Michael (he/they) collaborates closely with the Managing Director, Discovery, Exploration, and Programs through project management, internal communications, and executive support to further the goal of identifying emergent areas of grantmaking, programs, and practices that offer significant impact and serve our mission.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Michael was the Assistant Director of United States Artists, a national arts organization known for its fellowship programs and services for artists. During his tenure, they served as one of the lead researchers for Disability Futures, co-developing the nation's largest award fellowship for disabled artists in American history. They helped operationalize Artist Relief, a nearly $25 million initiative that provided emergency grants to artists facing dire emergencies due to COVID-19. As the deputy below the CEO, he led culture and policy projects, including developing and implementing paid leave for survivors of intimate partner violence and co-managed a staff of seventeen people. Before that, Michael worked in reproductive justice for LGBTQ+ youth and restorative justice for the formerly and actively incarcerated.
Michael serves as a contributor, evaluator, and volunteer on various arts and culture initiatives within the country.
