Thomas C. Ruffing is Chief Credit Officer and Head of Asset Management for the Company and has served in such capacity since 2006. Mr. Ruffing is responsible for the credit underwriting and asset management of the Company's and its Funds' investment portfolios, as well as special servicing and CDO collateral management activities. Prior to joining the Company in 2001, Mr. Ruffing was employed by JP Morgan Chase serving in its Real Estate & Lodging Investment Banking Group from 1990 to 2001. Mr. Ruffing holds a B.S. and an M.E. from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from the Columbia School of Business.