Michael has written that we are witnessing society and the world change at lighting speed, while producing a new demand that future generations, many not be able to meet. The complexity framing the world is no longer just a political or economic crisis, it is a moral crisis that we cannot escape. It can be mitigated in part, with new approaches to education.

​At Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Michael was chief operating officer (COO) from 2009 to 2014. Working closely with the CEO, he repositioned the organization to successfully face challenges in finance, as well as structural and organizational issues.

He ensured PBS services and activities were strategically aligned with its vision, mission and resources were successfully allocated to meet financial objectives, priorities, marketplace challenges and opportunities. Michael also managed the sale of PBS’s interest in Sesame Street.

Prior to joining PBS, he was senior executive vice president and chief administrative officer (CAO), of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA, formerly National Association of Securities Dealers, NASD) FINRA is largest non-governmental regulator for securities firms in the United States. He was a member of the management committee and served as president of the foundation.

Reporting directly to the CEO, he provided strategic and operational oversight for human resources, communications and government affairs, finance, purchasing, real estate, conferences and travel, telecommunications and affinity groups worldwide.

He established the Office of Individual Investor Services, Strategic Planning and Economic Research. He was a member of the strategic team examining corporate governance issues.

During his tenure at the NASD, Michaels’ responsibilities spanned business operations, policy and support services. Operationally, he was part of the team that implemented limit order rules that helped restore individual investor confidence.

Michael was part of the leadership team that restructured internal subsidiaries, following complex negotiations for the demutualization of Nasdaq and acquisition of the American Stock Exchange (Amex). He led the NASD, Nasdaq and American Stock Exchange negotiations with New York City and State; as well as the team that created the office complex, TV, media facilities and outside lighted billboard in Times Square.

Prior to joining NASD, Michael was at the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) as deputy director and counsel of the Office of Public Affairs, Policy Evaluation and Research. In that position, he provided counsel on legislative and regulatory matters and served as a spokesperson.

Michael led a delegation to South Africa representing major US global companies to formulate polices during the protests of Apartheid Era.
Earlier, he served two Senators in senior roles– Bill Bradley of New Jersey and Edward Brooke of Massachusetts. He was also spokesperson and political advisor for Presidential candidate Illinois Congressman John Anderson.

He was a public affairs counselor with Burson-Marsteller, and a national director of public relations for the March of Dimes national headquarters.

Michael was a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm, Hayes & White, where he specialized in communications, corporate and general litigation law.

He received a bachelor’s degree in from Boston College where he was selected as a College Scholar. At Boston College School of Law, he earned his juris doctorate. He was a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia Bar Associations.

He served on the Board of Trustees of Boston College and was a member of the Board of Advisors of Boston College Law School. He also served on the Board of Trustees, University of Pittsburgh at Greenberg, PA. He was also a board member of JumpStart and Alliance for Investor Education in Washington, DC.