Michael is a lifelong resident of Winneshiek County. He was raised on a dairy and beef farm and his roots are deeply planted in the farming community. Michael graduated from Decorah High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Economics from Luther College.

Michael began his career at the Miller Law Firm as an income tax preparer and office accountant. In 2005, he assumed duties as the Director of HAWC Partnerships for Children working to implement state funding in Howard, Allamakee, Winneshiek, and Clayton Counties to address prevention and early intervention, focusing on five areas- healthy children, children ready to succeed in school, safe and nurturing families, safe and nurturing early learning environments, and safe and supportive communities.

Michael has a long history of community service and now he's looking to work on behalf of Iowans in the Statehouse.

Michael served eight years on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. He has also been active in a number of organizations, including Aase Haugen Homes and Foundation, The Spectrum Network, Wellington Place, Northland Area Agency on Aging and the Winneshiek County Solid Waste Agency. His experience also includes service on three state level boards and commissions- the Mental Health and Developmental Disability Commission, the Iowa Empowerment Board, and the Iowa Council for Early ACCESS.

Michael and his wife, Carol, have two daughters.