Mike coordinates fiscal policy work with other issue priorities at Common Good Iowa, engaging staff and partners to advance policy ideas that equitably and sustainably address the concerns of all Iowans. He is part of the communications team developing messages and strategies to better reach policy makers, advocates and the public, and assists the executive director in outreach and fund development.

After earning a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science at the University of Iowa, Mike worked for 21 years as a news reporter, sports reporter and editor in Iowa and Pennsylvania before joining the Iowa Policy Project in 2001, becoming director in 2013 through IPP's merger with the Child and Family Policy Center into the present Common Good Iowa. He served three terms on the West Branch Community School Board.

Mike recently retired from a longtime role running the West Branch football sidelines with the down marker, but could be brought out of sports retirement if the Chicago Cubs need an old center fielder who can't hit the curveball.