Applebaum has over 30 years of experience in capital markets. She joined Salomon Brothers in 1981 and became #1 ranked in steel equity analysis in 1988 and was promoted to managing director in 1994. Over the years, her analytical work won many accolades and awards. While at Salomon, Michelle was part of a team that built and ran the firm's steel investment bank, which was a top advisor to the sector for nearly a decade. After leaving the firm in 2003, Ms. Applebaum built one of the first and most successful independent equity research advisory boutiques. Michelle recently retired and is currently teaching finance part-time at Lake Forest College in Chicago.
 
"Michelle's background and industry knowledge will be a significant asset as we continue to position Northwest Pipe Company for future success," said Scott Montross, Northwest Pipe's CEO. "We are excited to have her as part of the Northwest Pipe Company team."
 
"I am delighted to join Northwest Pipe's board of directors at a time when the company is increasingly focused on growth," said Applebaum.
 
Applebaum graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in economics, and earned an MBA in accounting/finance from Northwestern's J.L Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Michelle is often quoted in publications such as Dow Jones, NY Times and Bloomberg.