Executive Bios
J. Michael Keeling, CAE
President
The ESOP Association
J. Michael Keeling, CAE, is the President and Chief Staff Officer of The ESOP Association, a national trade association promoting the growth of employee ownership in America through Employee Stock Ownership Plans, or ESOPs.
Since assuming his position in April 1991, the Association has experienced strong growth in membership and revenues, and is the largest organization in America dedicated to ensuring employee-owned companies are effective in operating their ESOP in an environment of ownership.
He is also President of the Association’s affiliated 501(c)(3) educational and research foundation, the Employee Ownership Foundation.
Prior to becoming President, Michael was General Counsel from 1984. Prior to 1984, he represented the Association on several legislative initiatives before Congress. While General Counsel, he maintained a private practice of law focused on legislative and administrative issues related to tax and retirement income policies.
During the 1970's, he was Chief of Staff for former Congressman J. J. Pickle of Austin, Texas. Prior to that, he worked as an aide in several statewide campaigns in Texas, as a private consultant to labor and farm groups, and as an employee of the Texas State Legislature.
He is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Texas Law School.
The American Society of Association Executives has certified Michael as a Certified Association Executive. He is listed in Who’s Who in American Politics and Who’s Who in America.
He is married and has two children.
Frieda S. Takaki
Chair
The ESOP Association
Frieda S. Takaki is President and CEO of CHART Rehabilitation of Hawaii, Inc. in Honolulu, HI. CHART Rehabilitation of Hawaii, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary outpatient physical rehabilitation clinic and is one of the most innovative and comprehensive orthopedic rehabilitation centers in the country. CHART pioneered the active rehab concept in the state of Hawaii in 1979 specializing in work injury and auto accident patients. CHART is a 100% employee owned company.
Ms. Takaki joined CHART in 1983 as Assistant General Manager and was quickly promoted to Vice President of Operations in 1984. In 1989, she became President and CEO. Like many successful companies, CHART was solicited for sale to mainland and local companies. To insure perpetuation the company’s philosophies and beliefs in CHART’s success, the employees purchased the company in 2001, thereby giving those who are responsible for the success of the company an American dream…ownership in the company.
Ms. Takaki is active in the Hawaii Chapter of The ESOP Association and is currently serving as the Chapter’s President. She has also served on the Executive Committee’s State & Regional Chapter Council and has served as Vice Chair of The ESOP Association for the past two years.
Ms. Takaki was married to the late Arnold Takaki and has three children and four grandchildren. She is very active in her church affiliation at New Hope Christian Fellowship.