About Us

Michael has been involved in serving his community since a young age.  At 15 years old he became a volunteer law enforcement explorer (cadet) with his local police department, serving in this capacity for over 5 years and attaining the rank of Sergeant.  

Michael began his career in the fire service in February of 1993 as a Volunteer Firefighter with North Bend Fire Department (Oregon) and taking classes in Fire Science at Southwestern Oregon Community College.  In 1994 he transitioned, volunteering with the Millington Rural Fire Protection District (now Central Coos Fire & Rescue) as a Firefighter/EMT.  In 2000, Michael continued his service as a Volunteer Firefighter with Coos Bay Fire Department.  Working in these three small communities, Michael learned the value an engaged volunteer fire company could bring to its community.

From 2000-2006 Michael worked as a Volunteer Youth and Assistant Pastor in churches in his local community.  In 2000 and 2001, he volunteered as a Mission Team leader for an international Christian ministries organization, leading multiple teams of teenagers on Mission Trips to Mexico and Australia.  From 2001 to 2006, Michael volunteered as a Shop Steward for his local union, representing his coworkers in disciplinary actions, workplace grievances, and contract negotiations.  

In 2006, Michael began working full time for his local union, UFCW Local 555, where he is now the Executive Director of Collective Bargaining, with a primary responsibility of overseeing the negotiations of approximately 180 collective bargaining agreements covering over 30,000 workers in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming.  

In 2015 Michael joined Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, and became a member of the Tualatin Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association. He was elected to the first of three consecutive terms as Secretary of TVVFA in 2016, and in 2022 was elected to his first term as President, being re-elected again in 2024.

Michael is married to his wife of 25 years, Christy, and has two children, Ledger and Hadley.  You will see all of them at community events, whether its wrapping presents for Toy & Joy, helping set out easter eggs, or just showing up to support Dad.   In their spare time they enjoy traveling, watching sports, and going to Portland Winterhawks and Hillsboro Hops games.