Oppenheimer Expands Public Finance Team with Rideaux and Carter

Oppenheimer & Co. is aggressively scaling its public finance division, appointing Bruce Rideaux as a Managing Director and elevating Lauren Carter to lead negotiated underwriting. The firm, which has climbed 28 spots in competitive underwriting rankings this year, seeks to capitalize on growing demand for complex infrastructure financing.

Money Talk·August 24, 2026·reads: 359

Based in Dallas, Rideaux brings two decades of experience in public-private partnerships and transportation project finance. His background includes roles at Hilltop Securities, PFM Financial Advisors, and UBS, with a track record of advising on more than $35 billion in deals. He will focus on leveraging his expertise to support state and local government clients.

Lauren Carter, who joined the firm in March, will take over negotiated underwriting duties following the retirement of Beth Wolchock. Carter retains her responsibilities in competitive underwriting, a segment where she has consistently ranked among the top national performers. This leadership consolidation follows a broader talent acquisition strategy that added executives Matt Davis and Brendan Shanahan to the firm's trading and underwriting desks.

The organizational growth coincides with industry recognition for the firm’s leadership. Beth Coolidge, who has headed the public finance unit since 2024 and overseen a 200% increase in senior-managed negotiated par volume, has been elected to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. Coolidge will begin her four-year term on the board on October 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the firm’s standing in the municipal market.