Member Spotlight | Ronald D. Miller

ACG WI Member Since: 1998 ACG WI Involvement: Past Presidents Council, Programs Committee, Awards Committee, President (2009-2011), Board Member (2007-2020), Programs Chair (2007-2009), Sponsorship Chair (2013-2019)

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Why did you join ACG?
I joined ACG in 1998 to get to know more people in the deal community. Not being a Milwaukee native, joining ACG was a great way to expand my personal and professional networks.

What roles have you played in ACG?
I have been Programming Chair, Sponsorship Chair, and President. I am now looking forward to participating in our newly formed Past Presidents Council.

What is one of ACG’s accomplishments that you are most proud of?
Linda Mertz and I brought the ACG Cup to our chapter. Linda and I were at InterGrowth, saw the success other chapters were having with the program, and knew it would be a great addition to our programming line-up here in Milwaukee.

How has ACG WI helped you in your career?
ACG is THE place for deal professionals to connect, and I have made many valued friendships and business connections through the organization. I have also enjoyed the programming, especially when our local business leaders discuss their business philosophy and share their personal career journeys.

What lessons have you learned during the pandemic that you think you will carry over in the long term?
I am always on the go, and the pandemic has forced me to slow down. I have actually really enjoyed working from home, but I am looking forward to returning to the office and spending more face-to-face time with my colleagues and clients.

What are you most proud of during your professional career?
I am most proud of our recent partnership with CIBC. After CIBC entered the U.S. market through the acquisition of The Private Bank, CIBC sought out an investment bank to complement its growing U.S. business. CIBC approached us due to our national reputation and our culture which focuses on building trusting relationships with our client’s and teammates. I am extremely proud of the organization we have built and the new opportunity our partnership with CIBC provides.

How has your firm handled the pandemic?
Investment banking is hard work, and the line between work and home was already blurry. We have made it our priority to ensure that our team members have work/life balance. I think a company’s true character shows in difficult times, and I am very proud of how CIBC and CIBC Cleary Gull have delivered for both our clients and employees during the pandemic.

What do you do for fun?
As many of my ACG friends know, my favorite activity is traveling. Although COVID has presented challenges, I have driven to Colorado twice to see one of my daughters and taken several camping trips. On one of the drives, we stopped at Mount Rushmore National Monument and Badlands National Park. I am looking forward to more extensive travel adventures in the future!

What are couple of the books you read this past year?
I am in two book clubs, one focused on current events and social sciences and the other one on racial equity and inclusion. Both have been thought-provoking. In the current events book club we read “Who Gets What – and Why” by Alan Roth and “Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America” by Chris Arnade. In the racial equity and inclusion book club, we read “Know Your Price” by Andre Perry and “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla Saad. I would recommend them all.