Michael advises corporate leadership on their key regulatory and legislative issues. His strategic approach is informed by more than 30 years of experience in private practice and in senior government roles.

Michael is a seasoned regulatory and public policy lawyer with more than 30 years of experience advising senior executives, boards of directors, CEOs, and presidents of corporations and trade associations. He provides strategic counsel on a wide range of federal and state regulatory and legislative issues. Michael's clients span various industries, including insurance, health care, food and beverage, educational institutions, pawn, gaming, cannabis, energy and infrastructure, and home building.

ln early 2015, sought out by the then newly elected Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, Michael was appointed Director of Banking. In the Banking Division, he had regulatory responsibility for more than 1,000 state-chartered banks and mortgage brokers, among other financial service entities. From March 2016-2017, again at the request of Gov. Rauner, Michael served in the position of Director of the Bureau of Benefits in Central Management Services, where he oversaw more than $3 billion in annual spending for state employee/retiree benefits programs, including health insurance. His prior roles also include Vice President of Government Relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

Michael has a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes and an ability to navigate complex legislative and political environments. His clients often highlight his ability to provide clear, actionable advice that mitigates risk and fosters growth.

Michael is also active in professional and community leadership, including serving as President of the Sangamon County Drug Court.

Professional and Community Involvement
• President, Sangamon County Drug Court

Professional Experience
• Former director, Illinois Division of Banking (2015-2016)
• Former director, Bureau of Benefits, Illinois Central Management Services (2016-2017)
• Former vice president of government relations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

Bar Admissions
• Illinois

Education
• John Marshall Law School, J.D.
• Marquette University, B.S./B.A.

News

04.20.2026

Troutman Strategies Earns Standout Firm Recognition on…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Troutman Strategies has been named to Bloomberg Government’s 2026 Top Lobbying Firms list, earning a coveted “standout…

03.24.2026

Troutman Strategies’ Crystal Brown Elected Vice Chair…

Houston, Texas – Troutman Strategies is pleased to announce that Crystal Brown, attorney and public policy advisor with Troutman Strategies, has…

03.10.2026

Troutman Strategies and RISE Expand Government Affairs…

Washington, D.C. and Atlanta – March 2026 – Troutman Strategies (Strategies) and Troutman Pepper Locke’s Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement…

01.27.2026

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger Appoints Troutman Strategies’…

VIRGINIA BEACH – Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has appointed Evans Poston, director of federal and state affairs at Troutman Strategies,…

12.17.2025

The Hill Honors Troutman Strategies’ Lindsay Austin, Jason…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Troutman Strategies’ Lindsay Austin, Jason Zanetti, and Tom Tilton have been named to The Hill‘s Top Lobbyists…

11.17.2025

Troutman Strategies Promotes Two New Principals

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Troutman Strategies has announced the promotion of Neftali Partida, based in Houston, and Tom Tilton, based in…