ACG Detroit | Connections that Count: Unlocking the Power of Networking

Amy Smith is a Corporate/M&A attorney and the Practice Lead for Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Emerging Growth at Wolfson Bolton Kochis, a boutique business law firm in Troy that focuses on delivering big-firm quality with boutique-firm attention.  She helps business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs navigate M&A and financing transactions.  She has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Michigan Super Lawyers and listed in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for several years.  Amy is also a past president of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association and a former partner at one of Michigan’s largest law firms. 

Amy earned her J.D., cum laude, from Wayne State University Law School, where she was Production Editor of the Wayne Law Review.  She also holds an M.A. in Teaching Secondary Math, summa cum laude, from Oakland University and a B.A., cum laude, from the University of Southern California.

Joseph Alam is Managing Director of Mid-States Advisors. He leads the firm as a boutique financial advisory and investment banking firm.

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Joseph grew up in the transaction business and developed a deep appreciation for the journey of privately held companies. Drawing on experience from both sides of the table, ownership and advisory, allows him to effectively work with founders and multigenerational businesses alike, always seeking the best outcome for owners and their employees.  This includes a keen focus on locating lenders, buyers, and acquisition targets who fit culturally with his clients. 

With experience in many industries including manufacturing, distribution, automotive, medical, contracting & trades, and many more, Joseph has facilitated successful closings for numerous middle market businesses. 

Kristine Kerns is Director of Middle Market and Business Banking for Comerica Bank. Kerns was named Director in October 2022. In her current role, she leads these divisions for the Bank’s Michigan market by providing Midwest based companies with an array of credit and non-credit financial products and services. She and her teams pride themselves on delivering premier solutions and service, emphasizing long term relationships focused on helping clients succeed. 

In total, she manages approximately $4 billion in deposit and loan commitments. 

The 31-year Comerica veteran began her career in the banking center networks, and progressed through her career holding positions of increasing authority in commercial lending and retail since joining the bank in 1993. 

Kerns’ efforts contribute to Comerica’s Commercial Banking division that features the highest concentration of commercial and industrial loans among the top 25 U.S. financial holding companies (as of March 31, 2025). 

Kern’s engagements in community and professional organizations include United Way of Southeast Michigan, Inforum Michigan, Association for Corporate Growth Detroit, Women in Manufacturing, Detroit Economic Club, and the Detroit Athletic Club. 

She additionally serves on the Board and Development committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters of SE Michigan, an Advisor for Career Spring, and a Healing Hearts Society Member with Ele’s Place Ann Arbor, which strives to ensure that no child in Michigan grieves alone. 

Kerns earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University majoring in finance and accounting.

As an Associate with Mid-States Advisors, Fadi focuses his career on providing full M&A and debt placement solutions for clients in the lower middle market. He specializes in advising founder-owned businesses through their transactions, whether it’s the sale of the business or bringing in institutional capital and partnerships. Fadi oversees day-to-day deal execution at the firm while playing a key role in growing the firm’s national presence, with a focus on the Midwest.

Fadi began his career in the automotive industry, providing design strategies, VAVE cost savings, process improvements, and operational optimization best practices for the wire harness industry during his time at Aptiv (formerly Delphi). He spent much of his time optimizing niche operations in various manufacturing plants in Mexico and transitioning best practices to GM assembly plants in the U.S. During his automotive tenure, Fadi led various accounts in the off-road sector for the sales team, supporting customers such as Volvo, Cummins, Stellantis, Mack, and Brose, and maximizing operating income and profitability across more than $300MM of business.

Prior to joining Mid-States, Fadi worked as a consulting Associate providing liquidation acceleration solutions for middle-market, private equity-backed companies. He delivered comprehensive solutions by identifying organizational problem areas and strategizing appropriate improvements. From problem-solving and strategy implementation to client deal support, Fadi provides around-the-clock guidance—ranging from early-stage involvement through post-closing support.

Fadi serves on two committees with the Association for Corporate Growth and is the current Treasurer for the Detroit Athletic Club Intermediates Committee, representing members under 34. A Canadian native, Fadi was raised from an early age in Amman, Jordan before migrating with his family to the U.S. in early 2000.