Professional Background
Michael and his family moved to Jacksonville in May, 1999 when he joined WJCT Public Broadcasting as its President & CEO. Under his leadership WJCT completed the federally mandated transition to digital television in 2003, not only broadcasting in high definition but increasing the number of television channels from one to five. In 2006 WJCT introduced the first full-powered HD radio station on the First Coast and added two more unique radio services. In 2013 Michael took the lead in forging the Digital Convergence Alliance, the organization of eleven public television stations from around the country with the goal of developing initiatives that would result in operational savings and the generation of new revenue opportunities. The first venture was a broadcast operations service, managed and operated by WJCT’s affiliate, JCT Services, presently it provides more than 17 million households with public television, all emanating from Jacksonville.
Stepping up for Jacksonville
His personal commitment of service spans the twenty-two years he has called Jacksonville home. He’s held board leadership roles on many community organizations including Leadership Jacksonville, the North Florida Council of the Boys Scouts of America, the Jacksonville Symphony Association, Visit Jacksonville, Volunteers in Medicine, and St. Vincent’s Healthcare..
Michael, you have the intelligence, charm, ability to express yourself, know when to speak and when to listen…and best of all, people enjoy being with you, are attracted to you and want to be associated with you in some capacity.”
–Laurie Dubow, Veteran
He recently concluded his role as Chairman of the NE Florida Long Term Recovery Organization, leading more than 30 faith-based, non-profit, governmental agencies and businesses working together to assist families in the repair and/or replacement of their homes which were damaged during Hurricane Irma.
City Leadership
During his tenure on the Council Michael has well served both his constituents in District 6 and the citizenry of Jacksonville as a whole, living up to his commitment to wake up everyday with the goal of advancing the well being of this city. High on his list was his service on the Land Use & Zoning Committee, knowing full well that managing growth is a priority for many of our constituents. In 2019-21 he served as Vice Chair and as its Chair 2021-22. President Hazouri kindly recognized his ability to manage the committee’s great workload by honoring him with the Mary Singleton Award for Outstanding Committee Chairmanship. This year he serves as the Chair of the Rules Committee and the very important Neighborhoods Committee.
Protecting JEA
In addition to serving on multiple special committees dealing with such important matters as resiliency and the opioids epidemic, perhaps his most impactful role was as the Chair of the Future of the JEA Committee which resulted in the rewriting of Article 21 of the City’s charter under which JEA is awarded the opportunity to manage our utility services. It was a yearlong effort in the crafting that involved colleagues, the Office of the General Counsel, and industry experts (within and outside of JEA). Together they infused safeguards into the Article to ensure greater transparency, board and management accountability, a roadmap for expanding and/or developing new services and most of all, the assuredness that JEA will remain an asset of the city for many, many years to come.
Education & Family
Michael is a graduate of John Carroll University and received his Master’s degree in Telecommunications from Kent State University. He and his wife, Susan, have been married for forty-six years; have two grown children, two grandsons and one granddaughter. They have always called Mandarin home since moving here and are members of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church where he has served as chair of its last two building campaigns.