Tom spent 20 plus years working in corporate America.  He has worked for Air Touch Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Fed Ex Kinkos, and New Horizons Computer Training Centers.  During his tenure with these organizations, He has held positions in sales, marketing, technology, operations, and executive management.  During this time, Tom furthered his education and completed his MBA and the Goldman Sach’s 10,000 small business entrepreneurship program.  Currently he is the owner and president of Smart Link Solutions.

Tom is passionate about helping companies and individuals exceed their goals through technology and marketing.  His background in Internet Marketing, Technology, Management and Small Business Ownership makes him uniquely qualified to mentor and educated students, employees, and customers.

Tom is a proud alumnus of Detroit Catholic Central High School, John Carroll University and Walsh College.  He currently sits on the Experience Marketing and Northville Greens Associations Boards and is an advisor to Michigan Breast Cancer Coalition and Lucid Hope.  Tom lives in Northville Michigan with his wife, Renee and three daughters.

A driven and results-oriented senior financial services executive specializing in the banking industry, with extensive experience in operations management, P&L oversight, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, audits and investigations, channel/product delivery, continuous improvement, performance management, and customer service.

Excels at exceeding revenue objectives through strategic acceleration of changing market trends and shifting client demographics. A proven track record of out-matching growth benchmarks and operating controls while providing a remarkable client experience.

A savvy and accomplished leader who cultivates value and trust to ensure prosperous enterprises.

When I began my financial career, 20+ years ago, while attending Wayne State University, never did I imagine, where that journey would take me. After marring my high school sweetheart, we were blessed with a little girl. As a native Michigander, I enjoy staying active. Exercising, traveling, boating & hiking are some of my passions. If not outdoors, you’ll find me at a hockey rink, watching our daughter play her favorite sport.

Professional Experience
24 YEARS Number of years in financial industry

Responsible for building and leading a team of talented and diverse professionals who serve the needs of small businesses across the state of Michigan. Passionate about creating a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation throughout the organization.

Deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve through active community engagement, as well as board member involvement. Expertise in understanding the  opportunities and challenges that small businesses face, along with how to provide tailored solutions while delivering exceptional service.

Collaborates with internal team of financial service providers, including Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and Retail Banking to understand client goals and provide counsel toward a holistic financial solution.

• Board of Directors for Junior Achievement Southeastern Michigan
• Mentor for Women of Tomorrow Scholarship Program
• Volunteer Forgotten Harvest
• Volunteer Gleaners Community Food Bank of SE Michigan
• Past Board of Directors for Toledo Regional Chamber TASBA Board
• Past Co-Chair Women’s BRG Fifth Third Bank

María de Lourdes Dorantes has taught all courses in the elementary Spanish program and co-designed and still teaches the Spanish for the medical and business professions. Since 2009 she has taken students abroad to Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru on a study abroad program or a service learning program. In addition to her teaching and work with students, María has also served with the department as the director of the Spanish elementary program and several years as either coordinator in the elementary program or director of the spring or summer semester.
As part of the Board of Advisory Committee I look forward to contributing with my experience from my years of working with university students as an admissions counselor, an academic advisor, and most recently, a teaching professor in Spanish at the University of Michigan. Some of my memorable experiences include taking students abroad to countries like Peru, Costa Rica, Spain and Mexico on volunteer or study abroad programs. Working with university students is a privilege and I look forward to working with the board and learning about all the LHS applicant and recipient talent!

Erik is Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Loan Officer of Bank of Ann Arbor, a locally owned and operated full-service community bank with eight locations serving Michiganders throughout southeast Michigan. Erik joined Bank of Ann Arbor in June 2016 as the Executive Vice President and Manager of the Trust and Investment Management Group. He assumed the role of Birmingham Chief Lending Officer in September 2017. He became Chief Lending Officer of the Bank in April 2022. During his tenure at Manager of the Trust and Investment Department, Trust Assets doubled from $1 billion to greater than $2 billion and annual Trust revenue has grown by over 50% to $7.4 million. The Birmingham loan portfolio has grown over 30% in the three plus years under his management and is approaching $300 million.
Prior to joining BOAA, Erik spent 28 years at JPMorgan Chase and its predecessor banks, most recently as Senior Vice President of the Midwest Business Banking practice where he managed a group of 450 bankers and a staff responsible for a $20 billion deposit portfolio and a $5 billion loan portfolio. Prior responsibilities included management of JPMC’s commercial banking practice in the Eastern Michigan/Northern Ohio market, Managing Director of the Automotive and Transportation Group and various assignments in the corporate and capital markets banking businesses.
Erik’s involvement in the community has included board participation at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor. He currently is on the Board of the United Way of Washtenaw County and the Michigan Bankers Association Trust Executive Committee.
Erik and his wife, Becky, have three grown children. He is an avid cyclist who enjoys all outdoor activities, including traveling, hiking, and gardening. Erik holds degrees from Kansas University; a B.A. in Journalism and Editorial and M.B.A in Finance.

Chris Knight has been at Team UIS for over 20 years.  As the President / CFO, he is the integrator that helps make the company’s vision for the future become a reality.  Chris obtained an accounting degree from EMU in 1988.  He began his career at Touche Ross.  Over the years he worked as a Controller for a few companies prior to joining Team UIS.

Chris is married to his wife , Toni, and they have 3 kids and 2 grandchildren.  In his spare time, he enjoys golf, UM Football, traveling, and physical fitness.

Technology Leader with experience delivering critical technology needs of Fortune 500 Organization and successfully defining and delivering solutions across Restaurant and Digital Platforms globally. Ability to apply QSR Industry Technology Domain and business experience while delivering solutions at global scale. Highly skilled in building, leading and mentoring teams across geography, relationship and stakeholder management at different levels of the global organization, delivering complex and large-scale initiatives, defining and executing IT strategy. Able to demonstrate excellent communication skills. Great influencer and proven collaborator across the organization.