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Discover more about the history, people, milestones, and contributions that have shaped Michigan Ross.
Thomas Harper, MBA '99, Blue & Co., LLC, a Top 60 Accounting Firm based in Carmel, Indiana, is delighted to share that Tom Harper has been promoted to Chief Growth Officer (CGO), effective February 11, 2022. Harper is Blue & Co.’s first CGO, having previously served as the firm’s first Business Development Officer. “I am pleased to announce that Tom Harper has been promoted to Chief Growth Officer,” Brad Shaw, managing director said. “He has come in and been the trusted advisor to our group while helping us navigate the complexities of building a business development engine and delivering substantial growth for our firm.” [Est. 02.2022]
John Decker, BBA '97 partner at Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C., a leading Michigan business law firm, was named Chair of the firm’s Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions practice groups. As part of his expanded role as Corporate practice group leader Decker will oversee the firm’s team of corporate and M&A experts in providing high-quality and strategic legal counsel to clients needing assistance navigating the complexities of large business transactions. Decker has been with Jaffe since 2003. [EST 2.2022]
Eric Leininger, MBA '81, after 11 terrific years, I retired from the faculty of the Kellogg School of Management. I will continue my executive coaching practice with Executive Coaching Connections. On the personal front, Claire and I welcomed two granddaughters over the last 2 1/2 years, Lila and Violet. We split our time between Barrington Hills, Illinois and Longboat Key, Florida. Congratulations! Est. 12.2021
Roberto Larios, EMBA '14, was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the Employees Club of California in October. He is the third CEO in the organization's 93-year history and first Mexican American. The Employees Club of California is a subsidiary of the Los Angeles City Employees Association, a voluntary benefits services association (VEBA) administering benefits and services to 50,000 city, county and state public service members. Congratulations! Est. 11.2021
John Selmon Blakley Sr., BBA '80, was honored virtually at the twenty-third U.S. States Senate Youth Alumni Association Annual Awards Ceremony. He received the James Thomas Molloy Alumni Service Award for his public service work that established the Association. John is the founding president of the Association. The Association was established in 1999 to help support graduate students who were recipients of The William Randolph Hearst Foundation U.S. Senate Youth Program scholarship. Congratulations! Est. 11.2021
Howard Prager, MBA '80, has published "Make Someone's Day: Becoming a Memorable Leader in Work and Life" through Koehler Books. He has appeared on many podcasts, news programs, and articles talking about the four most powerful words someone can say to you: "You made my day." He welcomes the opportunity to speak to any organization and club about how making someone's day can increase productivity, motivation, and retention, all while becoming a better manager. The book is available at bookstores through Ingram Press and on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target.com. Est. 12.2021
David Rutz, BBA '90. Wow, how business success follows those who work toward a vision with discipline. Ross prepared us for that. I am grateful for the discipline I learned at Ross. My company is celebrating its 6th year as a leading small business capital provider, while offering home based businesses (Business Capital Agencies) to people all over North America. We have helped thousands of agents get started and helped fund thousands of small business owners. Currently, we are helping more businesses get funding by helping more agents adopt the same discipline and focus as a Ross student. :) We also launched BankBreezy-America's very first "Instant Approval Same Day Funding up to $25k" BankBreezy.com/escape. Est 10.2021