Meet Vanguard Companies

James Beard

Chief Executive Officer

James Beard is the chief executive officer. He started his career at Vanguard as a senior project manager before being promoted to general manager, then to COO, and now CEO. He has been heavily involved in Vanguard Companies’ operational changes as we have evolved from a corrugated packaging manufacture to a high-end graphics and display manufacturer with complete turnkey services which include fulfillment and distribution.

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Missouri.

Michael Dieleman

Chief Financial Officer

Mike Dieleman is the chief financial officer. Mike is responsible for leading the financial management and strategic planning / budgeting at Vanguard Companies.  He provides operational leadership to ensure the finance and accounting and information technology teams are supporting the business needs and initiatives.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Iowa and his C.P.A. from the Iowa Board of Accountancy.

Wendy Richards

Chief Human Resources Officer

Wendy Richards is the chief human resources officer. Wendy is responsible for the overall strategic vision for human resources at Vanguard Companies. She provides leadership and guidance to the human resource department by overseeing, among other responsibilities, talent acquisition, development, and performance management.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Relations from Mid-America Nazarene University, Olathe, KS.

Chris Cummings

Executive Vice President of Sales

Chris Cummings is the Executive Vice President of Sales. Chris is responsible for leading Vanguard’s commercial organization, with a focus on the continued growth of our high-performing team and best-in-class customer experience. Chris’s primary leadership responsibility will be to develop and lead Vanguard’s commercial team to better serve existing and new customers while growing through new markets, products, and services.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a double Major in Business Management and Marketing from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University.