Michael joined the agency in 1993 and was promoted to vice president of human resources in 1994. In this role he expanded the agency’s recruiting resources and approaches, initiated innovative practices to reduce employee turnover, and developed a forward-thinking guide that established best agency practices for the day-to-day management of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide employees.

Starting in 1998, as the agency’s chief financial officer, Michael helped the agency grow from fewer than 100 employees to a global group of more than 800 before assuming the role of chief operations officer in 2007. Appointed Chief Administrative Officer in 2012, Michael now focuses on corporate governance, global tax requirements, legal matters, and enhancing the business acumen skills of WE’s staff. While based out of WE’s NYC office, Michael will serve as an ad hoc member of our East Coast leadership team and continue to oversee the agency’s Technology Services and Operations team.

Michael offers more than 25 years of experience providing business counsel. Before joining Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, he was a partner at KPMG LLP, serving in the firm’s Portland, Ore.; Orlando, Fla.; and New York executive offices. As a business advisor and tax partner, he served middle-market and growth-oriented companies in fields such as high technology, construction, manufacturing and wholesale distribution, as well as professional sports teams and professional services organizations, and was also a business unit practice leader for KPMG’s compensation and benefits group.

Michael has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gannon University in Erie, Pa. He has been active in the Portland community serving on several boards including those of Friendly House, Third Rail Repertory Theatre and Portland Energy Conservation Inc.

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