Succession Planning and Recognition

In order to achieve our goal of serving clients from generation to generation, we need to ensure we not only have the financial strength and stability to do so, but equally critical is making sure we have the right talent in the right roles. That is why as we have matured and grown over the last 25 years, so has our focus on thoughtful succession planning.

Proper succession planning ensures business continuity. Our board of directors approves our formal plan for the Chair, Vice Chair, and President/CEO. Our planning efforts, though, go well beyond executive leadership to include everyone in our company. They involve both a position and person perspective. From the person perspective, they start when new teammates join the company and begin working with their coaches on their specific path and development plans. Since our preference is to promote from within, talent development is an important part of the planning process. Purposeful development of talent, open communication, and continuous review of individual succession plans allows us to better anticipate and accommodate future transitions that can be either known or unknown.

Our succession plan is being put to use this year with the following announcements. In each case, thoughtful succession plans have been implemented. Please join me in congratulating and thanking three of our valued team members who will be retiring at the end of 2023.

Doug Bajor joined Greenleaf Trust four years ago as a senior wealth management advisor in our Birmingham, Michigan office. Doug specializes in the development of comprehensive wealth management plans, execution of goals-based planning strategies, and management of client investment portfolios. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. Doug will now have more time for running (he has completed over 60 marathons across several different countries), going to Tigers games, and spending time with his wife and their beloved adopted greyhound, Gracie.

Mary Schiffhauer joined Greenleaf Trust 13 years ago and currently serves clients as a senior trust operations specialist, client accounts. In our Operations Division, Mary has worn many hats and made an impact wearing each of them. Her current primary responsibilities include document preparation, account opening and maintenance, and assisting the client centric team with the administration of their accounts. Mary has worked remotely for us in Florida for over five years and has been a consistent supportive leader, mentor, and teammate. She is looking forward to fully enjoying all Florida has to offer and more time with her new grandson.

Jennifer Billings has been with Greenleaf Trust ever since we opened our doors 25 years ago. She was instrumental in the establishment of our bank and has served as our director of operations, director of compliance, and valued member of our executive leadership team over that timeframe. Currently, Jennie is responsible for the coordination of internal and independent audits, oversight of compliance, implementation of regulations and internal training and process improvement. I know she is also excited to spend more time with family, especially her grandchildren.

We wish Doug, Mary, and Jennie the best. They will always be part of the Greenleaf Trust family.