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Mike is currently President of Sands Partners, Inc., a family investment business. He also serves on the board of directors of The Ann Taylor Company; as the only outside member of the board of directors of The North Highland Company, a rapidly growing, privately-owned management consulting company; and on the Aon Risk Services Company’s Advisory Board.
Mike recently retired from Ernst & Young after a 38-year career. For the past 8 years, he served as the Managing Partner of the Southeast Area, the largest of Ernst & Young’s 12 U.S. areas, consisting of 17 offices and 2,500 people. Mike was recognized as one of the firm’s key leaders and innovators in sales/marketing, human resources and change management matters. During his tenure, the Southeast Area was both the fastest growing and the most profitable area in E&Y. Because of his acknowledged leadership and management skills, he served as a managing partner for 28 or his 38-year career. He was also a member of Ernst & Young’s 18-member Partner Advisory Council.
Mike also served as a senior advisor to many of the firm’s clients--both Fortune 500 as well as entrepreneurial companies. He participated in numerous board and audit committee meetings and interacted closely with founders, C-level executives and board members.
Mike is a well connected and respected business leader in Atlanta, having served as an active board member in over a dozen key civic organizations. These include: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Marist School, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Central Atlanta Progress, Jekyll Island Foundation, Society of International Business Fellows, United Way and Atlanta Rotary.
Mike is a graduate from St. Louis University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science of Commerce degree in Industrial Relations. He joined Ernst & Young in St. Louis in June 1962. After serving in E&Y’s National and Oklahoma City offices, he moved to Atlanta in 1976 to be the office-managing partner.
Mike and his wife, Shirley, have been married 40 years and have 4 adult children and 1 grandson. Mike was born October 2, 1939 and is in excellent health. He enjoys golf, bird hunting, working out and music. | 