Biography:
In addition to serving as Democratic Committeeperson, Michael is the Head of Business Transformation at Argonne National Laboratory, leading an operational improvement group that enables Argonne’s mission to advance clean energy, climate solutions, and life-changing medical discoveries. A longtime community leader and organizer on the Far Northwest Side of Chicago, Michael is a co-founder of Neighbors for Affordable Housing and has served on the Advisory Committee of Cook County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing. Within the faith community, he is the co-founder of the Racial & Social Justice Ministry at St. Mary of the Woods Church, serving on the church’s parish council, working on the Allocations Advisory Committee of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and serving on the board of directors of the Darst Center. In recognition of this work, he received the Christifideles Award, given to laypeople “who demonstrate dedication through servant discipleship and ministry in an extraordinary way.” Michael has also been a leader for racial justice, as a member of the Archdiocese’s antiracism team and the steering committee of the Interfaith Coalition Against Racism. He has served in leadership roles with Showing Up for Racial Justice and Northwest Side Coalition Against Racism & Hate. Michael has been honored with the Katherine Drexel Racial Justice Award, in recognition of “untiring commitment and public advocacy on behalf of racial justice.” Michael’s volunteer work includes supporting young people in various ways, including several years coaching with the American Youth Soccer Organization. Michael also mentors underserved young adults participating in a workforce development program focused on community leadership training, internships and job placement. Michael is a graduate of Bradley University, and earned his MBA at DePaul University.