Stephen S. Riven – Co-Founder, Senior Managing Partner

Email: sriven@avondalepartnersllc.com
Phone: 615.467.3458


In an interesting way Steve Riven’s paths as a tennis player and financial professional can be defined by the same characteristics.

Dedication.  Passion. Success.

While at Vanderbilt in the 60’s, Steve was a varsity tennis player. He continues to play today and in 2013 won a medal in Israel at the Maccabiah Games (the third largest sporting event in the world behind the Olympics and the PanAm Games).  Following his graduation from Vanderbilt, he started his business career at J. C. Bradford where he spent 23 years and rose to the position of General Partner. In the late 80’s he joined Equitable Securities where he was a Managing Director and member of the board of directors. It was in 2001 that Stephen founded Avondale Partners with Pat Shepherd and Philip Krebs. Today he serves as the company’s Chairman and Senior Managing Director.

But there is more to Steve than work and tennis. He has been to Israel five times. He and his wife Jan list Florence as their favorite city.  He will tell you the most influential people in his life are his wife, Tommy Frist, former governor Phil Bredeson and Judge Frank Drowota. Steve presently sits on the boards of Vanderbilt Medical Center, Frist Visual Arts Center and Montgomery Bell Academy.  Steve received his BA from Vanderbilt University and his LLB from the Nashville School of Law.

“If I had to pick one musical artist as my favorite it would be Aretha Franklin.” -Stephen Riven