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Michael founded and leads MOB Advocacy, an award-winning, nationally-scoped state and local government relations firm. MOB Advocacy's clients range from tech start-ups, established corporations, nationally recognized non-profits and advocacy groups. Our clients chose MOB Advocacy because we offer the full range of solutions of a large government relations firm with the personal service of a boutique firm. MOB Advocacy designs and implements legislative, regulatory and procurement solutions tailored to meet the organization's unique needs and specific goals.Key Victories Include -Secured appointments for our client (a pre-revenue startup in the transportation/clean energy space) on state, regional and national boards, committees and councils where state policy on zero-emission infrastructure was being determined and funded. Breathed new life into a coalition and led the advocacy effort that resulted in the passage a previously stalled Federal legislation, by building and activating grassroots and grasstops program for a major medical society, coalition building and passing similar legislation in states, thus helping nudge Congress to codify what was quickly becoming national law through state implementation.Successfully lobbied for the passage legislation in New York State, thus solving a decades-long battle between the state and our client.Built a state government relations program for a medical association from scratch through to the hiring their first full-time government relations staff. As part of the program, MOB Advocacy trained association leaders to be grasstops advocates, built a grassroots network, developed a legislative agenda and priorities, implemented a governmental groups strategy and lobbied on behalf of the organization. During that time, MOB Advocacy helped the organization to pass and defeat key legislation in Arkansas, California, Maryland, Oregon as well as defeat a significant regulatory challenge in Virginia.

Managing customer relationships, developing the company's strategic goals, and identifying business opportunities that will maximize the company's performance, drive revenues, and achieve the business's profitability goals.

Built Ally Power's national government relations strategy, including securing a position on the Maryland ZEEVIC board.

Michael led a team of three entrepreneurs exploring the comercial viability of technology invented at a U.S. National Lab through the lean startup process. Through interviews with potential customers and other stakeholders, the AEM team ultimately decided to move forward in trying to take this technology to the next level.

Led nation-wide state and local government affairs and grassroots advocacy activities for industry trade association, including developing and implementing successful legislative and regulatory advocacy strategies for all fifty states.Successes included:-Leading coalitions to legislative and regulatory victories in several states, including: California, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Oregon-Oversaw a $1M budget, including staff, lobbyists, coalitions and political activities-Succesful negotiation of pesticide and fertilizer legislation with key opposition and supporting stakeholders at the legislative and executive level-Leading a team of 10 contract lobbyists and several association-supported state organizations-Directing grassroots activities and coordinating lobbying efforts with association's communication efforts and other programs.

Developed and implemented USAID/Georgia’s communication strategy for the post-conflict environment and helped to promote the U.S. Government’s $1 billion pledge to Georgia.Experience included: - Analyzing existing communications tactics to develop a broader approach to advocacy- Developing the mission's message for delivery through speeches, Congressional testimony and press releases- Introducing the mission to the use of video and social media as communications tools.

Designed and launched Molina Healthcare's comprehensive national grassroots program designed to increase the advocacy and civic engagement activities of the company’s employees, and directed the Molina Healthcare Political Action Committee (PAC) and two state PACs.As Director of Grassroots Advocacy, I designed, launch and managed the company's grassroots activities, which included - Developing an e-advocacy system for state and federal grassroots activities- Introducing off-line grassroots activities, such as state and federal advocacy days- Training employees participating in on-line and off-line grassroots activities. As PAC Director, I was responsible for the managing the day-to-day operations Molina's federal PAC and two state PACs, including - Solicitations, reporting and PAC communications- Integrated PAC outreach efforts into the overall goals of the company- Raised over $100,000 in calender year 2008 (cumulative for all three PACs), increased giving by 17% from the previous year and increased participation by 19%.

Directed a multi-state advocacy program. Responsible for building, maintaining, and growing partnerships with state governments and elected officials to secure state funding for students to participate in an education program in Washington, DC. Experience included:- Directly lobbying elected and appointed officials in over 30 states- Successfully securing appropriations and funding from state legislatures and state agencies- Managing staff and consultants, including three education professionals, two part-time government relations assistants and four contract lobbyists.

Designed and executed a federal and state government relations strategy, with a focus on education and healthcare, and to promote the organization to federal, state and local elected and appointed officials.Experience included:- Launch of a comprehensive state and federal grassroots advocacy program, including an e-advocacy component- Building partnerships and coalitions with local and national community organizations, businesses and government leaders - Researching policy and legislation to draft policy reports and statements dealing with disparities in health care, the achievement gap, access to capital and other domestic policy issues