Michael has managed more than three dozen grant-funded projects and annual budgets in excess of $15.2 million. They play a leadership and project design role on several projects, including as Publisher for Logic(s) Magazine, the Human Rights Campaign Oral History project, the Obama Presidency Oral History, and Assembling Voices.

In 2023, they oversaw the merger of Incite and The American Assembly. Michael was Communications Director for Columbia's Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy from 2010-2012. Michael was also founding Associate Director for the Deepak and Neera Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies. Prior to arriving at Columbia University, Michael helped launch the Religion, Faith, and Values program at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

They were also acting Managing Editor of the Creston News Advertiser in Creston, Iowa.  Michael holds a Master of Arts Degree in Media Studies from The New School and an Executive Master of Policy and Administration with a concentration in International Economic Policy and Management from Columbia University. Michael also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.