MEET THE TEAM
MR. MICHAEL A. COOK
Chief Investments Officer
At RIG, we don’t have a Chief Executive Officer — we have a Chief Investments Officer. Why? Because staying true to our slogan, "Invest Smarter. With Confidence." isn’t just a business strategy, it’s our mission.
A Chicagoland native, Michael brings a unique blend of leadership, service, and experience to his role as Chief Investments Officer. A graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science & History, Michael built a foundation in understanding systems, people, and problem-solving.
Before leading RIG, Michael proudly served in the Indiana Army National Guard as an Intelligence Analyst. During his service, he supported Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Warp Speed, and Operation Allies Welcome, contributing to both national defense and humanitarian missions. His dedication was recognized with multiple honors, and he is a recipient of the following awards, ribbons, & service medals: National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.
His career journey reflects resilience and versatility — from serving our country in the Indiana Army National Guard, to roles in manufacturing, hospitality, and public service. Michael has worked as a Metal Worker for Dynatect Manufacturing, a SpaceX partner, and one of the largest government contractors in the United States. Michael has also worked as an Assistant Manager for Choice Hotels International & Marriott, and has worked as a Security Officer for Federal Protection Agency. Michael’s background has equipped him with a deep respect for hard work at every level, and a keen eye for matching the right person to the right opportunity.
Michael has also served in the federal civil service as an Enumerator with the United States Census Bureau, earned recognition for his TED presentation at TEDx Ball State University, and dedicated years to volunteer work — from supporting special needs athletes with the Special Olympics to providing pro bono legal aid for low-income communities.
At RIG, Michael leads with the belief that investing isn’t about the immediate gains here & now; it’s about long-term strategy focused on value investing. His diverse background, military discipline, and commitment to service give him a leadership style rooted in integrity and action.
Fun Fact: When Michael isn’t connecting employers with top talent, you’ll likely find him volunteering, coaching, or logging some flight hours in a Cessna 172. .
MR. DONALD P. ERICKSON
Chief Operating Officer
At RIG, operational excellence is the engine that drives everything we do — and at the helm of that engine is Donald Erickson, our Chief Operating Officer.
Born in Danbury, Connecticut in 1988, Donald grew up with a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and tradition. He attended the prestigious Kent School, where he was both a student leader and an athlete, before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Boston College in 2010.
Donald began his career as an Account Manager with Burlington Coat Factory in New Jersey, where he developed a deep understanding of business operations, logistics, and large-scale team management. His ability to balance strategy with execution made him a natural fit for leadership, eventually bringing him to RIG, where those skills now guide our daily operations.
As Chief Operating Officer, Donald ensures that every placement, client partnership, and internal process runs smoothly. From recruiter coordination to compliance oversight, his leadership helps RIG scale efficiently while maintaining the high standards our clients and investors expect.
Outside the office, Donald is a devoted husband to his wife Emily and a proud father of two. On weekends, you can find him sailing, fishing, or playing football and baseball with his son. These passions mirror his approach to work: balance, precision, and a love for building strong teams both on and off the field.
MR. ALEX WU
Chief Technology Officer
At RIG, technology is more than a tool — it’s the backbone that keeps our talent moving at the speed of business. Leading that mission is Alex Wu, our Chief Technology Officer.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Alex graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science. His technical foundation and cross-disciplinary expertise gave him a unique perspective on how data and people intersect — a perspective he brings to RIG every day.
Alex began his career as an IT Engineer with Amgen Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he developed secure systems that supported critical healthcare research. In 2021, he advanced to Senior IT Engineer with Associated Security Corporation in East Hartford, Connecticut, managing infrastructure and ensuring data integrity for high-security operations. His experience across both biotech and security sectors prepared him to lead technology innovation at RIG, where reliability and scalability are essential.
At RIG, Alex oversees the development, security, and optimization of our technology platforms, ensuring both clients and investors benefit from a seamless, secure, and efficient experience. From domain acquisition to developing back-end systems for our users, to data-driven insights, Alex drives the innovation that keeps RIG ahead of the curve.
Outside the office, Alex is a Chicago Blackhawks fan who rarely misses a game, and in his downtime, he embraces adventure through skydiving — a hobby that reflects his bold, forward-thinking approach to technology and leadership.