Walsh College in Troy has appointed Haroon Bhatti, principal and managing director of Capital Business Brokerage, and Paul Mersino, president and CEO of Butzel, to its board of trustees.
Bhatti runs the Farmington Hills-based M&A and business brokerage firm advising Main Street and lower-middle-market companies on valuation, deal structuring, negotiations, and successful closings across a wide range of industries. Bhatti’s hands-on, results-driven approach has helped hundreds of business owners navigate growth, exit, and acquisition strategies with clarity and confidence.
A Walsh College alumnus who first came to Walsh as an international student, Bhatti earned a B.B.A. in accounting and dual graduate degrees an MBA and Master of Science in finance. His achievements have been recognized nationally through honors from the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), including the IBBA Deal Maker Award and the IBBA Chairman’s Circle Award, which distinguishes him as one of the leading business brokers in the country.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Walsh College Board of Trustees. Walsh has played a significant role in my life and career, and joining the Board presents an opportunity to give back to the institution that has helped shape my path. I look forward to supporting Walsh’s mission, strengthening its connection to the business community, and helping prepare the next generation of leaders who will drive Michigan’s economic future.”
Mersino was appointed Butzel president and CEO in March 2023. He is responsible for the operations and management of the more than 150-attorney firm, including budgeting, setting strategic goals, and more. He was elected to the firm’s board of directors in 2020.
Mersino represents public and private companies, in a number of areas including complex commercial litigation, contract disputes, non-compete and trade secret disputes, automotive supplier disputes, construction litigation, and First Amendment litigation.
A graduate of Northwood University and Ave Maria School of Law, Mersino has earned wide recognition for his leadership including DBusiness’ “Detroit 500: Most Powerful Business Leaders” (2023, 2024, and 2025), Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 Under 40” and DBusiness’ “30 in Their Thirties,” to name a few.
“It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to assist such a storied institution as Walsh College,” Mersino says. “Both Walsh and my firm, Butzel, have been staples of the Detroit economic landscape for well over a hundred years. I look forward to working with President Siegle and her amazing team to continue that tradition for many years to come.”
Suzy Siegle, president and CEO of Walsh College, says, “We are delighted to welcome Paul Mersino and Haroon Bhatti to the Walsh College Board of Trustees. “Their track records in serving the business community as well as their belief in the value of higher education makes them exceptional additions to our Walsh College board.”
