of Union County, for our community
Michael is a committed community collaborator and a passionate public servant. His comprehensive and substantial record of service reflects Michael's dedication and willingness to put service above self. Michael's record includes working for and volunteering with local and state government and many nonprofit organizations throughout our community.
Michael is honored and privileged to have the opportunity to serve the people of our community, providing representation for his generation while working to improve the community for all residents. Through his advocacy, Michael strives to take what actions he can today to be a positive force for planned progress in our community for tomorrow.
Michael has lived most of his life in Union County. Growing up, living, working, and having established his own roots here influenced Michael’s appreciation of what it truly means to be part of a community. Michael believes in collaborating, coordinating, and communicating with our neighbors to unite the community and create positive outcomes for our future.
As a leader, Michael wants to ensure that our community can provide opportunities for people to prosper for generations to come and that folks not just survive but thrive here in Union County and throughout North Carolina. In every role he serves, Michael strives to act in the best interests of those he serves to ensure that these ideals and goals are achieved.
Councilmember
Ten years ago, Michael's life changed when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that would change his life forever, making him completely deaf on his right side. Gaining a disability early in his life, Michael quickly realized that we as a society do not adequately accommodate people with disabilities as we should. Since then, Michael has been determined to change that.
Initially appointed by Governor Roy Cooper, Michael has served as Councilmember on the North Carolina Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since July 2021 and the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council since February 2024, advocating for a more accessible North Carolina that provides quality services and resources for people with disabilities.
On these councils, Michael has collaborated with decision-makers to significantly improve and create new services for individuals with disabilities, promoted the elimination of societal barriers, created a new statewide plan for independent living, recommended updates to policy, and ensured that North Carolina is inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities.
Michael believes that if we as a society are purposeful in eliminating barriers and creating a more equitable and accessible world, then people with disabilities can live as independently as those without. Michael hopes to one day live in a world where the full integration of people with disabilities throughout all facets of society is a reality and not just a goal.
Notary Public
Michael has served as a public officer of the State of North Carolina as an appointed Notary Public. As such, he plays a vital role in protecting residents and facilitating commerce for those conducting business throughout Union County. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall initially appointed Michael in 2021, and he is serving his first five-year term.
Michael takes pride in providing fair and unbiased service to the people. He ensures that documents are credible and honest, adhering to his statutory and constitutional obligation to protect the public's interest. Unlike others, Michael offers his services free of charge because he considers his role a noble community service.