Ann DeAngelo

Associate Partner
Business Development

Attorney by trade; entrepreneur by heart – that's Ann DeAngelo.

After graduating from Central Missouri State University with degrees in Criminal Justice and Communications, Ann earned a Juris Doctor from Washburn University. She launched her legal career at Green Tree Financial (now Green Tree Servicing) in St. Paul as a member of its small, in-house legal team. Responsible for legal and compliance matters for nearly a decade, Ann routinely assessed and reduced risks lurking in federal and state laws and mitigated millions of dollars in potential administrative actions through creative organizational efficiencies and best-in-class practices.

Although the Twin Cities offered opportunity, Ann's deep roots in and passion for Kansas City called her home in 2006. With strong financial services experience, Ann landed as legal counsel for Novastar, a national subprime lender. She counseled and advised management on a broad spectrum of issues, including licensing, industry practice and risk management.

Ann's next career stop was in a dynamic business setting within a Kansas City icon – H&R Block. As Corporate Counsel, Ann gained invaluable experience working on multiple ventures for the H&R Block family of companies. Ann tackled software development issues, international subsidiary challenges and delivered support for core business and operational needs. Ann built a strong legal and business foundation for an entrepreneurial adventure.

After completing the Kauffman FastTrac New Venture Program working with several entrepreneurs in different stages of business development, Ann joined Think Big Partners in May 2011. As an Associate Partner, Ann has found her home in the creative entrepreneurial environment surrounded by founders and visionaries. Her primary responsibilities include developing new business, drafting proposals and creating operational synergy within the Think Big Partners family of companies - all through the lens of an accomplished attorney and successful business insider.

Ann's personal and professional goals are to leave a legacy and effectuate substantial and meaningful change. Ann is the Founder and President of Paradigm Rising, a collaborative resource offering designed specifically for parents seeking to address complex and often controversial issues affecting children. Paradigm Rising is collaborating with the Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) in Overland Park to help children maintain and reclaim their essence and bring a heightened appreciation to the right-brain contribution leading to whole-brain success.

Ann is proud of her commitment to community service. Beyond the mission of Paradigm Rising, she serves as legal counsel to Harmony, a nearly 60-year old non-profit dedicated to promoting cultural competency and leveraging diversity in metropolitan Kansas City. Ann is also an avid supporter of "Arts for Kids," serving on the steering committee for the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which feeds her admiration for children and gardening.

Ann is a skilled negotiator and member in good standing of the Missouri and Minnesota Bar Associations. Ann is also a dedicated mother of two, Alyssandra and Aydn, and enjoys playing volleyball, reading, and collecting gemstones from all over the world.

How Does Ann Think Big?  "I go beyond Thinking and dream. Then I make it happen."