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WJR RISING STARS | MATT ZELMAN

Matt Zelman is the Senior Auto Finance Specialist at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and acts as the finance liaison for one of his organization’s largest customers. He also has been an invaluable member and volunteer for the Detroit Economic Club, and served on the speaker selection committee for the upcoming DEC Young Leaders Conference in October 2022.


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In his spare time, he volunteers in many professional development and community activities. Matt is a long-time DEC Young Leader who has been an invaluable volunteer at many DEC meetings over the years. The DEC Staff knows Matt is always available to help out even on short notice.

In the professional development arena, Matt serves as the 2022 Chairman of the Board for the National Management Association headquartered in Dayton, OH. This role involves running a 17 member Board with purview of a +$400k budget, along with direct oversight of two staff employees. NMA has over 7,000 members and 29 chapters across the USA and the Bahamas.

Matt has already been nominated to serve an unprecedented second term as Board Chair in 2023.

In addition, Matt gives back to the community by mentoring an intern at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan each summer, along with participating in Adopt-a-Highway on Woodward Ave. In prior years Matt served a Chair of Graduates of the Last Decade at his alma mater the University of Michigan-Dearborn, along with five years as Vice Chair of the College of Business Alumni Affiliate Board. Both roles helped earn him the 2011 Young Alumnus of the Year award at UM-D.

Continuing the leadership trend into sports, Matt coached the co-ed softball team at BCBSM for 11 years, winning the championship in the Southfield Parks and Recreation League in 2015 and 2019.


A little bit more about Matt…

When I reflect on a moment that I am proud of, I think of…

Having the courage to take on a leadership role before I thought I was ready.”

As I continue to grow, I am hopeful for…

The knowledge and wisdom that comes with being a lifelong learner. This mindset allows me to continue growing as a leader as I learn from others, while also passing along what I’ve learned to the next generation.”

During my free time, I …

Enjoy an evening at the ballpark cheering on the Tigers or at LCA supporting the Red Wings, Catch a movie on opening night/weekend to avoid all the spoilers, and relax at home watching the most recent Disney+ show from Marvel or Star Wars.

If I could give advice to my 20-year-old self, I would say…

Don’t be afraid to take risks, whether that be in your career or personal life. Along with this, make decisions without concern for what others may think.”


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