Crain’s Detroit Business characterizes the women on its list of 2020 Notable Women in Finance as a cut above the rest: “In a field that is still dominated by men at the highest ranks, their leadership and influence is changing the face of the sector.”
Four Broad College graduates were honored this year, earning a spot on the list based on their “career accomplishments, track record of success in the field, contributions to their community and mentorship of others,” according to Crain’s.
Angie Kelly
Angie Kelly (B.A. Accounting ’98), assurance partner and Detroit office managing partner for EY
Angie Kelly (B.A. Accounting ’98) is no stranger to the spotlight. In 2019, she was named a Woman to Watch by the Michigan Association for Certified Public Accountants for her role at EY and her commitment to the Detroit community.
Kelly serves as assurance partner and Detroit office managing partner for EY — and is the first woman to do so in any EY Michigan office. As noted by Crain’s, she is responsible for leading client and community engagement and managing the Detroit office practice of more than 700 assurance, advisory, tax and transaction advisory professionals.
While making a successful career for herself, Kelly has also maintained close ties to her alma mater.
“The Broad College not only provided me with an exceptional education but also opportunities for leadership that prepared me for a career in professional services at EY,” she said. “Since graduation, I have also had the opportunity to stay connected by serving on Michigan State University’s External Advisory Board for the Department of Accounting and Information Systems, serving as a guest lecturer for the department, serving on MSU panels supporting Advancing Women in Business and leading our EY recruiting efforts on campus.”
Betsy Meter
Betsy Meter (B.A. Accounting ’82), Michigan managing partner at KPMG
Betsy Meter (B.A. Accounting ’82) has spent her career at KPMG, joining the firm while studying at MSU and working her way up to serve as the Michigan managing partner for the past three years. In her role today, she leads about 400 professionals and directs the firm’s strategic direction and growth.
“I love being able to work with and mentor people,” Meter said. “In addition, I get to think about our strategy and brand in the market while helping clients both locally and nationally.”
As noted by Crain’s, Meter champions the firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts — values that are also critical for the Broad College and MSU.
“We are in a continuous process of improving our culture at the firm,” Meter explained. “We spend time constructively getting together through events across different networks to have an open dialogue and re-establish our values.” She also explained that the firm embraces these values both inside and outside, recognizing that there is a community aspect to reaching higher collective understanding.
Like Kelly, Meter has stayed an active alumna, maintaining relationships with professors, serving on the advisory board for the accounting department and returning to campus to give presentations to students.
Roberta Remias
Roberta Remias (B.A. Accounting ’79), vice chancellor for administrative services at Oakland Community College
Roberta Remias (B.A. Accounting ’79) serves as the vice chancellor for administrative services at Oakland Community College, where she oversees a capital budget larger than $200 million, leads a team of more than 200 administrative services staff members and is able to make a positive impact on the students and community.
“My leadership role at Oakland Community College is especially rewarding because I truly believe in the work of community colleges and the principal roles they serve in providing educational opportunities for a wide range of students,” she said.
Remias explained how she truly found her passion for accounting while on the banks of the Red Cedar, which helped set her on a course for success.
“One of my first meaningful jobs was as a teaching assistant for accounting at MSU,” she said. “I was able to work next to outstanding faculty members, graduate assistants and textbook authors while at the same time helping students through their first college accounting class. This passion for business and education has provided a fulfilling career that has touched many lives.”
Jacqueline Venier
Jacqueline Venier (B.A. Finance ’06), relationship manager and senior associate at Plante Moran Financial Advisors
Jacqueline Venier (B.A. Finance ’06) has spent the past 14 years building her career at Plante Moran Financial Advisors, working at its Southfield and Detroit offices. She serves as a relationship manager and senior associate, “managing assets greater than $665 million and helping clients reduce or eliminate estate tax exposure while balancing liquidity needs, family dynamics and charitable interests,” according to Crain’s.
“Being selected by Crain’s for the first time is an honor,” Venier said. “It’s humbling to be recognized among such an impressive list of professionals.”
Like her fellow notable Broad Spartan alumnae, Venier looked back on her time at MSU with appreciation and pride for aiding in her success thus far.
“I’m grateful for being a Broad College Spartan alumna,” she said. “From help with interviewing and finding mentors to making new connections and expanding my professional network, we have such a strong alumni network that’s supported me every step of the way.
“When I think about memories with the Broad College, I’ll never forget coming back for my first trip as a recruiter for Plante Moran,” she continued. “It was so different being on the other side of the table and talking with students about the many opportunities in front of them. It’s exciting to be able to pay forward all of the great guidance I’ve received to the next generation of finance leaders.”
