News
J.S. Held Acquires Element Forensic Engineering, Expanding Insurance-Focused Capabilities for Mid-Market and Large Loss Property Claims Across Canada
Read More
The J.S. Held Strategic Advisory director joins Michael Jacoby, Brian Gleason, Jim Aronoff, Michael Sutters, and Kevin Doyle among firm experts honored in the ABF Journal's Legends & Leaders series.
NEW YORK, NY, September 9, 2026 -- Global consulting firm J.S. Held announced today that Director Betsy Landoll has been recognized by middle-market specialty finance magazine ABF Journal as a Trailblazer and one of its 2026 leading women in specialty finance.
As part of the ABF Journal’s 2026 Legends & Leaders special edition, Trailblazers are individuals who have not only achieved extraordinary results for clients but also reshaped the landscape of the specialty finance industry.
Betsy Landoll advises global and domestic corporations, lenders, investors, and other stakeholders on complex strategic and operational matters, helping organizations navigate transactions, growth initiatives, and business challenges across a variety of industries, including real estate, healthcare, technology, media, and retail. Prior to joining J.S. Held, Betsy worked in venture capital at a real estate technology startup and led the development and implementation of United Airlines' biometrics program, collaborating closely with government agencies and technology providers.
When asked by ABF Journal to share a project that posed unique complexities, she shared, “One of the most rewarding and complex chapters of my career was navigating the receivership of a $200+ million walnut farming and processing enterprise in Northern California.” Expanding upon her role, she added, “Directing strategy and stakeholder communications to monetize millions of pounds of inventory required far more than technical skills — it demanded the ability to make difficult decisions with incomplete information, build trust amid competing interests, and lead through uncertainty.”
"Betsy brings judgment that clients feel immediately. She sees the strategic path through situations that are complex, contested, or simply unclear," said Michael Jacoby, who leads J.S. Held's Strategic Advisory practice. "This recognition reflects what she delivers for corporations, private equity firms, and their capital sources every day."
Betsy joins a group of other experts within J.S. Held recognized by the ABF Journal in their Legends & Leaders, including:
Brian Gleason, a Certified Turnaround Professional, was recognized in 2026 as an Icon for his longstanding leadership in specialty finance.
Michael Sutters, recognized as a NextGen leader in 2026 for his ability to translate complexity into clear, actionable strategies, enabling clients to move from uncertainty to execution with confidence.
Michael Jacoby, who leads J.S. Held’s Strategic Advisory practice, was recognized in the ABF Journal’s 2025 Legends & Leaders as an Icon.
Kevin Doyle, a restructuring professional experienced in special situation transactions, was recognized in 2025 as a NextGen Tomorrow’s Leader, a rising star paving the way forward.
James H. Aronoff, with over 40 years of experience as an attorney, consultant, and investment banker specializing in financial institutions, structured finance, and private credit, was recognized as an Icon in 2025.
These recognitions reflect the depth of J.S. Held’s Strategic Advisory expertise and the firm’s work supporting debtors, creditors, counsel, investors, and boards of directors in distressed and complex situations. J.S. Held’s Strategic Advisory practice includes professionals across the United States who advise clients in turnaround and restructuring, fiduciary services, investment banking, operational value creation, and complex litigation.
J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.
More than 1,500 professionals serve organizations across six continents, including 84% of the Global 200 Law Firms, 75% of the Forbes Top 20 Insurance Companies (90% of the NAIC top 50 Property & Casualty Insurers), and 71% of the Fortune 100 Companies.