The Trine University Board of Trustees elected Michael D. Axel, CFA, founder and president
of AMI Investment Management Inc. in Kendallville, to its membership during its June
11 meeting.
“With deep roots in northeast Indiana, decades of community leadership and a lifelong
commitment to giving back to this region, Mike is an ideal addition to the Trine University
Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Rick L. James, Board chair. “We look forward to the insight
he will bring as the university seeks to make even more of a positive impact on the
quality of place and quality of life throughout this area.”
“It has been amazing watching the growth of the Trine University campus and student
body over the last several years. The university’s world-class faculty does an outstanding
job teaching young men and women to think critically, so that they are well prepared
for the rapidly changing work environment. Trine is a great asset for our region
and I look forward to serving this outstanding institution,” said Axel.
Axel founded AMI, a registered investment advisor managing approximately $550 million
for institutional and individual clients, in 1995. He previously had served as investment
manager for the Dekko Foundation and Group Dekko International. Prior to his work
at Dekko, Axel was a financial analyst at RCI in Indianapolis.
“Mike’s extensive experience and expertise in finance and management will be a tremendous
asset as Trine University remains committed to providing an affordable, quality education
for students in these uncertain times,” said Trine President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D.
“We are glad to have him on board.”
Axel graduated from Wabash College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1989 and
received his MBA from Vanderbilt University with a concentration in finance and investments
in 1991. He was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1994 and is
a member of the CFA Institute. He has more than 25 years of experience in the investment
industry.
Axel grew up in Kendallville and lives there with his wife Natalie. The couple has
four children, Drew, Trevor, Jordan and Ben. He was honored as the city’s Citizen
of the Year in 2013 by the Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce for his service to
the community.
He currently serves as treasurer of the board of Parkview Health System as well as
chair of Parkview’s finance committee and its investment committee. He also is a member
of the Dekko Foundation Grants Review committee, the Oak Farm Montessori School Board
of Directors, Trine University's Ketner School of Business Advisory Board and the
Strength Capital Partners Advisory Board.
Last Updated: 06/16/2020
