J. Michael Hochschwender

Mr. Hochschwender is President and CEO of The Smithers Group, Akron, Ohio, a private group of companies that provides technology-based services to global clientele in a broad range of industries. Under his leadership, Smithers has experienced rapid growth, technological diversification and geographic expansion through an aggressive series of acquisitions as well as organic growth.

Mr. Hochschwender has more than 20 years of corporate management and consulting experience. 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, currently serving on the boards of Burton D. Morgan Foundation and The University of Akron Foundation. Previously Mr. Hochschwender has served on the boards of the Akron General Medical Center, the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Old Trail School, and The American Council of Independent Laboratories. Mr. Hochschwender was a director of FirstMerit Corporation for ten years and served as a member of the audit committee and compensation committee.