Our Welcome to the City networking event in Houston will feature inspiring alumni, each recognized as a leader within the Bobcat community! They'll share key moments from their professional journeys and guide interactive networking activities to help you make meaningful connections with fellow alumni.
Steve Grande
Director of Communications
Houston Astros
Steve Grande is in his 19th season (2008–26) as a full-time member of the Houston Astros Communications staff and his third as Director of Communications. In this role, he manages day-to-day media relations and communications, coordinates interview requests, oversees the production of team baseball information, and serves as the scheduling coordinator for the BRUCE BOLT College Classic.
Grande has traveled on select Astros Road trips in each of his full-time seasons and has worked 19 Spring Trainings, 20 playoff series, the 2015 AL Wild Card Game, and the 2017 and 2018 MLB All-Star Games.
Before joining the Astros full-time in 2008, Grande spent the 2007 season as a media relations intern with both the Florida Marlins and the Astros. He also gained public relations experience outside of sports, working with two Austin-based firms in 2006.
Grande earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations, with a minor in business, from Texas State University in May 2006. A Houston native, he graduated from Klein Oak High School in Spring, Texas. He lives in Tomball with his wife, Ginny, and their three sons—James (8), Wesley (5), and Zach (2).
Iran Brown, JD
Associate Counsel
Travelers
Currently serving as Associate Counsel at Travelers, contributing to the Staff Counsel division with over a year of experience in the legal field. Proficient in family law, family mediation, and drafting agreements, with demonstrated expertise in providing legal support and documentation. Dedicated to delivering legal solutions, ensuring compliance, and supporting organizational objectives at Travelers. Committed to leveraging a foundation in civil law and a strong legal education to drive effective outcomes in a professional and collaborative environment.
Michael Rahn, CFP
Founder and Lead Advisor
The Sum Planning
Michael Rahn is the founder and lead advisor of The Sum Planning, where he guides families through transparent, education‑driven financial planning. He spends his days meeting with clients, refining firm processes, and ensuring every interaction reflects the 5‑star experience his team is known for. Michael approaches planning with a simple philosophy: view every situation through the client’s eyes and remove unnecessary barriers. This mindset has fueled The Sum’s rapid growth since its launch in 2018.
Michael specializes in retirement income distribution and loves helping clients replace uncertainty with clarity. By treating his firm like a classroom, he empowers families to understand their options and make confident decisions. As a business owner, he fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging his team to challenge ideas, take initiative, and create meaningful impact.
Michael earned his finance degree from Texas State University, where his interest in investing first took root. After beginning his career at a major Wall Street firm and later advising at Fidelity, he realized the importance of unbiased guidance. In 2012, he became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and eventually founded The Sum to provide fee‑based, client‑first wealth management.Outside the office, Michael is an avid pilot who enjoys flying with his wife, Marissa, on weekend adventures. They love exploring the outdoors, traveling abroad, and spending time in their Airstream throughout Texas and beyond. They live in The Woodlands and value their faith as the foundation of their family and work.
See you in Houston!
Welcome to the City will foster meaningful connections that support a strong transition from student to young professional within the Bobcat network.