J. Michael Hochschwender has more than 30 years of corporate management and consulting experience. Currently, he is CEO of The Smithers Group, a position he has held since 1996. Mr. Hochschwender holds a master’s degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. He also served five years in the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams, deploying to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

He is active in local health, civic and educational organizations, and currently serves on the board of Huntington Bank. Previously Michael has served on the boards of Akron General Medical Center, Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Old Trail School, The American Council of Independent Laboratories, and The University of Akron Foundation .  Mr. Hochschwender was elected a Trustee of Burton D. Morgan Foundation in 2012.