Michael advises corporate leadership on their key regulatory and legislative issues. His strategic approach is informed by more than 30 years of experience in private practice and in senior government roles.

Overview
Insights

Michael is a seasoned regulatory and public policy attorney with more than 30 years of experience advising senior executives, boards of directors, CEOs, and presidents of corporations and trade associations. He provides strategic counsel on a wide range of federal and state regulatory and legislative issues. Michael’s clients span various industries, including insurance, health care, food and beverage, educational institutions, pawn, gaming, cannabis, energy and infrastructure, and home building.

ln early 2015, sought out by the then newly elected Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, Michael was appointed director of banking. In the Banking Division, he had regulatory responsibility for more than 1,000 state-chartered banks and mortgage brokers, among other financial service entities. From March 2016-2017, again at the request of Rauner, Michael served in the position of director of the Bureau of Benefits in Central Management Services, where he oversaw more than $3 billion in annual spending for state employee/retiree benefits programs, including health insurance. His prior roles also include VP of government relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

Michael has a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes and an ability to navigate complex legislative and political environments. His clients often highlight his ability to provide clear, actionable advice that mitigates risk and fosters growth.

Michael is also active in professional and community leadership, including serving as President of the Sangamon County Drug Court.

Michael is a seasoned regulatory and public policy attorney with more than 30 years of experience advising senior executives, boards of directors, CEOs, and presidents of corporations and trade associations. He provides strategic counsel on a wide range of federal and state regulatory and legislative issues. Michael’s clients span various industries, including insurance, health care, food and beverage, educational institutions, pawn, gaming, cannabis, energy and infrastructure, and home building.

ln early 2015, sought out by the then newly elected Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, Michael was appointed director of banking. In the Banking Division, he had regulatory responsibility for more than 1,000 state-chartered banks and mortgage brokers, among other financial service entities. From March 2016-2017, again at the request of Rauner, Michael served in the position of director of the Bureau of Benefits in Central Management Services, where he oversaw more than $3 billion in annual spending for state employee/retiree benefits programs, including health insurance. His prior roles also include VP of government relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

Michael has a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes and an ability to navigate complex legislative and political environments. His clients often highlight his ability to provide clear, actionable advice that mitigates risk and fosters growth.

Michael is also active in professional and community leadership, including serving as President of the Sangamon County Drug Court.

  • President, Sangamon County Drug Court
  • Former director, Illinois Division of Banking (2015-2016)
  • Former director, Bureau of Benefits, Illinois Central Management Services (2016-2017)
  • Former VP of government relations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

Education

  • John Marshall Law School, J.D.
  • Marquette University, B.S., B.A.

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Speaker, “Legislative Update,” Springfield Area Home Builders Association, September 25, 2024.
  • Speaker, “State of Illinois 2024 Legislative and Political Update,” Home Builders Association of Illinois Lobby Day, March 6, 2024.
  • Speaker, “Legislative Committee of the Whole,” Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies: Building Community Difference Makers Conference, May 1, 2023.
  • Speaker, “Contractor Liability for Unpaid Subcontractor Wages Seminar,” Building Industry Association of Greater Chicago and Home Builders Association of Illinois,” July 21, 2022.
  • Speaker, “Legislative Update,” IACAA Virtual Conference, May 3, 2021.
  • Author, “State Restrictions on Non-Essential Business Operations During the COVID-19 Crisis,” Locke Lord QuickStudy, February 1, 2021.
  • Author, “Illinois Adopts Substantial Workers’ Compensation Reform to Address COVID-19,” Locke Lord QuickStudy, June 9, 2020.
  • Author, “State Restrictions on Employee Travel During the COVID-19 Crisis,” Locke Lord QuickStudy, March 21, 2020.