Grand Rapids, Mich. (Nov. 28, 2022) – Michigan Capital Network (MCN), the state’s largest association of regional angel investing groups and the managers of four venture capital funds, announced today it has named Ashley Ward as the new director of Grand Angels, and Troy Szopo as the new director of Woodward Angels. Additionally, the organization has named Michael Koziara as chair of a new Angel Investment Review Committee.
Ms. Ward is CEO of Hire for Hope, a professional recruiting, executive search, talent transformation and leadership training firm based in Grand Rapids. Additionally, she co-founded the Careerist LLC, a virtual career coaching platform for professionals and executives, is co-owner of Ward Ventures, a privately owned real estate investment portfolio company, and is a board member of the City’s Downtown Improvement District. She replaces Meg Eveland who stepped down earlier this year but remains as an advisor and member of the group.
Mr. Szopo is a Director at Stout, Risius Ross, a global investment bank and advisory firm based in Detroit. He has been with Stout for more than 15 years and specializes in valuation services. He has broad experience in various industries with a concentration in technology, media and telecommunications. In addition to his work at Stout, Szopo serves as a startup coach and mentor for New Enterprise Forum. He replaces Lynn Bishop who also stepped down earlier this year but remains as an investor with the group.
Ward and Szopo will join Leland Richards, director of BlueWater Angels, and Mike Gerfen, director of Ka-Zoo Angels, in guiding investment opportunities for members and fellow investors for the statewide angel investing organization.
Mr. Koziara will serve as the first-ever Chair of the new Angel Investment Review Committee. He previously worked as a venture capital analyst with MCN in 2021 while pursuing his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Koziara currently works as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group. In this new role, he will work with other committee members to research prospective investment opportunities before bringing them to the membership for consideration.
“This is an exciting time for us as we welcome three tremendously talented business leaders to our organization,” said Diane Durance, executive vice president of MCN. “We are grateful to have Ashley and Troy leading two of our most active angel investing groups and pleased to have Michael’s passion and business acumen back with MCN. These new appointments will benefit our members and portfolio companies.”
Click here to learn more about Michigan Capital Network and its regional angel investing groups.