As CEO, Michael A. Charles sets the strategic direction of the company and oversees all aspects of the organization, including new business development, the formation of strategic alliances and the management of product development. He founded CONIX Systems in 1991 to meet the needs of users of IBM's Check Processing Control System (CPCS). As a senior industry consultant and technical services manager working in banks throughout the United States, he was able to identify and meet the needs of banks using CPCS.

Charles has more than 30 years of computer information systems experience. He began his career in the United States Army where he trained in computer science and data processing. He served on the IBM development team of 2780 transceiver, was a computer programmer in the Management Advisory Services (MAS) department of Deloitte Haskins & Sells, worked with Texas Commerce Bank in Systems and Programming, and with Software Corp. International (SCI) as a senior industry consultant and technical services manager. As the technical services manager of SCI, he was instrumental in its founding and growth to become one of the largest CPCS consulting firms in the United States. With SCI, he has worked as a consultant to IBM, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Fleet/Norstar, Michigan National Bank and others.

Charles holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Computer Information Systems from the University of Houston. He has been listed in Who's Who in America's Universities and Colleges and in Who's Who in the South and Southwest. 

Frank Stokes, President of Technology

As the president of Technology for CONIX Systems, Inc., Frank Stokes manages development, support and services for CONIX Systems’ technology applications. Key among his responsibilities is the development of product strategies that assure the alignment of technology with corporate objectives and assist in the identification and development of new business opportunities.

A recognized leader in the check processing industry, Stokes brings to CONIX Systems extensive experience gained from working with IBM. Prior to joining CONIX Systems, Stokes led the software development for IBM’s Payments Systems Group, where he was responsible for $20 million in sales and services per year. During his tenure with IBM he was also responsible for setting the direction for its CPCS product line.

Stokes holds a bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University, a master of science degree in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon and a master in science degree in Project Management from George Washington University. He is a certified project manager and holds multiple patents within the check industry. He is an active member of the Project Management Institute, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, North Carolina State University Alumni Association and North Carolina State University Student Aid Association.