Michael worked in the State of Florida Unemployment Insurance Program for 29 years, retiring in 2022. He was the Department’s Compliance Coordinator from 2010-2022, ensuring the program complied with all state and federal laws and regulations. He previously worked for 17 years as legal counsel for the program. In both capacities, Michael interacted frequently with the Florida Senate and House staff to rewrite Florida’s Unemployment Compensation Law. He recommended legislation that pertained to the calculation of the tax rate, electronic filing and payment of tax returns, detection of tax avoidance schemes, and collection of delinquent tax payments, all of which became law. He drafted all proposed rule changes, assisted in making necessary changes to all Unemployment Tax forms and publications including website information and frequently answered taxpayer questions about the administration of the program. In 2018, Florida received the Excellence in Tax Operations award from the US Department of Labor.

Michael earned his BA degree from Upsala College in New Jersey and his JD from Florida State University College of Law.