Jeffrey is the Chief Executive Officer of Zeffert & Associates Inc., a nationwide leader of affordable housing compliance services. As one of the longest running expert organizations in the field, Zeffert establishes multiyear and on-the-spot partnerships with the full spectrum of industry stakeholders such as property management firms, owners, syndicators, developers, housing authorities, and state finance agencies.
Jeffrey stands firmly for the growth and protection of these clients’ investments because they power the affordable housing of more than just families, but entire communities. He also believes in the advocacy efforts that industry trade groups make, which are critical to expanding the accessibility of homes for everyone. As CEO, Zeffert has produced its largest volumes of compliance services including tenant file reviews, property inspections, utility allowance reports, and training class enrollments. For more than two decades and headquartered in St. Louis, Zeffert’s services reach every state and territory within the jurisdiction of the IRS, HUD, and USDA.
Jeffrey is a regular speaker at a wide range of conferences, serves on advisory committees and boards, and outside of Zeffert enjoys teaching as adjunct faculty with the University of Missouri – St. Louis in the College of Business Administration. He holds professional designations in affordable housing, earned a master’s degree in business, and a bachelor’s degree in medical microbiology.
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.
Debbie has more than twenty years of experience ranging from accountant to controller and most recently as the CFO of Zeffert. Some of Debbie’s notable contributions at Zeffert include dramatic reductions in project related costs through strategic analysis and planning as well as co-leading a multiyear IT overhaul yielding enhanced systems reliability.
Debbie is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.