By David Inskeep

Michele graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and the University of Indianapolis with an MBA. She also has her CPA. Michele has worked in several industries including banking, manufacturing, and not-for-profit. Her husband, Todd, works in Economic Development. He is also heavily involved in several non-profits, including sitting on the board of Sugar Creek Arts Center in Thorntown, IN.

Michele has two grown children who both live in Denver, Colorado. Her son, Nick, followed in her footsteps to work in finance while her daughter, Kendra, works as a physician's assistant in the medical industry. Nick is the family musician, playing piano and guitar as well as singing and songwriting. He played in a band that once took third place in the Battle of the Bands in Bloomington. Interestingly (listen up, sync group members), Nick writes music for video games! 

Michele became involved with SAMI through Scott Greeson. She met Scott through his friend Steve Hill (to whom she was engaged). After Steve passed, Scott and Michele stayed in touch. Scott encouraged her to get involved in SAMI. Originally, she was the Vice President for about a year. During that time, she mainly worked on the scholarships and aligning businesses with suitable musicians for Mosey Down Main Street. When the prior Treasurer left the board, she was asked (and agreed) to serve as Treasurer. It is definitely a better fit for Michele because she lives in Indianapolis. It is easier for her to handle the finances from a distance than it was to provide support as Vice President.

Michele’s primary SAMI duties are bank reconciliation and preparing monthly financial statements. She works most closely with Ethan Bates, who uses her financial statements when he applies for grant money to support SAMI's goals. She also coordinates with Ethan who is on the front lines making payments for SAMI’s needed services and goods. Additionally, Michele’s work provides an accurate understanding of the organization's cash position – information which is vitally important when planning for the various events SAMI hosts, and when investing in new equipment.

Michele likes virtually all music with the possible exception of old-time country (modern country with its rock and roll sensibility is fine). She remembers coming of age listening to 80’s rock and the “big hair” bands. Currently her favorite local bands are The Elect (Indianapolis) and Levi Riggs band (Purdue by way of Danville). Michele's dream concert would be to see Passenger. She would also love to see Zach Bryant and U2.

In high school Michele loved drawing and painting. She has recently reignited her artistic abilities by taking a drawing class (focusing on techniques of shading) which she really enjoyed. She hopes to continue learning and improving her artistic talents!

Asked if she has any advice or insight for SAMI members, Michele replied that she wants everyone to know that accountants and accounting are not boring - accountants like to have fun, and accounting is one of those endeavors that “the more you know, the more interesting it becomes”. Secondly, Michele points out that there are many avenues for getting your music out there beyond just releasing recordings (video games, for example). Finally, Michele says, keep on making music! and points to her daughter who learned piano at an early age but then gave it up for sports and other interests - something she now regrets. 

Michele enjoys sharing her expertise and talents with SAMI. Likewise, SAMI sends a big thank you to Michele for all she does for our songwriting community!