Alumnus Paul Stauder retires after long career in finance

For 47 years, HFC alumnus Paul Stauder has worked in public finance, where he manages financing for clients across the state to fund projects and facilities. One of those clients is HFC.

“I help the College obtain money for campus improvement projects. I’ve worked with HFC for nine years with my current firm and I also worked with HFC for more than 30 years at my previous firm. The College employs very smart people who make sure its finances are well taken care of,” said Stauder, the managing director of PFM Financial Advisors, LLC in Ann Arbor.

Family of financiers

Born in Lincoln Park, Stauder grew up in Allen Park. He lives in Pittsfield Township. He has three children and two grandchildren.

After he graduated from St. Frances Cabrini High School in Allen Park, Stauder enrolled at HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) and studied liberal arts and business. He enjoyed his time at the College.

“HFC had a great reputation and a flexible class schedule that really fit my work schedule,” he said. “The faculty were mostly working in the private sector, which I could really relate to. The facilities and location worked well for me.”

Once he moved to Ann Arbor, Stauder continued coursework at Washtenaw Community College. He later transferred to Cleary University in Ann Arbor where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. His father and his uncle, who worked in finance, inspired him to continue the family tradition.

Stauder is a member of the Michigan Government Finance Officers Association and served on the organization's Professional Development Committee. He also served on the Municipal Advisory Council of Michigan Board of Directors and the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan Board of Directors.

Every project is a challenge

Since 1977, Stauder has been a financial advisor, providing advice and guidance on a wide range of public finance projects. He has developed a variety of financing structures for municipalities and school districts, and has taken part in the development and implementation of hundreds of revenue support systems and repayment programs for municipalities and authorities throughout Michigan.

Stauder joined PFM, a municipal advisory business, in August 2015 as managing director. His experience includes revenue bonds, special assessment and tax increment financing, refunding bonds, cash flow borrowing, and installment purchase financing. He has successfully completed thousands of municipal bond and note transactions for a wide range of municipal and public education facilities (including HFC), energy conservation improvements, building and site improvements, libraries, airports, roads and bridges, economic development projects, and more.

“For me, the best part of my job is seeing these projects and facilities be put to use by people across the state. Every project is a challenge; that is what I love,” said Stauder.

HFC Vice President of Financial, Facilities, IT, and Auxiliary Services John Satkowski enjoyed working with Stauder.

“Paul Stauder and his team at PFM have been instrumental in the issuance of HFC-related bonds for many years,” said Satkowski. “We will miss Paul, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”

Stauder’s final day will be June 28. He plans to spend time with his grandchildren, as well as golfing, fishing, and traveling.

“I have done this work for many years, and it has been a great career,” said Stauder. “It is time to let others enjoy what I have enjoyed.”