Michael A. Toolis
Chicago,IL
Summary
Accomplished CEO with over 35 years experience building effective teams, setting a vision, and developing strategies to achieve goals.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
FYS Ventures, Inc
Chicago, Illinois
07.2020 - Current
- Work with construction industry clients to develop strategies, assist with business development, and provide succession planning and team development counseling.
- Maintain current knowledge of industry market trends and network.
CEO
Chelsea Lighting
New York, NY
06.2022 - 06.2024
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive company growth.
- Developed and implemented new business strategies to increased market share and customer satisfaction.
- Analyzed industry trends to inform strategic planning and ensure competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Vice President
Stantec
Chicago, IL
06.2016 - 07.2020
- Led the transition and integration of a privately held firm into a public company.
- Facilitated the development of a strategic plan for a 4200 person division.
- Advised the corporation on acquisition targets and strategies for growth.
- Facilitated new business opportunities and promoted integration across business lines.
President and CEO
VOA and Associates
Chicago, Illinois
09.1986 - 06.2016
- Built a team of professionals committed to becoming a world class architecture firm.
- Grew the firm organically and through acquisitions resulting in 8 offices in the U.S., China and Brazil, with 320 people and over $70 million in revenues.
- Negotiated the sale of VOA to Stantec, a NYSE traded company.
- Notable clients included: Northwestern Hospital, Google, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the Walt Disney Organization, the Chicago Cubs, Virgin Hotels, Notre Dame University, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Education
MBA -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL12-1976
Master of Architecture -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL06-1976
Bachelor of Arts - Architecture
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05-1974
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Relationship and Team Building
- Recruiting and Hiring Top Talent
- Business Development
- Client Engagement
- Financial Management
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
Board Experience
Director, Concord Group, 2014-present
Board of Advisors, School of Architecture, UIUC 2018-present
Board of Managers, Chelsea Lighting Holdings, 2020-2024
Board of Advisors, Graaskamp School of Real Estate, 2012-2024
Director, Navy Pier, Illinois' number one tourist destination, 2016-2022
Certifications
Licensed to practice architecture in several states
Certificate in Hotel Management, Cornell School of Hospitality
Timeline
CEO
Chelsea Lighting
06.2022 - 06.2024
Consultant
FYS Ventures, Inc
07.2020 - Current
Vice President
Stantec
06.2016 - 07.2020
President and CEO
VOA and Associates
09.1986 - 06.2016
Master of Architecture -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Arts - Architecture
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
MBA -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign