Each year, Crain’s Detroit Business releases its list of “40 Under 40,” placing a spotlight on the Motor City’s influential young talent. These high achievers come from all walks of life and span business industries, organizations, and even social causes. And without fail, alumni of Michigan State University earn spots on this list each year, demonstrating their impact in and around the city.

Nearly a quarter of the 2016 “40 Under 40” list are Spartan alumni, four of whom represent the Broad College of Business.

Emily Heintz

Emily Heintz

Karissa Holmes

Karissa Holmes

Joe Schmitt

Joe Schmitt 

Paul Wheeler

Paul Wheeler

Broad College Alumni on the Crain’s “40 under 40” list:

Emily Heintz (BA Accounting ’06, MS Accounting ’07) is associate director of Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA). There, she develops the MVCA Research Report, plans educational and networking events, manages talent programs, and advocates for Michigan’s entrepreneurial community.

Karissa Holmes (EMBA ’17) is a corporate attorney with significant law firm and in-house experience, currently senior attorney with DTE Energy. She was named an Up & Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, received the Community Impact Award from the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, and is a board member of the Detroit Young Professionals. She is also the co-founder and CEO of Out of D Box, LLC, a box subscription company that specializes in curating the best local flavors, small batch goods, and experiences of Detroit.

Joe Schmitt (BA Finance ’00, EMBA ’07) is managing director of Greenwich Capital Group, a middle-market focused investment bank, where he oversees investment banking, financial advisory, and private equity. In his 15 years of corporate finance experience, he is best known for his expertise in the healthcare, business services, and general industrial sectors. He was formerly chief financial officer of the Energy Group and vice president of Deloitte Corporate Finance.

Paul Wheeler (EMBA ’14) is senior manager of product strategy and analysis for Cooper Standard, the leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Wheeler has nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, with a career spanning engineering, strategic planning, and marketing. He has held numerous leadership positions with the Society of Automotive Analysts and is currently its president.