Michael is the Director of Government Relations at the California Alliance, where he helps to lead the organization’s legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts. In this role, he represents the Alliance before the Legislature and state agencies, working to advance policies that strengthen behavioral health systems and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities across California.

 

Michael brings deep experience navigating the California policymaking process, with a career built on trusted relationships, strategic advocacy, and effective negotiation. He works closely with legislators, legislative staff, administration officials, and coalition partners to shape policy outcomes, build consensus, and move complex initiatives forward in a dynamic political environment. He is known for navigating complex negotiations and aligning diverse stakeholders.

 

Most recently, Michael served as Chief of Staff in the California Assembly, where he led legislative strategy and served as a senior advisor on policy and political matters. In that role, he worked extensively with stakeholders, advocates, and legislative leadership to negotiate policy provisions, manage competing interests, and advance the Assemblymember’s priorities through the legislative process.

 

Previously, Michael held senior communications and policy roles in both the State Assembly and State Senate, serving as Communications Director and Senior Policy Analyst. He managed legislation across a wide policy portfolio including health, labor, housing, environmental safety, and veterans affairs, while coordinating with advocates, committee staff, and executive branch officials to move bills and shape policy outcomes.

 

In his career, Michael served in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom and held leadership roles in statewide and legislative campaigns, where he built coalitions, mobilized grassroots networks, and developed the political strategy needed to win and sustain support for key initiatives.

 

He holds degrees in English and Art History from the University of California, Davis.