Mike is a former writer and communications analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Communications staff who joined the Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications team in 2005.After earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Michigan in 1984, Mike began his career in journalism as a reporter at the Ann Arbor News and later joined the Kalamazoo Gazette and Bay City Times, winning state and national awards for professional excellence in deadline reporting, investigative journalism, feature writing and public service. Mike is a recipient of the Michigan Associated Press Editorial Association Sweepstakes Award for General Excellence, the highest honor presented by that organization, and was a finalist in the Associated Press Managing Editors Association National Public Service Awards competition.In 2002, Mike served on the Jim Barcia for Michigan Senate and Joseph K. Sheeran for Attorney General of Michigan campaigns. He worked as communications director for Sheeran, producing all campaign communication materials for the former Bay County prosecutor who now serves as Bay County Circuit Judge. As Barcia's campaign manager, Mike developed the strategy and advertising for a successful campaign while managing the campaign staff and volunteers. Mike joined the Michigan House Democratic Communications Office in 2003, and he was one of two lead writers and researchers on the Communications staff that in 2004 produced the largest net gain of House seats by Democrats in 18 years.