NORTHBROOK, Ill. – June 4, 2007 – ForteCEO (ForteCEO), a leading provider of interim senior executives to meet the needs of middle-market companies, announced today that it has appointed
Michael R. Shelist
as chairman.
Mr. Shelist comes to ForteCEO from Much Shelist, a Chicago-based law firm he co-founded more than thirty-five years ago. Much Shelist is a nationwide, full-service law firm serving entrepreneurs, privately and publicly held middle-market companies, and institutional investors operating in a broad range of industries. Mr. Shelist announced his retirement from Much Shelist earlier this year.
Mr. Shelist is an experienced tax, business and real estate lawyer who served as advisor to closely held and multi-national manufacturing and service corporations.
During his tenure at Much Shelist, Mr. Shelist served as managing partner and chairman of the management committee. He also acted as consultant and advisor to closely held corporations concerning exit strategies, including perpetuation of family businesses for the next generation at the lowest possible cost and preparing businesses for sale or public offering.
In addition, Mr. Shelist helped his clients document agreements ranging from business, and mergers to limited partnerships, financings, and venture capital. He also assisted with business forms and acquisitions.
Mr. Shelist served a broad range of clients, including publicly registered partnerships, where he helped them purchase and sell substantial commercial, residential and retail properties.
“As chairman of ForteCEO, Mike will draw from his extensive experience as a
successful business leader to provide guidance to our clients,” said Mark
Rittmanic, CEO and founder of ForteCEO. “We are extremely excited to have
someone of his caliber and track record onboard as a leader in our
organization.”
“ForteCEO is a highly regarded firm that provides experienced senior
executives on an interim basis to business owners and entrepreneurs to help
their companies succeed,” said Mike Shelist. “I look forward to working closely
with Mark Rittmanic and the other ForteCEO partners to expand our client base
and spread the word about the extraordinary results ForteCEO’s executives are
delivering for our clients.”
In addition to his career achievements, Mr. Shelist has also been an active
member of the community, supporting numerous organizations and causes.
Currently, Mr. Shelist serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
International Center on Deafness and the Arts, as Advisory Director of the
American Society for Technion, and as member of the Ravinia Festival Estate
Planning Advisory Committee. Previously, he has chaired the Professional
Advisory Committee of the Jewish United Fund, as well as the Village of
Northbrook Fire and Police Commission. He is also a member of the President's
Advisory Board of Judson College in Elgin, Illinois.
Mr. Shelist holds a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law
and a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University School of Business. Mr.
Shelist is also a member of the Chicago, Illinois, Florida and American Bar
Associations.
About ForteCEO
ForteCEO is the leading senior interim executive firm in the United
States. ForteCEO works with business owners in special situations including
interim replacements for senior staff, preparation for business transitions,
business renewals and crisis management. ForteCEO’s executive group includes
more than 240 senior executives, each with at least 20 years experience, who
have completed assignments in every major industry.
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Media Contacts
Sara Ryan, Dresner Corporate Services, 312-780-7223,
sryan@dresnerco.com
Jennifer Jameson, Dresner Corporate Services, 312-780-7241,
jjameson@dresnerco.com