Michelle joined GCAA in January 2019. In her role as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Legislative Affairs, she serves as the primary resource for legislative issues; assisting in the creation of an annual legislative agenda, instituting best practices and leading special legislative and fundraising projects, strengthening partnerships and garnering support for legislative priorities and the Rental Housing Alliance (GCAA’s super PAC). She is also the chief development liaison for the GCAA Education Foundation utilizing her expertise in fund development and grant writing.

Michelle’s introduction to the apartment industry came through her role with Apartment Life as part of a CARES Team and her years of previous work in the real estate industry as a development project manager, managing primarily apartment development projects. She is a consummate project manager (in her private and work life) with experience in urban and regional planning, community development, affordable housing, and real estate development. Michelle holds her B.S. degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University and lives in Graham, NC with her husband.