Co-founder and Chief Business Officer, Adaptive Materials, Inc.
Bio: As a high energy, serial entrepreneur, Michelle Crumm is accomplished in helping leadership teams develop and implement strategy. Michelle’s experience with finance, marketing, manufacturing, customer service, and business processes make her a credible executive coach, mentor, and consultant for small to mid size entrepreneurial companies.
As co-founder and chief business officer of Adaptive Materials, Inc., Michelle Crumm’s leadership was instrumental in helping the fuel cell company transition from start-up to second stage, fast-growing advanced manufacturing company. The company was acquired by defense industry giant Ultra Electronics in 2011.
Widely recognized for her leadership, Michelle was named 2011 “Executive of the Year” from Ann Arbor.com, “Most Influential Women” by Crain’s Detroit Business, and one of Enterprising Women’s “Women of the Year.” She was also awarded the prestigious title “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst and Young. During her 12 years leading Adaptive Materials, Adaptive Materials was recognized for its dynamic growth with Ann Arbor SPARK FastTrack, Inc. 5,000, and Inc. 100 Energy Company awards.
Prior to founding Adaptive Materials, Michelle spent nearly 5 years at Kellogg Company. During her tenure at Kellogg, she was able to accelerate her career with experiences in internal audit, investor relations, and procurement. In addition to Kellogg Company, Michelle has served as an accountant at an automotive supplier and obtained her Certified Public Accountant license while working as an auditor with Plante and Moran.
As a dynamic community participant, Michelle is a recently appointed board member at Western Michigan University. She also serves on the Venture Council and Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan. She is an active board member for the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Arbor Hospice, Emerson Schools, and the Chair of the Board of Ann Arbor Hands on Museum. She is an enthusiastic participant of Women’s President Organization and Women in Public Policy. In 2012, Michelle was honored as Volunteer of the Year at the American Red Cross.
Michelle earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Purdue University and a master of business administration degree from University of Michigan. She is married to her college sweetheart Aaron Crumm, has three spectacular children, and lives in Ann Arbor, MI.