, he served as CEO of a credit union where he oversaw multiple mergers, expanded the branch network, increased assets under management by 50%, increased membership by 40%, increased profitability, and significantly increased the credit union’s CAMEL (capital, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, sensitivity) rating.

“I am deeply grateful for the years of mentorship and guidance Sabeh has provided, which have helped prepare me for this opportunity. I also extend my sincere thanks to Sabeh and the board of directors for their confidence and trust in my leadership,” said Denbo. “I look forward to building on the firm's strong foundation and leading it, and our team of exceptional industry experts, to continued success in the years ahead.”

Ensuring Successful Outcomes

The nationally recognized, technology-driven consulting group is comprised of seasoned professionals including senior consultants Olivia Reynolds, Disa D’Andrea, Janeace Liles, Steven Uhrman and Marlene Leonis. Together, they work collaboratively with financial institutions to develop, manage, and execute technology related optimization strategies, Samaha noted.

Denbo further explained that the firm specializes in vendor searches, negotiations, and comprehensive end-to-end implementations for core systems, cards and payment systems, digital banking, and lending systems.

“Services also extend to mergers and acquisitions, process improvement and implementations, revenue optimization, comprehensive technology planning, business resumption planning and special projects,” he noted. “Samaha & Associates exceeds expectations by creating a tailored approach to technology solutions that ensures seamless and successful outcomes for our clients.”