Christopher M. Lazzara is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of MountainStar Partners, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Mr. Lazzara is skilled in finance, operations, and management. He leads the firm’s investment committee, directs investment strategy, and oversees all major initiatives for MountainStar Partners and its affiliated companies. Although its holdings include diversified positions in financial markets, the firm’s focus is in active and passive direct investment, real estate, health and joint venture opportunities. The firm’s flexible decision making process, team culture and due diligence processes are the central components of its success.
Mr. Lazzara is also the Co-founder of the Georgia School of Orthodontics, the nation’s largest Orthodontic Residency Program. The Program has gained national acclaim for its advanced facilities, quality care and service to both the military and underserved communities. He serves as the Chair of Finance on the Executive Committee of GSO’s Board of Trustees and leverages MountainStar’s Health Division to oversee administration of the Program.
Prior to founding MountainStar Partners in 2013, Mr. Lazzara served as Senior Managing Partner of Ponte Vedra Management Group (PVMG), an asset management group with diverse real estate, securities, and corporate holdings.
Mr. Lazzara is an active member of the community serving on the executive committees of several boards. He is on the Board of Trustee’s Executive Committee for the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation as well as the University of North Florida’s Student Affairs Community Council. Mr. Lazzara also directs all operations of the Lazzara Family Foundation, which has provided grants to worthy organizations since 1997. Mr. Lazzara co-chaired the 2016 Cowford Ball benefitting the American Cancer Society, which raised more $650,000 for the fight against cancer.
In 2017, Mr. Lazzara was honored with the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville Robert Arleigh White Award for Art Advocacy. He currently serves as board member for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. He was recognized as one of the six individuals who demonstrated the highest dedication to arts and culture in the Jacksonville community. Mr. Lazzara is also a member of YPO Jacksonville, the premiere leadership organization of chief executives around the world. Additionally, Mr. Lazzara was named as a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Jacksonville Business Journal. The Jacksonville Business Journal ranks top young professionals in North Florida annually
Mr. Lazzara is a graduate of the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University where he received the Presidential Award for Service. He has numerous certificates from the Wharton’s School’s Center for Executive Education and is a graduate of the Political Leadership Institute of Jacksonville.