A native of Portsmouth, VA, Michael attended Old Dominion College, studying music education before enlisting in the US Army. After fulfilling his enlistment, Michael joined General Electric Corporation in Suffolk, VA as a circuit analyst and returned to Old Dominion University to study economics and electrical engineering. Bouncing between several jobs, getting married and starting a family, Michael sought career advice and a respected friend suggested the securities industry – a very good suggestion.
In 1986, Michael accepted a position at what became American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise). Michael’s desire to do what his clients needed instead of what the corporation wanted prompted him to join a fellow Rotarian at his Registered Advisory Firm, Financial Counselors of Virginia. While there Michael became its President and earned his designation as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 
Seeing the need for increased breadth and depth to his ability to serve clients, Michael interviewed numerous firms over a 4-year period. In 2020, finding the proper alignment of values and vision, he joined HWMG.
Michael has enjoyed a lifelong love of music. He currently sings with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Opera Chorus and sings and plays flute, clarinet and saxophone in his church where his wife, Edna is the Director of Music Ministries. Michael and his wife have one daughter, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom live close by in Portsmouth. He is a Past President of the Portsmouth Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.
