Mike connects exceptional leaders with mission-driven organizations to drive impact and equity. Mike believes that humans thrive in connected, vibrant communities that represent the authentic values and strengths of their people, cultures, history, and geography. He first pursued this through policy and programs as a city planner and sustainability strategist, then through infrastructure as a community developer and network builder. He became convinced that having the right leaders, in the right place, at the right time is key to meaningful progress -- and, that diversity of lived experience is a critical component.Past engagements include heading the development of a $4.5M place-based, design innovation hub in the mountains of the rural Southeast; program launch and management of a 150-city renewable energy finance pilot program serving the state of California; and, the formation and disbursement of a $16M municipal sustainability grant fund in the SF Bay Area. Additional initiatives and teams that Mike has led: - Launching the first of an international network of place-based innovation labs/makerspaces.- Building a regional alliance for artist affordable housing developments (elected officials, foundations, universities, chambers of commerce, businesses, and municipalities; raised $200K for due diligence).- Co-founding and co-hosting CreativeMornings Asheville (monthly attendance of 200, 3K membership).- Producing a 200-person community dinner party to reimagine the future of Asheville with @Campaign for Southern Equality, @Date My City, and @UNC Asheville.- Developing one of California's first municipal Climate Action Plans.- Catalyzing and managing a City-funded workforce development program with Benicia High School that trained and paid students to perform community-wide residential water and energy audits.Mike views equity and inclusion as the foundation of progress with a particular interest in LGBTQ+ issue areas. He is a deeply curious learner with a passion for design, art, entrepreneurship, politics, travel, conversations, farmers markets, international street food, and the outdoors -- though preferably, the beach or hot springs.