March 2026 Membership Newsletter |
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Past Board Member Message |
Mike Rivard Past Board Member / Retired
Email 314-308-1639 |
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I became a card-carrying member of EC in 2004, when a private equity firm made the mistake of handing me my walking papers. I remember the empty feeling inside me that first time I had been forced to make a career change. Thankfully, that feeling quickly turned to hope and gratitude when Gary Sahrmann introduced me to Executive Connections. I immediately felt that I had support, a toolkit, and a community to make my transition journey successful.
I quickly learned the value of networking over any other search or recruiting methods available. I made it my full-time job to find a full-time job. I have a lovely wife (Robin) and three daughters who did not want to leave St. Louis, and for whom I had to support their spending habits. What more motivation did I need to dedicate 40+ hours a week to looking for meaningful employment? I transitioned twice with EC and landed two C-level roles, both within six months and entirely through networking. Below is what I have learned about networking: -
No one is going to do it for you, so get up every morning and go to work finding your next role.
- Cold calling sucks. Accept that, pick up the phone, and make your first call. Before you know it, you will have made 10 calls and established several connections.
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It’s a numbers game. The more calls you make, the more meetings you will have. More meetings result in a broader network. A broader network will lead you to more opportunities. One of those opportunities will become your next role.
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There is also some luck involved in being in the right place at the right time, but if you aren’t making the calls, holding the meetings, and networking your tuchus off, someone else is likely to beat you to that opportunity. You can rest when you land.
- Always, always, always treat the contacts others offer you—and your network—with the utmost respect.
EC has been an important part of my life. Since becoming a member in 2004, joining the Board at Bruce’s request, and ultimately assuming the Board Chair position, the value I have gained from EC has far outweighed what I have given to the program. I have gained networking tools and built friendships that will last a lifetime. I won’t attempt to name all the friends I have made in this program for fear of leaving someone out, but I am grateful for the network EC has helped me establish.
Make the call. |
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| Networking Corner - Members in Transition |
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Seeking: : I excel at developing and leading high performance and diverse IT teams, creating original IT solutions that encompass R&D Medical Devices and Phrama. St. Louis companies that align well with my skills would be Thermo Fisher, Kindeva, Bausch & Lomb, Millipore Sigma, Pfizer, Mallinckrodt, and Curium
One unique aspect of me: Lead Guitarist for one of the top local 90s rock bands in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1992-1997. |
I started my career as a software coder that grew into 20+ years of experience in IT consulting and leadership. I Joined bioMerieux in 2004, where I honed my leadership and team building skills. For the last 12 years I have operated as a 'mini-CEO', for VITEK (a business with a 500M€ revenue, 50M€ of annual R&D investment, 300 R&D professionals, and 30 multi-year projects managed annually). True innovator named inventor on 3 patents.
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Seeking: Chief Financial Officer of a global and/or US healthcare organization. I am open to traveling within and/or international locations as needed.
One unique aspect of me: I am a global healthcare Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer across U.S. and international healthcare organizations, and expert knowledge in revenue cycle management (RCM), internal audit and control, and business process outsourcing (BPO) and remote staff management. |
I am a hands-on, entrepreneurial global healthcare leader with deep and diverse experience spanning financial strategy, operational transformation, and enterprise performance as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer across U.S. and international healthcare organizations.
I am committed to building patient-care–centered, financially strong and operationally efficient organizations.
I am a US Citizen, licensed CPA, with strong accounting and financial management credentials, and expert knowledge in revenue cycle management, internal audit and control, business process outsourcing (BPO) and remote staff management. I am in an excellent position to leverage extensive global network of healthcare staffing and manufacturing partners.
I am married, with one son, Shiv and have been a resident of St. Louis, MO for over three decades. -
I am committed to making a meaningful difference to:
Medically, socially and economically disadvantaged children and seniors globally. - Abandoned and abused domestic animals in rural south India
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Steve Schwent Senior Director of Information Systems AITX Industrial Transports sgschwent@gmail.com |
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From Experience to Advice - Alumni Insights - |
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Paying It Forward: A Career Built on Connection I joined Executive Connections St. Louis in 2010. At the time, I couldn’t have predicted that both of my last two roles—and the career I’ve built over the last decade—would come as a direct result of relationships formed through this community. I’ve now been in my current role at Midwest BankCentre for eight years. And the way I got here perfectly captures the true power of Executive Connections.
“This role isn’t the right fit for me—but I know someone who might be.” That’s the sentence that opened the door.
Sally Matheson and I were in the same transition group in 2018. She had interviewed for a position that wasn’t quite aligned for her. Instead of walking away, she took the time to truly understand what the organization needed. Then she did something generous and career-changing: she said my name in a room full of opportunity. That single act of advocacy led to my interview—and ultimately, to a role that has shaped the last eight years of my career. That is the spirit of Executive Connections.
Over the years, I’ve noticed something that happens all too often. Once people land, they get comfortable. Networking falls off the priority list. And honestly, I get it. I’m in a dual-career household, deep in the thick of parenting and sports schedules, with more calendar gymnastics than I care to admit. Making time for networking can feel impossible.
But here’s the thing: in today’s world, it’s essential.
You never know when something unexpected will happen. And when it does, it’s the relationships you built before you needed them that make all the difference.
Early in my career, I hated networking. Truly. It felt transactional. Like asking for help—something I’ve never been particularly good at in any aspect of my life. What Executive Connections taught me, over time, is that real networking isn’t about asking. It’s about paying it forward. There is genuine joy in being a connector. In helping someone make a meaningful introduction. In playing even a small part in helping someone land a role that supports their livelihood and their family. That is one of the most impactful gifts you can give another person.
Executive Connections isn’t just about finding your next job. It’s about building relationships for life.
St. Louis is a small town at heart. Many of us have chosen to build our careers—and our lives—here. So take the meeting. Make the introduction. Stay engaged, even after you’ve landed.
Executive Connections works best when we show up for one another—for the long haul. |
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Upcoming Events
(Sign up and let us know you are attending) |
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Unofficial EC Happy Hour at Sapore 4:30 - 6:30 CST |
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451 S. Kirkwood Rd. Kirkwood, MO 63122 |
Dates for this location
2/4/26 3/4/26 4/1/26 4/29/26 6/10/26 7/8/26 |
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Unofficial EC Happy Hour at Lester's 4:30 - 6:30 CST
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| 9906 Clayton Road Ladue, MO 63124 |
Dates for this location 2/18/26 4/15/26 5/27/26 6/24/26 |
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Executive Exchange 11:30AM - 12:30PM
2nd Friday of each month |
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3 City Place Drive Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Each session will feature a guest speaker, a complimentary lunch, and dedicated time at the end of the program for networking. This is open to all EC members. |
Dates for this event
02/13/26 03/13/26 04/10/26 05/8/26 06/12/26 07/10/26
08/14/2025 09/11/26 10/09/26 11/13/26 12/11/26 |
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EC Events - Past and Upcoming News & Information |
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Coming soon to a bookstore near you - September 18th
Rene Cope, EC member and author, will soon be releasing her psychological thriller, The Circle is Closing. |
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Executive Exchange Luncheon Delivers Insight, Connection, and Momentum Michael Rivard - Networking 101
Held on March 13th, 2026
The second Executive Exchange Luncheon for members of Executive Connections proved to be another outstanding success, bringing together a strong and engaged group of senior leaders for an afternoon of meaningful discussion and connection. The event was well attended by both Executive Connections alumni and members currently in career transition, creating a dynamic mix of experience, perspective, and opportunity.
Building on the momentum of the first Executive Exchange gathering, this session provided a focused deep dive into executive career strategy and leadership positioning in today’s highly competitive market. The highlight of the luncheon was a compelling discussion led by Michael Rivard, former President of Executive Connections. Drawing from his own recent experience successfully securing two C-level roles in six months, Michael shared practical insights into how senior leaders can effectively navigate the complex networking landscape at the executive level. Mark your calendars, the next one will be held on April 10, 2026.
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Sapore Happy Hour Held on March 4th, 2026
We had another great Unofficial EC Happy Hour last night at Sapore. Thanks to everyone who came out for the great conversation. If you missed it, plan to join us at the Landing Party on March 19 at the Shack on Lindbergh. The Unofficial EC Happy Hour will be back at Sapore on April 1. |
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Rick Hall President
Email 636-795-9744 |
| Sandhya Vollala Vice President Email 773-562-3529 |
| Mary Houlihan Director & Facilitator
Email 314-267-1128 |
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Jeff Reed Director / Treasurer
Email 314-221-9616 |
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Rose O'Brien Director / Candidate Vetting
Email 314-974-3055 |
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Jan Alonzo Director Email
314-322-0272 |
| Karen Moceri Director / Alumni Engagement
Email 636-575-0916 |
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| TBD Director Marketing / Comms |
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