What People Are Saying

In his capacity as CFO at Family House, Michael and I worked together on many difficult financial and organizational matters. Michael’s practical knowledge, clear thinking, thoughtfulness, work ethic, “street smarts,” oral and written expression, and personality place him in the highest echelon. He is a very good communicator as he enjoys and excels in conveying his message to others in an understandable format. He also has exceptional project and organizational skills. 

Robert Howard, former Executive Director, former board member, Family House; current VP of Human Resources, Armstrong Group

I began working with Mike in 2001. As a program director with an extensive amount of experience in program development, I was lacking the skills to build out program budgets and analyze financial reports. Not only did Mike work closely with me to develop those skills, he also built out an executive team that was well versed in program management, fiscal management and organizational fundraising. Mike did not stop with cultivating staff but launched the first development committee of the board in the organization's history and engaged in more sophisticated board recruitment to ensure quality stewardship of the organization and its finances. Mike invested in his team's growth to such an extent, I was able to succeed him in 2006 and grow operations and capital over the next 12 years. As I have moved into new opportunities, including consulting, Mike is the first person I turn to for robust and comprehensive financial assessment and capacity building. 

Adrienne Walnoha, MSW LSW NAHBCAPS Principal Social Artistry Consulting, former CEO Community Human Services Corporation

As the Senior Development Officer at Family House, I had to work closely with Mike to align the organization’s strategic priorities and financial objectives as I engaged the broader community to support the transformation of the organization. I found Mike to be insightful, engaging, and supportive as conversations with potential supporters turned into tangible requests for support. His creativity enabled us to work as a team on behalf of Family House’s 20,000 annual guests and our healthcare partners in the region. Mike was able to straddle our fundraising needs and perspectives with effective compliance with accounting rules. His ability to get out of the bean counter rules and regulations to being a true development partner has set him apart from so many of my colleagues throughout my career in nonprofit fundraising. I wholeheartedly recommend Mike to support you as a nonprofit executive or leader. 

Christopher Bell, Senior Director of Development Family House

In 2013, I was the Vice chair of Family House’s Finance Committee. We needed an experienced and capable leader to strengthen the organizations internal controls, provide confidence in the financial results presented to the Board, and address a growing annual deficit. Mike gave me and the committee confidence that every financial driver of the organization was reviewed, deficiencies were addressed, processes were improved, and finances were turned around. I found Mike to be direct in his communication style, yet open to feedback. His leadership experience certainly expands beyond a traditional Director of Finance and added great value to the organization’s leadership team. 

David Russo, CFO, Phoenix Contract USA, former Finance Committee Chairman 2013-15, current Family House board member