Michael is committed to building solutions that strengthen communities, ecosystems, and our global society. With over 25 years of operations and financial leadership, he has designed and scaled systems that drive lasting mission impact. At The Nature Conservancy and Bat Conservation International, Michael built the operational infrastructure that enabled conservation at scale. He has helped smaller organizations to grow sustainably through strengthening operations and launching new programs.
Michael holds a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Maryland, where he focused on social value creation.
Why Forests Matter to Me
Forests are where I feel most connected to life — alive with movement and purpose, like a city created by nature itself. Forests sustain cultures, protect biodiversity, slow climate change, and give us space to breathe, reflect, and connect. Living between two urban forests helps keeps me grounded in this truth.
Why Canopy
I believe solving social, economic, and environmental challenges requires shifting markets — and mindsets — to work for the majority of people. Canopy proves this is possible, redirecting global supply chains toward solutions that protect forests, respect communities, and build climate and business resilience. Its global orientation, leadership, and partnerships make lasting change at scale possible.
More About Me
I’m happiest when I’m working as a team to build solutions that help our planet thrive and become more resilient. I love getting new things off the ground and having fun together.
I grew up in a multicultural family and community, which sparked my lifelong curiosity about people and the world. I love finding common ground through sports, food, music, and travel.
I live in the Washington, DC area with my partner and two children. On the weekends, you will find us at youth football (soccer) matches — or in the forest when the game schedule allows.
Ask Me About
- History: I love exploring how the past shapes our present.
- Music: I collect soul, rock, disco, house, electronica, global sounds, and more.
What Ruffles My Feathers
- Quick blame without understanding system structure.
- Too much advocacy and not enough inquiry.
- Performative actions over authentic ones.
- Losing the openness to tackle complexity, explore possibilities, and keep learning.
The dragonfly symbolizes transformation, agility, and clarity. Dragonflies are one of the oldest surviving species on Earth — older than the dinosaurs — and are apex aerial hunters with unmatched precision. In Japanese culture, they are revered insects, representing courage and resilience. For me, the dragonfly reflects how small, focused actions can create outsized change — exactly the kind of impact I hope to help drive at Canopy.
