Michael brings a background in policy reform and advocacy. Michael started his non-profit career with the Direct Action and Research Training (DART) network as a graduate of their organizers’ institute, where he gained tools to create systemic change through community organizing. Following a stint in base building and training community leaders in Southeast Florida, Michael moved to the Tampa Bay to work with Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST) to organize faith communities around issues impacting low-income and marginalized populations in Pinellas County. Prior to joining NEO, Michael worked on building coalitions and as a campaign consultant with several non-profits in the Pacific Northwest in order to pass legislation and budgets. Over the years Michael has worked on various issue campaigns such as increasing access to healthcare, affordable housing, public transportation, and improving public education. Michael holds a BA in comparative religious studies from San Jose State University and an MPA with a specialization in international policy and management from the NYU Wagner School of Public Service.