Michael J. Henneman co-founded Royal Properties in 1979 with Beta fraternity brother, Rick Schmidt and continues to be a managing general partner in each of its partnerships. In addition to his current company role as chairman of the board, he is also very involved in deal structure and in leading the development process. Other critical development functions lead by Mr. Henneman are site verification, development process, professional selection, government interface, deal structure, debt financing and asset deposition.
Michael is also an owner of Henneman Engineering Inc., a successful Illinois-based architectural and engineering firm founded 57 years ago by his father. Throughout his career at Henneman, Michael has held multiple positions including draftsman, electrical designer, engineer, vice-president and corporate secretary. In 1991, he became President of the engineering firm and served as President/CEO until 2014. He also served as Chairman of the Board from 1996-2016. Under Mr. Henneman's leadership, the firm has grown to eight offices in 3 states.
Michael is a University of Illinois graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (BSEE) in 1975, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 1983. He is a registered professional engineer in the states of Illinois, Arizona, Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin and Indiana. He is also a member of the American Consulting Engineering Council, National Society of Professional Engineers, and an affiliate of the American Institute of Architects. In 1986, Michael designed and engineered a computer-based energy management system for the University of Illinois chilled water air conditioning system. The design was cutting edge innovation and Mr. Henneman received a Design Award of Excellence from the United States Secretary of Energy, John S. Harrington. From 2006-2009 Mr. Henneman was on the board of directors for American Campus Communities (ACC), a public REIT.
In addition to his professional duties, Michael serves as a Board member of CEO (CEO.org) currently and served in the past as Chairman of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Illini Chapter of Young Presidents Organization(YPO), Board Director of Bank Champaign, Director of the Urbana-Champaign Economic Development Corporation, past Co-Chairman of St. Mathew School Education Commission, member of University of Illinois President's council, the fighting Illini Athletic Scholarship Fund, and Chairman of the Sigma Rho chapter (University of Illinois) Beta Theta Pi Fraternal Building Corporation. He has also served on the City of Champaign Zoning and Building Code committees. State of Illinois Professional Engineering Energy Committee, and the University of Illinois Professional Practice Group of the Department of Architecture.
Mr. Henneman's community involvement has focused on the founding of a new Catholic High School in Champaign, Illinois. In addition, Michael donated to the High School of Saint Thomas Moore a charitable gift, earmarked for the construction of a new football and track field. In 2007 Mr. Henneman and family donated a gift in support of the construction of the new Champaign Public Library.
Mr. Henneman is a native of Champaign, Illinois, and currently resides in Naples, Florida. Michael enjoys family (3 children), boating, golf, art and travel.