Michael was born and raised in southern California. After high school Michael joined the U.S. Navy where he worked as an electrician and diver aboard submarines. Following active duty, Michael attended college graduating Cal Poly SLO in 1993 with a degree in Environmental Engineering.
Michael then went to work for the Regional Water Quality Board in San Luis Obispo. Michael received his professional civil engineering license in 1995. In 2004, Michael left the Regional Board as a Senior Engineer to take the General Manager position at Nipomo Community Services District.
In 2006, Michael left Nipomo to take a professional sabbatical and evaluate life goals. Following much travel and contemplation, he decided conservation, preservation, and restoration of land is the most universally beneficial action man can take in the face of continued human population growth and development. In light of this realization, Michael started volunteering with the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County.
Michael and his wife Susi have two adult children and when the are not working in their garden can be found bicycling, camping, hiking and kayaking.