Executive Team
With great care and careful consideration, our executive team leads the Association into a new era of innovation by calling on a diverse pool of history and experience.
Steve Grafton
President & CEO
sgrafton@umich.edu | 734.763.9730
Steve provides leadership and direction to the Association and its leadership team, coordinating all Board of Directors activities and working with all U-M campuses.
Jerry Sigler, ’83
Senior Vice President & COO
jsigler@umich.edu | 734.763.2452
Jerry and his team manage the financial planning, record-keeping, and fundraising of the Association, including LEAD scholarships, regional scholarships, and Camp Michigania.
Areas: Alumni Travel, Michigania
Angila Chapman
Vice President & CFO
simpsona@umich.edu | 734.615.3126
Angila and her team ensure the Association is operating efficiently and effectively through financial oversight, technical support, facilities management, and human resource management.
Areas: Accounting, Customer Relations, Human Resources, Technology
Dave Schueler, ’92
Vice President, Alumni Engagement
dschue@umich.edu | 734.763.9754
Dave oversees several program areas within the Association that focus on alumni and engagement. This includes leadership of the Global Engagement Team, Events Team, Career Program, and Alumni Education Team. His primary focus is on facilitating connections among alumni and the University as well as providing access to the University’s educational offerings.
Areas: Alumni Career Services, Alumni Communities, Alumni Education, Events, International
Upasna Kakroo
Executive Director, Marketing & Communications
upasna@umich.edu | 734.764.0025
Upasna and her team help build awareness and stronger engagement for the Association’s programming through multi-channel marketing campaigns and strategies. The team also develops and implements membership services for alums.
Areas: Brand Design, Digital/Data, Digital/UX, Marketing/Membership, Writing
Ayanna McConnell
Executive Director, University/Student Engagement & LEAD Scholars
ayannam@umich.edu | 734.615.9714
Ayanna and her team create strategic connections with the university community to strengthen overall alumni engagement at U-M while helping current students learn to maximize the Michigan alumni network through programs and leadership development. The team manages the LEAD Scholars program and other Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts and offers alumni a portfolio of volunteer programs ranging from student recruitment to mentoring.
Areas: Alumni Volunteer, LEAD Scholars, Students