AmericaFirst Funds Trust welcomes new independent directors
AmericaFirst Funds, a subsidiary of DSS, Inc. (NYSE American: DSS), has refreshed its Board of Trustees with a set of notable changes. Independent directors David Friedensohn, Monica Himes, and Allan Siegel have stepped down from their roles. In their place, the Trust is bringing in new voices to better match its long-term goals and to sharpen its focus on execution. The shift signals a deliberate effort to align governance with strategy and to bring fresh, practical experience to the table.
New directors bring deep, practical experience
Following a shareholder proxy vote, AmericaFirst Funds has elected three new independent directors: Dr. Prabir Datta, Darryl Robinson, and Mark Gronet. Each has built a reputation in investment or asset management, and each adds a distinct area of strength. Together, they’re expected to broaden oversight and provide grounded, real-world perspective as the Trust refines its approach in a changing market.
Dr. Prabir Datta
Dr. Prabir Datta is a seasoned asset management executive with a strong operations lens. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Constellation Capital Management, a boutique credit hedge fund, where he worked across operations, risk management, and regulatory compliance. His academic background includes a PhD in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, adding a rigorous analytical foundation to his leadership experience. That combination—hands-on operational command and deep technical training—positions him to contribute meaningfully as the Trust shapes and executes its investment strategies.
Darryl Robinson
Darryl Robinson brings a direct line of experience from the real estate world. He is Managing Principal at NewQuest Crosswell and has built his career as a commercial real estate developer and investor. As co-founder of C2R Capital Management, he oversees private real estate lending, which gives him on-the-ground knowledge of sourcing, underwriting, and managing alternative investments. Robinson holds a degree in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Alabama. That blend of investing and operating experience is expected to inform the Trust’s view of alternative sectors and risk.
The future of AmericaFirst Funds
The third new director, Mark Gronet, has a track record of leading and growing teams in finance. As Managing Director at Buckingham Research, he helped expand the institutional sales business, building relationships and revenue. Earlier, he rose to President at Robert Olivier & Associates, reflecting a career that bridges finance and human capital management. Gronet earned a BS in Business Economics from the College of New Jersey. His perspective—part sales leadership, part organizational stewardship—adds a practical growth mindset to the boardroom.
Trust’s commitment to shareholder value
AmericaFirst Funds remains focused on improving operations and delivering sustained value to shareholders. The new directors’ diverse backgrounds—in hedge fund operations, real estate investing and lending, and institutional sales leadership—are expected to strengthen oversight and guide strategy in a fast-moving investment environment. Their combined experience should reinforce the Trust’s existing frameworks and open the door to thoughtful, disciplined opportunities. The goal is steady execution and clear accountability, with shareholders’ interests at the center.
About AmericaFirst Funds
AmericaFirst Funds offers mutual fund strategies aimed at capital growth, income, and opportunistic approaches. Its process draws on comprehensive analysis, including macroeconomic trends, monetary policy, and technical evaluations. The firm also shares weekly investment outlooks prepared by leading investment professionals, giving clients a consistent pulse on market thinking and added transparency into how views shape positioning.
About DSS, Inc.
DSS, Inc. operates across Product Packaging, Biotechnology, Commercial Lending, Securities, Investment Management, Alternative Trading, and Alternative Energy. Under new leadership since 2019, the company has focused on building a stronger foundation through strategic acquisitions and a diversified portfolio. The result is a platform designed for sustainable growth and positioned to participate in high-growth industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed on the AmericaFirst Funds Board of Trustees?
Three independent directors—David Friedensohn, Monica Himes, and Allan Siegel—resigned, and three new independent directors were elected following a shareholder proxy vote.
Who are the newly elected independent directors?
The new directors are Dr. Prabir Datta, Darryl Robinson, and Mark Gronet. Each brings relevant experience in investment, asset management, or organizational leadership that supports the Trust’s strategy.
What does Dr. Prabir Datta contribute to the Trust?
Dr. Datta offers deep expertise in operations, risk management, and regulatory compliance from his time as COO at Constellation Capital Management, supported by a PhD in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
How does Darryl Robinson’s background fit the Trust’s needs?
Robinson’s work as Managing Principal at NewQuest Crosswell and co-founder of C2R Capital Management adds practical insight into real estate development, investing, and private real estate lending—useful for evaluating alternative investment opportunities.
What investment approach does AmericaFirst Funds follow?
The Trust offers strategies focused on capital growth, income, and opportunistic investing, guided by analysis of macroeconomic trends, monetary policies, and technical factors. Clients also receive weekly outlooks prepared by leading investment professionals for added transparency.
