The Northern Michigan Angels hosted an October Event at the newly constructed Innovation Hall on NMC’s campus. The event was a day of learning, discussion and pitches. NMA was joined by Patti Glaza EVP, Venture and MD, of Invest Detroit Ventures. ID Ventures has invested over $21mil in 200+ companies with 14 exits to date (Patti’s Bio) Patti shared ID’s diligence process and what they’ve learned over time, walked us through some case studies of success and failures with diligence and managing an investment and took questions from the group.

The day also included a panel discussion with NMA members led by John Zaloudek, a discussion with NMC President, Nick Nissley and a tour of the Innovation Center.

Photo Credits to Paul Yezbak of Idea Stream 

[Traverse City, MI – September 28, 2021]  The Board of Directors for Northern Michigan Angels (NMA) announced the hiring of Jody Trietch as the organization’s new Executive Director.  

Trietch is currently the CFO for Boomerang Catapult, a Traverse City-based venture capital firm.  She assists the partners on strategic and tactical matters, fostering and cultivating stakeholder relationships, participates in the development of new investment opportunities, and forecasts needs and the management of the firm’s resources. She will continue to serve in that position on a part-time basis.  

She previously held senior financial leadership positions including Grand Traverse County Finance Director, City of Flint Chief Financial Officer, and City of Benton Harbor Finance Director/Treasurer. Trietch has a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and a Certificate of Accountancy from Arizona State University. She has been very active in the Traverse community as owner of Taste the Local Difference, Board President of Impact 100 Traverse City, and Board Member of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan,

“I am excited about how my skills and experience align with the requirements necessary for success to lead NMA forward,” said Trietch. “NMA is poised for growth and is in a perfect position to lead an exciting period for startups and economic development in our region. I look forward to working alongside the Board of Directors to make it happen.” 


Deanna Cannon is stepping down as NMA Executive Director. She expressed her support and excitement to have Trietch fill her position. “We could not have found someone more qualified for the position. Her education and experience coupled with her desire to continue to build the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Northern Michigan is perfect.  Her numerous local community connections will also be an asset to NMA.”

To provide for continuity and a smooth leadership transition the NMA board has elected Cannon to become the NMA Board Chairperson.  Cannon led the initial formation of Northern Michigan Angels 10 years ago including recruiting the founding board of directors and becoming a board member. She has been the executive director and active member of NMA since inception in January 2012. She is eager to work through the leadership transition to ensure continued growth in membership, finding new investment opportunities and attracting new sponsors in Michigan, especially Northern Michigan.


About Northern Michigan Angels (www.NorthernMichiganAngels.com)
Northern Michigan Angels (NMA) was founded January 2012 and is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit.  Members invest in scalable entrepreneurial companies whose potential success will have an economic and quality of life impact in Michigan, especially in northwestern Lower Michigan. Each member makes their own investment decision. NMA is not a fund and does not provide investment advice.  NMA is a member of the Angel Capital Association (ACA).