Michael oversees the strategic direction for the Great Oaks Foundation and its network of schools. Prior to establishing the Great Oaks Foundation, Michael held several leadership positions including serving as the Director of the New York City Department of Education’s Charter School Office. Michael has long been a champion of education, formerly serving as the executive director of City on a Hill Charter Public School and as a founding trustee and board Chair of the MATCH Charter High School, both located in Boston, MA.
Under his leadership, the Great Oaks Network has grown to include four public charter schools in the Northeast. He has created advanced education and professional development partnerships with NYU Steinhardt and the Relay Graduate School of Education, and facilitated the completion of Teacher’s Village, a $149MM redevelopment project that encompasses charter schools, teacher and fellowship housing and retail space, in Newark, NJ. Additionally, he has expanded the expertise at the Foundation to increase services and programs delivered to Great Oaks students, families and schools. Currently, Michael is working on implementing new initiatives that will expand Great Oaks’ work and service in the communities where our schools are located. Additionally, he is developing strategies to strengthen the organization’s use of data to support and improve outcomes and expansion throughout the Great Oaks network.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School. While a resident of Massachusetts, Michael was twice a candidate for public office. He has authored several articles and is currently an adjunct Associate Professor of Public Administration at New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and Policy, and he serves on the Vestry of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church.