Before joining Cornerstone, Mike served as chief of staff to Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI). In this role, he managed the policy, political and communications work of Rep. Kind, and served as his lead strategic advisor. He also served as leadership staff for the New Democrat Coalition, and oversaw Rep. Kind’s work on the House Ways & Means Committee, including the Subcommittees on Health and Trade. Mike has also served as deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA), where he focused on the Committees on Energy & Commerce, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Small Business; and legislative assistant for Rep. John Barrow (D-GA), where he worked on the Committees on Agriculture and Small Business.

Mike has presented on a variety of topics, including “The Affordable Care Act: How Did We Get Here and Where are We Going” for the Iowa Bar Association; “Successful Advocacy on the Hill” for the National Electrical Contractors Association; “A New Approach to Listening, Working Hard and Getting Things Done: Constant Outreach” to the House Democratic Caucus; and “Dissecting the Quality & Pharmacy Provisions within Healthcare Reform” to the Pharmacy Quality Alliance. He has been honored with the Public Service Award by the National Optometric Association.

Mike received his B.A. in Political Science from Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA. He serves on the Editorial Staff of a local newspaper, and is a volunteer advocate for local schools. He currently lives in Washington, DC with his wife, Allison, and daughter, Ella.