TEAM
Thomas Schumann
Executive Director, CEI
Thomas Schumann
Thomas is an experienced business counselor providing financial and technical assistance to small and medium-sized businesses across a variety of industries and stages of development. Tom uses his background in economics, accounting and finance to help growing companies secure the financial resources required for growth through private investment and commercial and non-traditional lending.

His educational background includes degrees in accounting and economics, an MBA, a doctoral candidate in Computer and Information Systems. He holds certifications as an SBA commercial loan underwriter and an INBIA Certification in Business Incubation Management, and he is a certified trainer in the Profit Mastery and Growth Wheel programs.

At the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (CEI), Thomas leads a state-of-the-art, award-winning business incubator that focuses on the commercialization of bioscience and medical device technologies emerging from Arizona’s higher education community. CEI is expanding its mission by launching LabForce, state-wide workforce training initiative focused on developing the skills and talent required by the Arizona bioscience industry.

Thomas came to CEI after a 25 year career in Michigan universities where he held a variety of leadership positions and spearheaded multiple state-wide outreach initiatives to support businesses and entrepreneurs, such as the Inventors Center of Michigan, the Michigan Manufacturing Resource and Productivity Center and the Michigan Business Incubation Association. Throughout his career, Tom has been at the forefront of technology use in education. He was recognized by the Michigan legislature as “Michigan’s E-Learning Pioneer”.
Kristy Siefkin
Ambassador Manager
Kristy Siefkin
As an Executive Communications Coach, Kristy believes that stellar communication is the key to success in life and business. While the most dynamic leaders may appear to simply have a gift, Kristy knows that memorable, compelling and inspiring communication is a teachable skill, no different than chess or tennis.

Using her GoTo Speaker™ Methodology, Kristy has trained over 700 professionals to craft powerful messages and deliver them with confidence and impact. Organizations like CBRE, HomeSmart, HP, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Charles Schwab have entrusted Kristy with training their talent.

Kristy has prepared executives for national media appearances, high-stakes presentations and speeches, and international summits. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and event emcee, taking the stage for organizations like Society for Human Resource Management, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, The Business Journals, The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, and Organization for Nonprofit Executives.

Kristy’s expertise is drawn from 20 years experience as a national spokeswoman and Emmy-recognized network Journalist and Anchor. She has broadcasted on NBC, CBS, Fox, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and Extra!

Kristy is a proud Duke Blue Devil and holds a Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Multimedia Communications. When she’s not training, coaching or speaking, you’ll find her road tripping with her feisty Norwich Terrier "Poppy Monsoon."