Mike Theilmann is the former group executive vice president of J.C. Penny Company, Inc. overseeing more than 1,100 retail stores during his successful tenure. Mike's broad business experience and passion for tapping into the full potential of the company's more than 150,000 associates enabled him to institute a wide range of transformational initiatives. Currently, Mike serves as chairman of the J.C. Penny Afterschool Fund, and as chairman of the North Texas Executive Advisory Board of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). A graduate of Gustavas Adolphus College in Minnesota, Mike also holds a masters degree in physics from the University of Nebraska. He has been active in many service organizations, including the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.