Mike Stephens – Managing Director
Mike is responsible for building card alliances between merchants and card issuers. After a successful 25-year career at Wachovia Corporation, which included senior management positions in the international, treasury services and credit card divisions, Mike joined Advantage in 2001. He has supported the development of dozens of programs crossing a broad base of industries including airlines, lodging, petroleum, retail, entertainment, higher education and sports. Mike’s strong international experience includes the development of card programs in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Prior to joining Advantage, Mike directed product development and marketing for the partnership, agent bank, retail bank and Internet activities of Wachovia’s credit card subsidiary. Mike regularly serves as a speaker on international and credit card issues, and has contributed to various publications.
On the Personal Side
Mike is an avid runner. In fact, his approach to running is very similar to his approach to work… all systems go, and always with an end goal in mind. Just what he’s running from, we’re not sure, but he just keeps going…and going… and going! This go-go spirit extends to his philanthropic endeavors. In addition to being a Stephen Minister and a Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic church, Mike serves on the Board of Trustees for the Shepherd Center Foundation, a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury and brain injury. Mike is a native of North Carolina where he received his degree in business administration from his beloved UNC – Chapel Hill. He and his wife of 30 years have three terrific children.
