The Board of Directors of the Systems Group announced the hiring of Michael Thomas, former vice president of Finance and Business at Jackson State University, as president of Systems Electro Coating, Systems Consultants, and Systems IT. In his new role, effective Aug. 1, he will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the three companies, as well as implementing the strategic direction.
A Mississippi-based Tier I to Nissan North America since 2001, SEC is the sole supplier of electro coated and sequenced frames for Nissan’s U.S. manufactured SUVs and trucks.
Thomas, a native of Natchez, said he expects the companies’ portfolio to grow and diversify, while staying true to the core mission of human and organizational capacity building. Founded in 1977 by Bill Cooley, former dean of the then-JSU School of Business, Systems Consultants will expand the footprint of its management consulting and IT training practice under Thomas’ leadership.
Toni Cooley, newly elected CEO of the Systems Group said, “The Systems team is elated that Michael has agreed to lead the next iteration of our companies. He brings unique intellect and experience that will serve to multiply our existing talent base. At day’s end, we are convinced that, with Michael, Systems will realize substantial growth and strive to make exceptional contributions to our State.” Thomas earned a bachelors degree in accounting from JSU in 1985.
