Our Story
Mike is a builder. He builds high-performing teams and leaders who lift each other and their organizations up. His story underscores the power of connection and relational excellence, demonstrating that leadership is as much about inspiring others as it is about achieving results.
Growing up in challenging circumstances, Mike quickly took on responsibilities, working full-time by 15 while excelling in school. His passion for mathematics led to a successful actuarial career, where he earned a leadership role at 23 and became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries by 25.
Early on, Mike prioritized results over relationships, achieving moderate success but missing deeper connections. A lifelong learner, he realized that true leadership balances performance with meaningful relationships. This shift not only propelled his career but also fostered best-in-class employee engagement during his tenure as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Actuary of a Fortune 500 company—achieving an extraordinary 99% engagement rate (where 60% is considered great) and virtually no voluntary turnover, even throughout the COVID years (2020–2024).
Under his leadership, the company’s largest division transformed from a 6% ROE business with less than $1B in sales to a high-performing unit delivering 12% to 15% ROE with over $9B in sales. This transformation culminated in a $750 million profit from the division’s sale in 2021. Over his 25-year career, Mike maintained rare, low voluntary turnover—a testament to his focus on people, purpose, and performance.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mike finds joy in his children, grandchildren, bread making, and the arts. He actively supports nonprofits like the Boy Scouts and Girls on the Run, and his commitment to community leadership earned him recognition in Leadership Cincinnati USA.
Mike’s experience is backed by respected credentials:
- Leadership Cincinnati USA Class 48
- Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA, 13,000 in the U.S.)
- Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA, 7,000 worldwide),
- Foundations of Business Leadership (Xavier University)
- Currently/Has been a board member of several companies including a large non-profit
Giving Back
At Prager Advisory, giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s central to who we are. We are dedicated to empowering nonprofits to expand their reach and deepen their impact in underserved communities. By offering our discounted services to nonprofits, we help them unlock their potential to serve more people and create lasting change.
This work is made possible through partnerships with businesses, where we charge a modest fee relative to the substantial financial value we deliver. This model ensures that our efforts benefit organizations across sectors, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Together, we’re strengthening communities, promoting equity, and making a meaningful difference far beyond what any of us could achieve alone.
This isn’t just business—it’s purpose in action.