Mike Hilton is the president of SparkBase Consulting, which serves small- to medium-sized businesses and nonprofits that are team-focused and growth-oriented. Hilton has worked with organizations as varied as an entrepreneurial hub, a global software association, local nonprofits, community development corporations and community revitalization projects, and a global construction and facilities consulting firm. With a successful history of leading organizations through strategic change, Hilton helps organizations launch new programs and implement broad changes while maintaining stability and growth. He focuses on team function, process efficiency and cross-functional communication to turn broad strategy into reality. In addition, Hilton manages teams by helping them build structure and then encouraging creativity within that framework. With a passion for service and community-minded organizations, Hilton brings an aptitude for quick learning, building effective relationships and putting together the pieces an organization needs to achieve its goal. He helped a Central Kentucky organization build an entrepreneurial training program that went from short-term grant funding to self-sustaining in 18 months and substantial profitability in three years. Hilton previously worked for Associations International, which provides outsourced staffing and administration for national and international associations. While there, he led a global software association’s rebuilding of a transitioning sales force. He also puts his expertise to good use for the community. Hilton helped Commerce Lexington launch its EMERGE program, which brings together young entrepreneurs, emerging leaders, business professionals and community members from Lexington to provide professional development, networking and inspiration. He also is a member of Blue Grass Community Foundation 365, was named the 2013 Family Champion by the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital and is active with the University of Dayton Alumni Mentoring Program. Hilton, who lives in Lexington with his wife, Erin, and two children, is a graduate of the University of Dayton.