Michael spent most of his career negotiating provider contracts supporting network development and negotiating payer contracts for physician groups and hospital systems. The last 10+ years he has been working in all aspects of Value Based Care (VBC) helping health systems across the nation negotiate VBC contracts that support transforming the nation’s health system.

Over the course of his 25+ years in healthcare, Michael has seen first-hand the power what strong, positive negotiation, and mediation can bring to both small, seemingly insignificant moments and high-profile, critical situations. With executive experience in contract negotiation, hospital operations, sales, market development, business and internal operations, Michael has helped organizations thrive by continually growing his skills. He also has a natural talent for fostering clear, open communications during complex situations, and keeping people connected when it matters.

Michael is a Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator for the state of Tennessee, an approved General Civil Mediator for the state of Kentucky and was trained in the Harvard Program on Negotiation method, “Getting to Yes” at Belmont University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Western Kentucky University and an MBA, with a concentration in Business Negotiation and Mediation, from Belmont University. Michael is currently a doctoral student at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College studying Leadership and Learning in Organizations.

Michael stays involved in his community through board service and is a former board member and current Advisory Board Member with the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center. When not working or studying, you can find him spending time with family and friends, taking care of his honeybees, or listening to his favorite vinyl.