Michael Cortes Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Ga, Us

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

As a Senior Consultant at EisnerAmper, I bridge technology and public policy through strategic initiatives that enhance the firm's capabilities. Leveraging my extensive background in public policy and AI, I inform firm-wide outcomes and guide policy development for multi-million-dollar projects. I manage client relations and lead a team in analyzing and creating policies related to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). My responsibilities include producing influential white papers on AI and cybersecurity policies, conducting high-level regulatory research, and presenting findings to executives and stakeholders. I innovate federal funding tracking processes, optimize resource allocation, and advocate for the integration of advanced technologies. I provide training on AI and individual software applications to ensure seamless adoption and have conducted and led user acceptance testing (UAT) for multi-million-dollar projects. My efforts have significantly enhanced our firm's competitiveness and efficiency in the evolving landscape of AI and information assurance.

Greater Atlanta Area

As the Director of Government Relations at the American Heart Association (AHA), I directed government relations efforts in Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico at state and local levels. I managed a team of grassroots organizers, local advocacy professionals, media strategists, contract lobbyists, and AHA stakeholders, flexing between 5 and 20 individuals depending on the jurisdiction. I created and led the AHA’s Georgia State Advocacy Committee, a diverse coalition of public health professionals, business leaders, medical professionals, and survivors, focused on implementing AHA policies. I managed external relationships with state and local agency officials, elected officials, private sector partners, and peers essential to the AHA’s mission. I achieved success on critical public health policies, including Smoke-free Atlanta and Augusta, 2018 Stroke Appropriations, and tobacco preemption defense legislation. My efforts led to smoke-free workspaces and public buildings, redesignation of rural hospitals as Remote Treatment Stroke Centers, and passage of local smoke-free acts. I conducted extensive policy analysis and reviews, resulting in strategic gap assessments and actionable recommendations. I translated complex regulatory and scientific information into digestible content for stakeholders, donors, NGOs, and executives. I also built and managed multi-organizational coalitions focused on health policy innovation and change, including Smoke-free Columbus, PE Assessment, Stroke Appropriations, Tobacco Preemption, Tobacco Tax/Control, Smoke-free Atlanta, and Medicaid Expansion.

Orlando, Florida

As a Legislative Assistant and District Secretary at the Florida House of Representatives, I analyzed statewide and local regulations and policy issues while drafting legislation, policy papers, speeches, talking points, and appropriations requests. I managed media relations and developed and implemented social media strategies. I created a public awareness campaign for the 2014 implementation of the Affordable Care Act, based on extensive regulatory review and analysis. I successfully drafted and advocated for legislation and public policy, writing and passing seven bills, including H.B. 357, H.B. 595, H.B. 917, and H.B. 1241 in 2016, and H.B. 133, H.B. 335, and H.B. 541 in 2015. I formed and led legislative coalitions, driving policy changes in technology and public health. I managed an office team of one full-time staff member and between 1-5 interns.

Orlando, Florida Area

In my role as Deputy Campaign Manager for the Scott Plakon Campaign in 2012, I led diverse communication and marketing initiatives, significantly contributing to the campaign's outreach efforts. I was responsible for creating compelling weekly campaign publications, including email blasts and newsletters, which played a crucial role in engaging and informing our supporter base. My duties also involved composing persuasive campaign speeches, acting as the primary communications and press liaison, ensuring a consistent and impactful message. I developed and executed targeted social media strategies, enhancing our online presence and voter engagement. My grassroots campaigning skills were instrumental in mobilizing support at the community level. Additionally, I managed a dedicated team comprising 20 volunteers, 8 interns, and 2 full-time staff, fostering a collaborative and result-oriented work environment.

Masters Of Science (M.S.), Information Security & Assurance

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Political Science

Activities and Societies: Student Body Senate, Army ROTC, Young Americans for Liberty, Lambda Chi Alpha