Local Roots
National Experience

Michael and his wife Audrey moved to the “Chosen Spot” from Rochester in 2018 because of the community’s welcoming attitude, historic charm, access to the best of the Finger Lakes, and the jewel that is Canandaigua Lake. The excellent school system became an additional benefit when they welcomed their son Lewis to the world in 2020.

Michael grew up in Rochester and spent his childhood visiting Roseland Amusement Park, Canandaigua’s local restaurants, and spending time with family in the area.  

Michael lived in Atlanta for nearly 20 years after attending graduate school there but is a rare “boomerang” who came back to the Finger Lakes as an adult. Upon returning he fell in love with a region that had grown so much during his time away. And he wants to lend his entrepreneur’s perspective and decades of experience tackling environmental, business, and community issues to protect our city and region's bright future. 

Bringing Us Together for Our Chosen Future

Professionally, Michael has a proven track-record of studying tough issues and bringing people and ideas together to solve them in government and corporate settings. He has owned Laurentide Strategies, a public relations consulting firm, for nine years, helping nonprofit and business clients engage stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes. And he developed a deep reservoir of economic development and policy experience as an executive at multiple public relations firms, while also running regional public affairs for one of America’s largest corporations, and leading multiple civic and environmental nonprofits in his nearly 30-year career. 

Michael’s past service as Ontario County Chamber of Commerce Board Vice Chair, Town of Canandaigua Economic Development Committee member, and Geneva Business Improvement District Executive Director give him deep insights and experience working with local and New York State governments to support businesses and improve our communities. He volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association Finger Lakes Walk for a Cure and is a past member of the Finger Lakes Community College Geneva Campus Advisory Board, and graduated from the Ontario County Citizens Academy. 

Vision for City Council

Michael is championing policies that:
-Drive strategic regional economic development through collaboration with
  the town and county
-Protect and invest in our natural resources and produces a comprehensive 
  solid waste plan
-Maintain the lowest possible tax burden on our citizens while improving local
  services
-Invest in small businesses, families, and our community  

Education

-Bachelor’s in Political Science, Hobart
  College (where he played hockey)
-Master’s in Communications, Georgia 
  State University
-Experienced Manager Certificate,  
  University of California Berkeley       
  Haas School of Management