Local Roots,
International Experience
Michael brings nearly 30 years of public policy, economic development and management experience at the international, federal and state levels to his elected service. He has a proven track record of studying tough issues and bringing people and ideas together to solve them in government, nonprofit and corporate settings.
Michael grew up in Rochester, spent time in Canandaigua and Honeoye visiting family, and went to college locally, at Hobart. He moved to Atlanta for graduate school, earning a master's in communications from Georgia State University. And he lived there for nearly 20 years before “boomeranging” back to the Finger Lakes.
Upon returning he fell in love with a region that had grown so much during his time away yet retains it's small town charm. And he wants to lend his entrepreneur’s perspective and decades of experience tackling environmental, agriculture, healthcare, business, and community issues to protect our city and region's bright future.
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.
Bringing Us Together for Our Chosen Future
Professionally, Michael is sought after for his public affairs, organizational management, executive leadership coaching, and grassroots organizing expertise. He has owned Involvement, Inc., a communications and coaching company for the past decade, helping nonprofit and business clients engage stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes, and individuals hone their leadership skills. 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.
Some of Michael's professional experience includes: creating an energy efficiency marketplace as President of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance; leading UK and Ireland trade missions for the American Transaction Processors Coalition; advocating for the United Egg Producers of America; marketing milk products for the Southeast Dairy Association; driving sustainability initiatives and leading regional charitable giving for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; protecting the future of Georgia's rural hospitals; and promoting the Finger Lakes region with the DestinationFLX platform, which he founded.
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, is a past member of the Finger Lakes Community College Geneva Campus Advisory Board, and graduated from the Ontario County Citizens Academy.
Michael authored the book "Battling Democracy's Decline" based upon his graduate research into the Civil Rights Movement and his civic service.
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
-Leadership and Performance Coaching
Certificate, Brown University School of
Professional Services