Michael is a Founding Partner of GTB, LLC with over 30 years of experience in government, politics, business and law. Over the years his consulting practice has included representation of a broad array of clients before nearly every executive department of New Jersey State Government, the New Jersey State Legislature and New Jersey Governor’s Office. Michael has also represented clients in several other state capitols, on Capitol Hill and before federal agencies.
Prior to consulting, Michael enjoyed a career that spanned 15 years in New Jersey State Government, starting as an intern in the State Legislature and ultimately serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Christine Todd Whitman.
His experience in the Legislature includes serving as Deputy Executive Director of the Assembly Majority Office, where Michael managed a comprehensive policy and political operation that included research, media relations and grassroots organizing.
Recognized for his legislative expertise, Michael was recruited to join the Administration of Governor Christine Todd Whitman where he was eventually promoted to Chief Counsel, serving as the Governor’s top legal advisor and chief negotiator with the Legislature.
Following Governor Whitman’s reelection in 1997, Michael was appointed Chief of Staff, a cabinet-level position which he held for the Governor’s entire second term. In this capacity, Michael was responsible for management of the Governor’s Staff including oversight and leadership of all policy, communications and political operations.
Since 2001, Michael has represented clients in New Jersey at the state and local levels, and in other state capitols such as Harrisburg, Tallahassee, Austin and Sacramento. He has also handled complex regulatory and legislative matters in Washington, DC, with experience on Capitol Hill and in executive agencies such as Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. His consulting practice spans a broad issue set including health care, environment, energy, insurance, transportation and criminal justice.
Michael attended American University and received his undergraduate degree from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont. He received his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law and was admitted to the practice of law in New Jersey in 1989.