22nd Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon

Monday, February 12, 2018 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. MGM Grand

A Program of:

& The Business Education Group

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Program Supporters Table Sponsors Event Agenda

9:00 am Registration and Networking

9:30 am Welcome and Kickoff Jennifer Kluge, MichBusiness, President

9:35 am Play To Win Panel Female athletes, coaches and sports leaders discuss how they translated what they learned in sports to their careers and ultimately driving their success in the business world. Moderator: Teresa Lucido, Comcast Spotlight Panelists: Scott Cooper, Grosse Pointe North High School Terri Anthony-Ryan, Detroit Mercy Titans Michele Lewis Watts, Madonna University

10:15 am Non-Profit Activity Supporting Detroit PAL

11:00 am Exhibit Gallery & Networking Break

11:15 am Keynote Speaker Meryl Davis, Olympic Ice Dance Champion

12:00 pm Lunch Served

Induction of the Business Women Hall of Fame The criteria for this honor are women leaders who have not only had significant business success, many at a global level, but have also made Michigan a better place to live and work through their efforts. Their contributions are significant and will impact future women leaders for generations to come. Many have received other honors, including this program in years past, but their continued success and drive to improve the lives of others entitles them to this induction. Terry Barclay, Inforum Florine Mark, Weight Watchers Group Sandy Pierce, The Huntington National Bank Carole Valade, Gemini Publications

Awards Emcee: Rhonda Walker, WDIV Channel 4

1:00 pm Leadership In The Workplace Honorees Panel: Experience and Expertise This group of distinguished and proven leaders share their stories of success as we honor them today. They will provide a better understanding of what it means to be a successful community and corporate leader through their experience, advice and the challenges they overcame. Dr. Holly Gilmer, St. John Hospital Evette Griffie, DTE Energy Margaret Kennedy, PwC Carolyn Krieger, CKC Agency Monica L. Martinez, Comerica Amy Peterson, Rebel Nell Carla Walker-Miller, Walker-Miller Energy LLC

Panel Moderator: Carol Cain, CBS 62

2:00 pm Closing Remarks

Speakers

Keynote Speaker Meryl Davis Olympic Ice Dance Champion When Meryl first fell in love with figure skating on a frozen lake by her childhood home outside of Detroit, Michigan, she had no idea the journey she was about to embark on. Teaming up with partner, Charlie White at the young age of nine, Meryl and Charlie began their quest together. Neither knowing much about the discipline of ice-dance, the team was driven by a passion for skating and the desire to learn, grow and see improvement from one day to the next. 20 years later, Meryl and Charlie are the reigning Olympic Champions and the first and only Americans to win the event. They’re also six-time U.S. Champions and 2- time World Champions, making them the most decorated U.S. ice dancers of all time. Immediately following their 2014 Olympic win in Sochi, Russia, Meryl and Charlie continued to dance into the hearts of Americans on season 18 of the hit TV show, Dancing with the Stars. With pro partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Meryl again came away with a win and the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Continuing her post-Olympic whirlwind, Meryl now travels the world sharing her passion for skating with some of the most loved international skating tours, including Stars on Ice. With education always having been a priority, she is also currently finishing up degrees at the University of Michigan. For Meryl, the journey to becoming an Olympic Champion was filled with challenges and opportunities that allowed her to find strength and confidence. As such, Meryl now seeks to empower girls and young women through her multiple philanthropic endeavors. Most prominently, Meryl is proud to be a Founding Co-Chair of Figure Skating in Detroit, a youth development organization that empowers girls to develop life skills through the sport of figure skating with a heavy emphasis on education. Meryl is also on the Advisory Panel of the Women’s Sports Foundation, a UNICEF Kid Power Champion, and Classroom Champions Athlete. Play to Win Panel Moderator Teresa Lucido Senior Vice President Advertising Sales, Comcast Spotlight Teresa’s leadership with Spotlight is shaping the future of video advertising by bringing brands and audiences together through the power of premium video and advanced analytics. She is responsible for the overall sales strategy and execution in 31 designated market areas including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Boston and Detroit. Teresa joined Comcast Spotlight in 2006. In 2011 she was selected to serve as Vice President and General Manager for Spotlight’s Michigan markets until being named Central Division Senior Vice President in 2014. In 2016, Teresa was appointed Senior Vice President, Advertising Sales. She is a graduate of both the Women in Cable Telecommunication’s prestigious Betsy Magness Leadership Institute and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Leadership Program. She has also been named by Cablefax as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Cable” in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Teresa serves as an executive sponsor of Comcast Spotlight’s Diversity Advisory Council and as a board member of the New York Interconnect. A graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Communication, Teresa has over 30 years of media experience spanning print, agency, radio, TV and online. Prior to joining Comcast Spotlight, she spent 18 years with the Detroit Newspapers where she held several sales and marketing leadership positions, including Vice President of Advertising Sales. Teresa’s involvement in the community is evidenced by being the recipient of a national philanthropic award for her work with Detroit’s St. John Hospital and Medical Center and her extensive work with the Women Thrive Conference/MichBusiness. She also serves as a Trustee for CATCH/Sparky Anderson’s Children’s Charity benefitting Children’s and Henry Ford Hospitals.

Speakers

Play to Win Panel Panelist Scott Cooper Girls Cross Country Head Coach Grosse Pointe North High School Coach Cooper is an avid runner, coach and motivator of young female athletes. For 27 years he’s been teaching social studies at Parcells Middle School in Grosse Pointe and the head coach for the girls cross country team at Grosse Point North for the last 25 years, coaching more than 80 girls a year. Through his career he’s only seen one losing season in 25 years. He knows what it takes to motivate, inspire and take the teaching of athletics to other aspects of life.

Play to Win Panel Panelist Terri Anthony-Ryan Head Women’s Golf Coach, Detroit Mercy Titans A noted golf professional in the area for the last two decades, this will be her 13th season as head coach of the Titans in 2017-18. She joined the Detroit Mercy staff in July of 2005 and clearly has the program heading in the right direction as the Titans have won three Championships in the last eight years, including back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. For her efforts and the team’s success on the season, she was named Co-Coach of the Year, the second-straight time and her third career Coach of the Year accolade. During her time at Detroit Mercy, Anthony-Ryan has coached 21 All-Conference selections, 15 All-Horizon League Tournament honorees, 18 Academic All- Americans, three Horizon League Medalist and three HL Player and Newcomers of the Year. Her teams have secured 22 tournament titles, while individuals have captured 24 medalist hon- ors. Her teams have also done the work in the classroom taking home the Team Excellence Awards for hav- ing the highest cumulative team GPA at the University in five of the last eight years. In addition to winning the Detroit Mercy Team Excellence Award, the women’s golf team has also been recognized with the Horizon League “Raise Your Sights” award in five of the last eight seasons, which recognizes the highest men’s and women’s team GPAs for Horizon League sponsored sports. Anthony-Ryan also serves as the head golf pro at the Beechwoods and Evergreen Hills Golf Courses in nearby Southfield, a position she’s held since 1989. During her professional career, she has also been the head pro at Valley View Golf Course (Shepherd, MI), and has been an assistant at Western Golf & Country Club (Redford Township, MI), Whispering Willows Golf Course (Livonia, MI) and Doral Country Club (Miami, FL). Anthony-Ryan graduated from Saginaw Valley State in 1981, majoring in Business Administration, and received her Education degree from University of Michigan in 1992. She attained her PGA membership in 1984. Speakers

Play to Win Panel Panelist Michele Lewis Watts Director of the Sport Management Program, Assistant Professor Madonna University On a day to day basis at Madonna University you’ll find Michele advising, teach- ing and recruiting students. She is currently writing her dissertation toward her Ph.D. in Sports Science with a concentration in Sports Sociology at . Her research interests center on the gap in sports participation by African American girls. Specifically, she is exploring the role of gender identity and athletic identity for African American middle school girls in Detroit. She has published research on African American women’s portrayal as athletes in women’s magazines and engagement by and presentation of athletes with disabilities, and spoken around the state about the value of sports for girls and women and coaching girls. She taught the first ever sports marketing course at University of Michigan Dearborn and was an adjunct faculty member for Wayne State University’s Sports Administration graduate program. She coaches high school and club volleyball, mentors players and young coaches, and is a founding member of the Detroit Volleyball Coaches Association, all to help grow the game and the presence of girl athletes in the city. She also serves on the board of Detroit PAL. Lewis Watts has 20 years of experience in sports and events management, starting her career at the . Lewis Watts’ work experience also includes being a staff member of the Super Bowl XL Host Committee and 2009 Final Four Organizing Committee and stints at the Detroit Zoo, The Parade Company and Michigan Women’s Foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from North Carolina A&T State University (Summa Cum Laude) and Masters in Sports Administration from . Speakers

Michigan Business Women Hall of Fame Induction Emcee Rhonda Walker WDIV Channel 4 Rhonda Walker has been waking Detroiters up with weekday news for 13 years with her incredible energy, enthusiasm, impeccable style and passion for her hometown. Since 2003, she has held the position of weekday morning news anchor on “Local 4 News Morning” at the NBC affiliate in Detroit, WDIV-TV for five of her six years at Local 4. In 2007, she took a break from the morning news and held a dual position of evening co- anchor and health reporter. Prior to this assignment she has held the positions of Noon News Anchor at Local 4, along with hosting and producing “4 Your Children”, a dynamic, compelling segment targeting parents and children. She also pro- vides daily newscasts for their website clickondetroit.com. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications.

Leadership In The Workplace Honorees Panel Moderator Carol Cain CBS 62 & Detroit Free Press Columnist Carol Cain is the nine-time Emmy Award Winning Senior Producer/ Host of “Michigan Matters” — the weekly show airing on CBS 62 focusing on politics, business, education and more. It features high profile guests as well as weekly panelists. Carol has interviewed Govs Rick Snyder, Jeb Bush, GM CEO Mary Barra, Hank Aaron, Bill Ford, Dan Gilbert, the Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. to name a few of the hundreds of high profile leaders she’s talked to. She also is assisting the CBS station with its Peabody-nominated “Eye on the Future” effort which includes TV specials addressing impor- tant community issues.Carol also is an award-winning columnist at Detroit Free Press, writing about business, politics and more. A prolific writer, she also pens stories and columns for CBS, Dome Magazine and others. She conducted an exclusive online digital debate between President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney in 2012 as part of the presidential contest which ran on CBS websites nationwide. She has served as national editor, political editor, business editor and columnist at Detroit Free Press, business editor at Toledo Blade, business reporter and nationally-syndicated columnist at The Detroit News, and reporter and editor at United Press International. Born in Detroit, she attended DPS and obtained a BA in Communications from Michigan State University, and MBA from UM’s Ross School of Business. Carol has received numerous awards for her work from the NAACP, NAWBO, Inforum, the Greater Detroit Chinese Association, the Michigan Muslim Community Council, the League of Women Voters, Niagara Foundation, Detroit Chinese Business Association, and others. Shooting Stars

Evette Griffie Chief of Staff of Customer Service and Economic Development, DTE Energy In Evette’s role, she leads the strategic annual planning process, provides benchmarking and market insight to identify capabilities to improve DTE Energy’s competitive positioning, and informs the Senior Vice President’s agenda. Since joining DTE Energy, Evette has made significant improvements to the organization’s strategic business planning process and led the incubation and execution of critical cross-functional SVP-sponsored initiatives. Prior to joining DTE, Evette held several roles in finance, community and government affairs. Most recently she served as Manager of External Affairs for AT&T Michigan where she was responsible for government affairs, corporate contributions, and community relations in Detroit and southern Oakland County. Griffie attended the University of Michigan where she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. She is a member of the Links, Inc. and has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations including the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the Belle Isle Conservancy. She has been recognized by Crain’s Detroit as a “20 in their 20’s” and by the Michigan Chronicle as a “40 under 40.”

Margaret Kennedy Private Company Services Assurance PwC As a manager in the Private Company Services Assurance practice, Margaret serves clients in the construction, retail, and manufacturing industries. She co-leads the national PCS staff advisory council, representing the interests of more than 2,000 professionals to national leadership. In addi- tion, she is co-chair of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Emerging Philanthropist committee. She also serves on the conference committee for the West Michigan Policy Forum. Margaret is originally from Grand Rapids and is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. Leadership In The Workplace Honorees Holly Gilmer, MD Adult and Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, St. John Providence Among her daily duties as an adult and pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Gilmer is also an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Medical School. She graduated cum laude from Harvard University, and received her medical degree from the University of Michigan. She then completed residency in neurosurgery at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, followed by fellowships in peripheral nerve surgery at Louisiana State University Medical Center and pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Michigan/Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Gilmer’s research and clinical special- ties include Chiari malformations, dysraphism, hydrocephalus, neuro-oncology, peripheral nerve surgery, and craniofacial reconstruction. She has given over 80 lectures nationally and interna- tionally, and is a regular reviewer for Neurosurgery, Operative Neurosurgery, World Neurosurgery, and the Journal of the National Medical Association. Dr. Gilmer has just completed her term on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and is a current member of the AANS Professional Conduct Committee. She is currently President of the Peripheral Nerve Task Force, and is a member of the Executive Committee of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Spine and Peripheral Nerve. She has served on the Executive Committees of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies, and has been Vice-Chair of the CNS Education Committee. She is past President of Women in Neurosurgery and the Michigan Association of Neurological Surgeons. Leadership In The Workplace Honorees

Carolyn Krieger Founder and President, CKC Agency Carolyn’s impeccable reputation, unwavering integrity and endless creativity as a public relations powerhouse are the foundation upon which CKC Agency is built. The deep, trusted business, client and media relationships Carolyn has developed during her 30+ year career transcend the typical. She relishes her role as a sought-after source and sounding board for everyone from corporate leaders to clients, media contacts from the boardroom to the newsroom, and seasoned to young industry professionals. Early in her career, this Michigan State University communications graduate was one of Detroit’s most prominent, in-demand radio promotion directors, creating iconic contests and garnering local and national publicity at three of metro Detroit’s top-rated radio stations, 100.3 WNIC-FM, 99.5 WDTX-FM and 104.3 WOMC-FM. She was recognized nationally as Outstanding Woman in Radio Mid-Management by the American Women in Radio and Television. Carolyn was also inducted into the National Association of Professional Women 2015- 2016 Woman of the Year Circle, and her company was named one of the Top 12 Public Relations Firms in Detroit by expertise.com for 2017 and 2018. Carolyn is passionate about publicizing local, regional and national businesses and brand leaders, and is com- mitted to providing an energizing, empowering work environment for her staff. CKC Agency’s client roster is almost exclu- sively referral-based. As smart, strategic storytellers, Carolyn and her team of experts have generated posi- tive press and big buzz in the print, Join in the broadcast and online media for a wide range of industries, including restaurants, retailers, food manufac- conversation turers, authors, nonprofit organiza- tions, medical professionals, enter- on social tainers, attorneys, fashion manufac- turers, conventions and events. Carolyn’s life has always followed a media for path of synchronicity, and she embraces challenges by finding “the gift” in each situation. For Carolyn, today’s event, personal friendships, business intro- ductions and client relationships fall use hashtag: seamlessly into place. She is the proud mom of two incredible daugh- ters, Alanna and Alissa, who are the lights of her life. Leadership In The Workplace Honorees Monica L. Martinez Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Michigan and National Director of Hispanic Business Development Comerica Bank Monica’s role includes the dual roles of managing the corporate contributions function for the Michigan market as well as overseeing all aspects of the bank’s involvement of Hispanic Business Development nationally. Martinez oversees charitable contributions budgets in addition to all corporate philanthropic giving in including day-to-day program management of Comerica’s charitable founda- tion and sponsorship programs in the state of Michigan. In the capacity of National Hispanic Business Developer, Martinez serves as the liaison for the bank within the Hispanic community, directing Comerica’s Hispanic business and community outreach in the bank’s primary markets, which are comprised of Texas, Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan. Martinez joined Comerica in 2006 in support of the bank’s ongoing commit- ment to building strong relationships with Hispanic business owners, entrepreneurs and communities. Under her leadership, Martinez’ teams have reached many milestones including Comerica being named to the Hispanic Business Magazine’s Diversity Elite 60 list (in the top 10) in addition to being highlighted as the number one company for Supplier Diversity for two consecutive years. Other examples of her success include the launching of a Comerica Web site in Spanish and the acceptance of the Matricula Consular identification card at Comerica banking centers nationwide. Earlier in her career, Martinez worked at Ford Motor Company, where she served as Grassroots and Political Communications Manager, holding a variety of positions on the corporate staff during her 10-year tenure. Fluent in Spanish and English, Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, where she majored in International Business with a focus in Marketing. Martinez is also a graduate of the prestigious SMU Management program and is certified in Diversity Management from Cornell University. Martinez actively serves on the board of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber, SER Jobs for Progress National, New Detroit, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition and is the chairperson of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan Hispanic Advisory committee. Martinez has received a number of honors for her work. One of the most influential Latino leaders in the United States by Latino Leaders Magazine. In 2016, she was named as one of Corp! Magazine’s Diversity Business Leaders (for the second time). She also was among the 2016 Women that Soar honorees for her dedication to mentoring. She was also selected as one of the Top 10 Latina Women in Corporate America by Latino Leaders Magazine and was named as 2014 Latina of Influence by Hispanic Lifestyles.com. Leadership In The Workplace Honorees Amy Peterson Co-Founder and CEO, Rebel Nell “Let your passion be your motivation”- Amy Peterson believes in those exact words. Amy’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping others lead her to cofounding one of her greatest accomplishments, Rebel Nell in 2013. Rebel Nell is a jewelry company with a purpose, that employs dis- advantaged women in Detroit to help them transition from a life of depend- ence into one of self-reliance and self-empowerment. As Co-Founder, Amy’s background in law and brilliance in business has significantly con- tributed to the success of Rebel Nell in its early stages. When Amy moved to Detroit in 2007, she immediately fell in love with one of America’s great- est cities and was adamant about contributing to Detroit’s revival. Living next to one of the city’s most well known shelters gave Amy the unique opportunity to build relationships with many of the residents. The inspirational stories many of the women shared of overcoming emotional, physical and financial abuse were the catalyst for creating Rebel Nell. Amy was adamant about providing women in the shelters with an opportunity to lead an independent life. She believed that employment paired with financial literacy, business education, and a focus on life wellness would help them regain the confidence they need to lead them on the path to success. Amy has been recognized for the impact she has had in the city of Detroit. She achieved her B.A. in History from Kenyon College, her Doctor of Law J.D. from New England School of Law, and her Masters of Business Administration from Suffolk University- Sawyer School of Management.

Carla Walker-Miller Founder, President and CEO, Walker-Miller Energy Services Carla Walker-Miller is a savvy entrepreneur and a visionary leader deter- mined to change lives through energy. Established in 2000, the Detroit- based firm develops and implements energy efficiency solutions for utility, residential and commercial building owners. Ms. Walker-Miller is a proud Detroit booster, and champions issues related to water affordability and the intentional recruitment, training and employment of black Detroit resi- dents. Her firm has grown to more than 60 team members. An engineer by degree, Carla Walker-Miller led her business to double-digit growth after the recession, earning both local and national recognition as an innovative company. Over the past few years, WMES received several accolades, honored by Ernst & Young as the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year for Michigan and Northwest Ohio region in the cate- gory of Business Consulting. Other recognitions include an honor by The Heat and Warmth Fund as a trailblazer with the 2016 Alice Parker Award and by the Women President’s Organization as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-owned business in America for 2016. Also recognized by Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council as 2016 Employer of the Year and by the Michigan Small Business Administration as the 2015 Woman-Owned Business of the Year. In addition, WMES has been featured in national publications such as FORTUNE, EBONY, JET, Black Enterprise and Crain’s Detroit magazines. As a sought after speaker on issues relating to energy efficiency and sustainability, she is determined to bring underserved populations into the impor- tant energy dialogue. Her goal is to help communities make informed decisions regarding their own energy destinies. As part of her strong commitment to the Detroit community, she started a nonprofit organization in 2003 called The Water Access Volunteer Effort (WAVE) Fund. WAVE provides water bill assistance to low-income Detroit citizens and has distributed over $2 million to help over 9,500 families. Carla currently serves as the organization’s Founder and Executive Director. Business Women Hall of Fame Inductee

Terry Barclay President & CEO, Inforum Terry A. Barclay was appointed President and CEO of Inforum in 2001. In this position, Barclay oversees the only professional organi- zation in Michigan – and one of a few in the country – that combines strategic connections, proven professional development programs, a respected forum for new ideas, and original research to accelerate careers for women and boost talent initiatives for companies.

Inforum’s programs serve a broad range of professional women in different stages and types of careers – from emerging leaders, to high-potential executives, tech entrepreneurs, veterans and for-profit corporate board leaders. Inforum also conducts and publishes research on women’s leadership influence in Michigan.

In 2011, Inforum launched inGAGE™, its strategy to position Michigan as the Midwest hub for high-growth tech women entrepreneurs. inGAGE™ supports new and emerging sec- ond-stage entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and raise capital. In 2016, Inforum launched inSTEM, an initiative aimed at closing the STEM gender gap by engaging more women business leaders working in STEM fields as role models and mentors in existing local STEM programs.

Barclay is a trusted ally and sought-after resource in helping companies advance gender diversity to build inclusive work environments. She is an innovative thought leader on the topics of women’s leadership and talent engagement in companies and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Barclay is the author of several articles and co-author of original research including the biennial Michigan Women’s Leadership Index, now in its twelfth year.

Barclay currently serves on the boards of Cranbrook Institute of Science; The Nature Conservancy of Michigan; Detroit Institute of Arts Diversity Committee; and ION. She is also an active angel investor in Michigan-based start-ups as a member of the Michigan Angel Funds I and II.

Prior to Inforum, Barclay was the founder and president of Operation ABLE of Michigan; served as senior vice president and chief external affairs officer for Hospice of Michigan; and was vice president of university relations for Oakland University.

Barclay earned a B.A. degree from the College of Wooster in Ohio and a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Business Women Hall of Fame Inductee

Florine Mark President & CEO, Weight Watchers Group, Inc. Detroit native Florine Mark, president and chief executive officer of Weight Watchers Group in Farmington Hills, was the first woman inducted into the National Management Associations Hall of Fame. She received the Entrepreneurial Visionary Award from the Women’s Business Center in Washington, D.C., and the Euro-American Woman’s Council Artemis Award in Greece. She was honored in Monaco as one of STAR Group’s 50 Leading Female Entrepreneurs in the World, and more recently was inducted into the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame as Woman of the Year. In June 2017, Detroit Public Television aired a two-hour documentary on Mark, focusing on how she started her business and the impact she has had on the State of Michigan as a business woman, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

She is affiliated with some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, including C200 and the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy’s School of Government, where she works to globally advance women in leadership and public policy, and creates solutions for public problems. Mark spent three years as the Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Detroit, Chicago Branch.

Mark has been named Michigan’s Executive of the Year by Wayne State University’s School of Business leaders and has ranked high in Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine in 2015 as one of the Most Powerful People in Michigan. She was awarded the Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at WSU and was named a Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News for making life in the state a richer experience. She was recently reap- pointed to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, and inducted into the Michigan Business Women Hall of Fame.

An activist and leader for many of Detroit’s influential boards, Mark is a member of the Jewish Federation, Detroit Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation and many more. 248-661-1515 www.Planterra.com

Business Women Hall of Fame Inductee

Sandra Pierce Chairman, Huntington Bank Michigan Sandy Pierce joined Huntington in 2016 after the FirstMerit merger and leads several revenue-generating businesses, including the Huntington Private Bank, Huntington Insurance and Huntington Auto Finance. She also has oversight of Regional Banking and Huntington’s regional presidents across its eight-state footprint. In addition, her leadership responsibilities include Public Affairs, as well as all state activities in Michigan.

While at FirstMerit, Pierce was appointed to Vice Chairman of FirstMerit Corporation and Chairman and CEO of FirstMerit Michigan. Pierce had direct oversight of and responsibility for Retail Banking, Wealth Management Services, and Corporate Marketing for FirstMerit Corporation and coordination of FirstMerit’s business activities in the state of Michigan.

Prior to joining FirstMerit, Pierce was Midwest Regional Executive, President and CEO for Charter One Bank, Michigan, a division of RBS Citizens, N.A. where she had responsibili- ties for commercial banking and all state bank activities in Michigan as well as oversight of all state activities in Illinois and Ohio and was a member of Citizens Financial Group’s Executive Leadership Group and the Midwest Regional Advisory Board.

Pierce began her successful and diverse career in 1978 when she joined NBD Bancorp as a teller while attending Wayne State University. Upon graduation, she held a number of significant roles in commercial banking, retail banking, marketing and private client services at NBD and its successor organizations First Chicago NBD, Bank One, and JPMorgan Chase. In 2002, Pierce became regional executive of the Retail Midwest Region at Bank One. In this role, Pierce managed 350 bank branches that served over one million house- holds and provided a full suite of consumer services, including: mortgages, small business loans, consumer loans and investments.

A native of Detroit, Pierce is a 1980 graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Business Administratio/Marketing degree. She earned a Masters of Business Administration/Finance degree from Wayne State University in 1984. She is a board member of Barton Malow Company, ITC Holdings Corp. and Penske Automotive Group. She is the Chair of the Board of Henry Ford Health System, and served as Chair of the Detroit Financial Advisory Board from 2012 through 2014. Current business associations and civic involvements include board membership on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Detroit Branch; Business Leaders for Michigan (Vice Chairman, Executive Committee, Audit Chair); College for Creative Studies; Detroit Economic Club (Board of Directors; Executive Committee); Detroit Regional Chamber (Prior Chair); Downtown Detroit Partnership; the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy; The Parade Company (Prior Chair, Board of Directors), and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Business Women Hall of Fame Inductee

Carole Valade Editor & Associate Publisher, Gemini Publications As Editor of Gemini Publications, Carole R. Valade is responsible for editorial policy, planning and development of publications and the editorial staffs of all Gemini publications, Grand Rapids Magazine, Grand Rapids Business Journal, www.GRBJ.com and Michigan Blue Magazine. She writes columns and editorials for each publica- tion. Valade joined Gemini Publications in 1987, and was one of the first women in the U.S. to be named editor of a regional business newspaper.

She has received first place awards for news writing and feature writing from the Associated Press, three first-place national awards for column writing and a first-place newspaper design award from the Michigan Press Association. In the time in which she has been Editor of Gemini Publications, both Grand Rapids Business Journal and Grand Rapids Magazine have been cited with more than 90 national honors, including 8 awards for overall excellence for both publications and national awards for digital media awards and investigative reporting in Grand Rapids Business Journal.

In 2011 the Michigan Business and Professional Association honored her with an award for Outstanding Professional and Community leadership. She was honored in May 1996, by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which cited Valade with the Michigan and then the U.S. Regional Media Advocate of the Year Award. She was one of 10 finalists for the national award. She was inducted in 1999 as the Distinguished Fellow of the Grand Rapids Community College Hospitality Hall of Fame, recognizing the work related to Grand Rapids Magazine annual dining awards and influence on industry professionalism. Valade writes and delivers a dozen speeches by invitation every year, which included an annual speech to the Economics Club of Grand Rapids for more than 10 years.

Before joining Gemini Publications, Valade worked for Knight-Ridder Newspapers in Niles and Detroit and for Thomson Newspapers in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania as a reporter, editor and management trainee. She covered the 1980 GOP National Convention, the House of Representatives and David Stockman’s Office of Management and Budget for Thomson’s Washington, D.C., bureau. Thanks to the MichBusiness Champions for supporting Adventures in Business all year long! Past Honorees 1997 Awardees 2003 Awardees Vernice Davis Anthony St. John Health System Florine Mark WW Group, Inc. Elaine Baker Oldies 104.3 WOMC Desma Reid-Coleman Quality Professional Services Beverly Beltaire Founder, PR Associates Gina Marie Torielli Howard and Howard Attorneys, PC Kathryn Elston Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Michelle Engler Humanitarian Focus: HOPE Waltraud Prechter Heinz Prechter Fund for Manic Depression Lorraine Schultz National Women’s Automotive Assn. Dr. Mary Sue Coleman University of Michigan Diana Lewis WXYZ-TV7 1998 Awardees Grace Gilchrist WXYZ TV-7 2004 Awardees Helen Love Ford Motor Company Bella Marshall Wayne County J. Kay Felt Dykema Gossett, LLC Marcie Brogan Brogan & Partners AJ Jemison Fairlane Towne Center Denise Ilitch Ilitch Holdings, Inc. Betty Jean Awrey Awrey Bakeries Cynthia Goodaker Crain’s Detroit Business Cindy Pasky Strategic Staffing Solutions 1999 Awardees Betsy DeVos Windquest Group, Inc. Julia Darlow Dickinson Wright, LLC Dr. Maureen Fay University of Detroit Dr. Lou Anna Simon Michigan State University Verna Green WJLB-FM 98 Radio 2005 Awardees Detroit City Council Bettejean Ahee Edmund T. Ahee Jewlers Geneva Williams United Way Community Services Carole Leigh Hutton Detroit Free Press Catherine Roberts Research Federal Credit Union Christina Lovio Lovio George, Inc. Sr. Frances Nadolny, O.P. Archdiocese of Detroit 2000 Awardees Pamela Rodgers Rodgers Chevrolet, Inc. Margaret Byington Great Lakes Corporate Resources, Inc. Nancy Schlichting Henry Ford Health System Deborah Dingell General Motors Foundation Linda Watters Office of Financial & Insurance Services Sister Mary Francilene Madonna University Edna Bell Wayne County Commissioner 2006 Awardees Maxine Niemeyer LTC Marketing, Inc. Carmen Harlan WDIV-TV Channel 4 Leslie Murphy Plante & Moran Governor of Michigan Mona Gualtieri Executive Vehicle Sales Anne Stevens Ford Motor Company Mary Ball International Institute of Metro Detroit Gail Torreano AT&T Michigan Marianne Udow Michigan Dept. of Human Services 2001 Awardees Sherry Washington Sherry Washington Gallery Irma Elder Elder Automotive Group Posthumously Dr. Jane Thomas Wayne State University Hon. (Retired) 2007 Awardees Dr. Margaret Talburtt Michigan Women’s Foundation Desiree Cooper Detroit Free Press Patricia Allen Cole Cole Financial Services Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Madonna University Dr. Gail Daly, RN Oakwood Healthcare Terry Lynn Land Michigan Secretary of State Roberta Jasina WWJ Newsradio 950 Sandra Pierce Charter One Bank Mary Jo Pulte Uno Restaurants of Southwest Mich. 2002 Awardees Shirley Stancato New Detroit, Inc. Jane Kay Nugent Detroit Edison, Retired Cynthia Taueg St. John Health Janet Belcoure Roma Café Denise J. Lewis Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn 2008 Awardees Nanette Lee Reynolds, EdD Michigan Department of Civil Rights Dorothy Deremo Hospice of Michigan Maggie Allesee Humanitarian Lydia Gutiérrez Hacienda Mexicn Foods Dr. Glenda Price Marygrove College Danialle Karmanos Work It Out Monica Gayle WJBK Fox 2 Mary Kramer Crain’s Detroit Business Barbara Mieras Davenport University Juliette Okotie-Eboh MGM Grand Casino Francine Parker Health Alliance Plan Lisa Webb Sharpe State of Michigan Past Honorees 2009 Awardees Kenyetta Campbell Cody Rough Community Action Alliance Dr. Linda Thompson Adams Oakland University Maxine Gray HermanMiller J. Kay Felt Dykema, Retired Elissa Hillary Local First Sue Marx Sue Marx Films, Inc. Dawn Stokes RBS Citizens Dr. Patricia Maryland St. John Health Sue Nine Philanthropist 2014 Awardees Andra Rush Rush Trucking Loretta Davis Institute for Population Health Rhonda Walker WDIV – TV Donna Inch Ford Land Jayne Homco Kroger 2010 Awardees Alyssa Martina Metro Parent Terry Barclay Inforum Kristina Marshall Winning Futures Linda Burwell Nemeth Burwell, PC Ann Thomas WJR Susie Ellwood Detroit Media Partnership Clarinda Barnett-Harrison MEDC Cheryl Gibson Fountain MD Wayne County Medical Society of Erin O’Brien Central Michigan University Southeast Michigan Research Corporation Faye Alexander Nelson Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Deirdre Greene Groves Challenge Detroit Patricia Nemeth Nemeth Burwell, PC Mariam Noland Community Foundation for SE Mich. 2015 Awardees Kathleen Wilbur Central Michigan University Annette Aronson Garden Fresh Gourmet Jessica Daniel FoodLab Detroit 2011 Awardees Lindsey Evert Detroit Symphony Orchestra Lizabeth Ardisana ASG Renaissance Linglong He Quicken Loans Kerry Doman After 5 Beth Morrison HAVEN Carol Goss The Skillman Foundation Kelly Rossman-McKinney Truscott Rossman Shanelle Jackson State Representative, 9th District Veronika Scott The Empowerment Plan Margery Krevsky Productions Plus Ruth Spencer WDIV Channel 4 Juanita Moore Charles H. Wright Museum Kathleen Straus Michigan State Board of Education Wayne County Prosecutor Dr. Bonita Stanton Wayne State University School of Medicine 2016 Awardees Carole Valade Gemini Publications Tonya Allen Skillman Foundation Sonya Zanardelli US Army TARDEC Karen Buscemi Detroit Garment Group/Detroit Sewn Karen DiChiera Michigan Opera Theatre 2012 Awardees Gwen MacKenzie Ascension Health Margarita Barry I Am Young Detroit/Detroit Design Lab Dr. Tonya Matthews Michigan Science Center Annis Brown Teach for America Barbara McQuade U.S. Attorney, Eastern Dist. of Mich. Carol Cain Detroit Free Press/WWJ TV50 Rachel Perschetz LIVE Detroit Theresa Chiang Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce Jeanette Pierce Detroit Experience Factory Sandra Hermanoff Hermanoff & Associates Inc. Rebecca Smith Better Life Bags Judy Zehnder Keller Bavarian Inn Lodge & Conference Center Evonne Xu Howard & Howard The Hon. Marilyn J. Kelly Michigan Supreme Court Susan Martin Eastern Michigan University 2017 Awardees Dara Munson Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit Jen Baird Accio Energy Ora H. Pescovitz, M.D. U of M and Univ. of Michigan Health System Melanie Bergeron Two Men and a Truck Vivian Pickard GM Foundation Monica Brown Breathe Enterprises Melissa Fernandez Spectrum Juvenile Justice Services 2013 Awardees Amy Good Alternatives For Girls Amanda Christides Plymouth Technology Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha Hurley Medical Center Anne Doyle Anne Doyle Strategies Tricia Keith Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI Kathleen Stiso Mullins Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and Julie James DROUGHT The Henry Ford Estate Caitlin James DROUGHT Nancy Hickey Steelcase Jenny James DROUGHT Linda Forte Comerica Foundation Jessie James DROUGHT Stephanie Bergeron Walsh College Khristi Miller Focus: HOPE Rochelle Riley Detroit Free Press Mary Ellen Sheets Two Men and a Truck Dawn White Accio Energy Thanks

Thanks to our Board of Advisors! Thank you to the Women Leaders Board of Advisors for providing advice to the Associations on all marketing and production that occur during the planning of the program.

Alexis Dishman Jennifer Kluge IFF MichBusiness

Lynn Drake Maureen Mahar Compass Commercial Farbman Group

Tracey Durden Dr. Tonya Matthews Madonna University Michigan Science Center

Maria Fracassa Dwyer Janelle Morck Clark Hill PLC CIA

Laura Eames Dee Dee Odom Lovasco Group MGM Grand Detroit

Denise Fleckenstein Renee Peck United Way of Southeastern Michigan St. John Health Foundation

Mindi Fynke Dr. Glenda Price EHIM, Inc. Retired

Amanda Good Ivy Simmons Alternatives For Girls National Business League

Bridget Hurd Dana Williams Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan DTE Energy

Diane Karageozian Laydell Wood Wyatt Comcast Spotlight Wood & Associates, Inc.

Special thanks to: A huge thank you to those that All our Speakers and Honorees donated to the Detroit PAL Magnetic Cinema Empowerment Bags! Detroit PAL Comcast Spotlight MGM Grand Detroit Staff Lovasco The MichBusiness Staff