Jeffrey Promnitz is a regular panelist, motivational speaker, and trainer on national and local circuits covering fair and accessible housing. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Zeffert & Associates, Inc. and Adjunct Faculty with the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Additionally, he volunteers on various leadership advisory committees and boards for causes he believes in. Jeffrey stands firmly for the growth of multifamily investors because they power the affordable housing of more than just families, but entire communities. He believes in the advocacy efforts that affordable housing trade groups make, which are critical to expanding the accessibility of homes for everyone. He holds professional designations in affordable housing, a Master’s Degree in International Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Microbiology.
As CEO, he works to establish impactful partnerships with industry stakeholders and leads the strategic advancement of Zeffert & Associates.
As an academic, he teaches at the University of Missouri – St. Louis in the College of Business Administration as adjunct faculty. He is active in the university's strategic planning, including serving on the Marketing Advisory Board.
At Zeffert & Associates:
Our Vision is that every community has an available supply of quality affordable housing.
Our Mission is to provide housing compliance and training products that are better and faster than anyone else.
Michael was born to Greek immigrants who emigrated to St. Louis in the late 1960s. He spent the summers of high school in his ancestral village in the mountains of northern Greece where he helped his grandparents on their farm and learned how to speak fluent Greek.
Michael attended St. Louis University where he graduated with a double major in Finance and International Business. He then went on to receive his Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from St. Louis University. He traveled to various plants implementing activity-based accounting during his first job at Ralston Purina. He then held positions at Avery Dennison followed by Ingersoll Rand where he had roles in management, sales, and accounting.
Next, he joined American Railcar Industries (ARI) where he remained for 9 years. During that time, he became the Cost Accounting Director of ARI and Controller of American Car Foundry Industries (ACF). It was also during this time that he met and married his wife, Dr. Shannon Farmakis. They have three children—George Ethan, Grace, and Pierce.
In 2015 Michael became the President and Chief Executive Officer of ACF Industries. In that position he had the pleasure and privilege of collaborating with a talented team. It is through his role at ACF Industries that he was able to promote outreach programs, such as yearly assistance helping to package meals for thousands of local families in need.