Mike Milligan was raised in Wellsburg, Iowa, a rural community of approximately 750 people located in Grundy County. His parents were career educators and active in his community. Mike’s father was the Principal and football coach at Wellsburg-Steamboat Rock High School (which Mike attended), and his mother worked as a teacher’s assistant in the local public school system.

Mike attended Iowa State University, earning his Bachelor’s degree with a communications major and political science minor. While in college, he played a season of football as a tight end for the Cyclones.

Before coming to D.M. Kelly & Company, Mike enjoyed a successful 13-year career in politics as a senior level staff member. “I had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most successful and influential politicians in the country on both sides of the aisle,” says Mike. “The fast-paced nature of that field and the importance of forming relationships based on trust are very similar to what I have encountered in the financial industry.”

Mike was named a State of Iowa Honorary Colonel in 2003, and in 2007 was inducted into the DSM Business Record “40 Under 40” – an annual list of the most influential professionals in the Des Moines area.

Mike and his wife Megan are active supporters of many not-for-profit organizations including the Central Iowa Alzheimer’s Association, ANAWIM Housing and St. Augustin Church and School.

In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending as much time with his wife Megan and their three boys as possible. He also likes watching college football, movies and reading non-fiction American history.