Michael's Record of Service
Michael's involvement in the community began when he was appointed a member of the Waxhaw Parks, Cultural & Recreation Advisory Board. On the PCR Board, Michael assists with Waxhaw's most visible quality-of-life initiatives, promoting Waxhaw-centric cultural, environmental conservation, and recreation needs and ensuring the equitable distribution of amenities for all residents.
Michael has advanced the implementation of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan, including the development and completion of the Waxhaw Downtown Park, Waxhaw Recreation Barn, greenway and trail connections, and the creation of the Friends of Waxhaw Parks & Trails 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Michael volunteers with the Downtown Waxhaw Association, serving on two of its Main Street Committees, working towards making Downtown Waxhaw an even better place where folks can live, work, and play and cultivating a community culture of supporting local businesses.
Michael creates a supportive environment for businesses to thrive and encourages placemaking and pedestrian improvements in Downtown. Michael believes we can maintain the community's historic and small-town characteristics while ensuring everyone's needs are taken care of.
As a Notary Public, Michael is a member of the Union County Chamber. Through his Chamber membership, Michael volunteers on the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, promoting egalitarian business practices, educating how to cultivate an inclusive workplace culture, and advocating that our community be a welcoming place where all have the opportunity to prosper.
Michael wants everyone in Union County to have the opportunity not just to survive but to thrive. Michael believes the community thrives when we collaborate with folks with different lived experiences and backgrounds. We can shape the future of the community and create a vibrant and inclusive environment we all aspire to live in.
Michael is also a member of the Rotary Club of Waxhaw-Weddington. Joining the club has allowed him to participate in and help organize various community service and philanthropic events that support their areas of focus, like community economic development, environmental protection, and education, partnering with organizations from the local community.
Michael serves as the club Community Service Chair and on the Board of Directors, finding new opportunities for the club to serve the community. Michael has thoroughly embraced Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, living his life in the service of others.
Ten years ago, Michael was diagnosed with a brain tumor that would take away his hearing. As someone who became hard of hearing suddenly, there were many challenges Michael had to overcome.
When Michael lost his hearing, he quickly gained the realization that we as a society do not adequately accommodate those with disabilities as we should. Since then, Michael has been determined to change that.
Michael serves as a Governor-appointed Councilmember on the Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Statewide Independent Living Council. On these respective councils, Michael works diligently to protect the rights of and improve services for people with disabilities.
Michael advances the elimination of societal barriers, promotes equity and inclusion, and ensures that North Carolina is 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.
