About Me

In the late 1990s, I turned around the performance of an NYSE-traded company in 18 months and then maintained its profitability for 14 straight years – an achievement never before accomplished in the company’s 96-year history. After I successfully sold the business at a premium to a strategic acquirer, I transitioned to being a full-time Board member, now having served nearly 20 organizations during my career.  Along the way, I assisted new CEOs, helped multiple companies through dramatic growth and successful ownership transitions; as well as chairing the Board of Cascade Public Media at the time it transitioned from a PBS member television station to a public media company.

My journey began in a small Mississippi River town in Missouri. The second-youngest of six brothers, I literally ran myself to college at the University of Notre Dame, where I was a key performer on the university’s cross-country and track teams. Upon graduation, my wife and I drove our used Cutlass (with hitch & trailer) across the country to begin my career as a CPA at Deloitte in Seattle. 

While I found success as a CEO and board member, I was never alone. I was lucky to work with incredible teams, bosses, mentors, coaches and peers. I learned from them constantly. Throughout my career, I have found the most fulfillment and success in helping those around me reach their full potential and drive maximum business impact.  My passion for empowering people to be their best selves is why I founded Welch Executive Advisors: to help owners and executives achieve their goals – whether growing more rapidly or by solving hard business problems.  As a trusted executive coach I help my clients gain perspective, options and action plans. 

I also help clients through my work as a board member. Currently, I serve on the boards of Capital Accord Benefits and Lease Crutcher Lewis – where I chair the Compensation and Audit Committees.  I have significant M&A experience with public and private companies, have worked on a number of transaction teams and served as owner representative.  

I am a Certified Executive Coach, a Genos Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, a member of the International Coaching Federation, NACD Directorship Certified™ and an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Previously I was the CEO of Todd Shipyards for 14 years and the CFO of King Broadcasting.

You can also find me on LinkedIn.