Michael W. Ferro, Jr.
Chairman and CEO, Merrick Ventures, LLC
Michael W. Ferro, Jr. is the current Chairman and
CEO of Merrick Ventures, LLC and past chairman, CEO and founder of
Click Commerce, Inc. Under Mr. Ferro’s leadership, Click Commerce
posted 14 consecutive quarters of growth and profitability and acquired
and integrated nine companies. During this time, the company’s
stock value increased 900 percent. Because of Click Commerce’s
industry reputation and proven ability to deliver results, Illinois
Tool Works (ITW), a multi-billion dollar Fortune 150 company acquired
Click Commerce on Oct. 24, 2006. ITW selected Click Commerce as the
platform to launch their software and technology group.
Mr. Ferro is a Director on the Board of Trustees of The Chicago Museum
of Science and Industry, The Field Museum of Chicago, The Joffrey
Ballet of Chicago, Northwestern University and the Lyric Opera of
Chicago. He serves on the boards of Northwestern University, The
Chicago Community Trust, Children’s Memorial Hospital,
Northwestern Memorial Foundation, Big Shoulders Foundation, and
AfterSchool Matters. In addition to his civic and philanthropic
activities, Mr. Ferro participates in several business organizations.
He is the chairman of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and a
board member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Mr. Ferro is also a
member of Young Presidents’ Organization and The Commercial Club
of Chicago. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois.
