Coles Inducts First Members to Business Hall of Fame
On February 18, the Kennesaw State University’s Michael J. Coles College of Business held an inaugural induction ceremony for their Business Hall of Fame.
The honorees are:
- Michael J. Coles – president & executive chairman, Global Onboard Partners
- Gene Henssler – president & CIO, Henssler Financial
- Connie Engel – partner, Childress Klein Properties
- Thomas Hughes – president and CEO, MEA, Inc. & NEA, Inc., retired
- Kerstin Valdés – VP of finance, Georgia-Pacific (North American Consumer Business)
- Mark Wilson – president and CEO, eVerifile, Inc.
The university’s news site described the importance of the hall of fame and what it means.
“The Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of business leaders who promote and embody personal integrity, community leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit. Honorees are inspirational, and their actions compel others to act. Through their leadership and service, these professionals demonstrate their commitment to innovation, community service and global engagement, elements that speak to the heart of the Coles College mission.”
All of the candidates are impressive in their fields. Here are some additional details about a select few:
Michael J. Coles is a businessman, community leader and accomplished entrepreneur. His success started in 1977 when he co-founded the Great American Cookie Company. He later went on to become chairman, CEO and president of Caribou Coffee Company.
Thomas Hughes has a long career as an angel investor, senior executive. His philanthropic work includes treasurer of the Alliance for Children Everywhere.
Kerstin Valdés is an accomplished multi-lingual executive with more than 20 years of success in complex global business environments. She received her EMBA from Coles in 2002
