Name
Michael Collins
Organization/Affiliation (full name)
Starbucks
Position Title
Director Of Policy And Government Affairs
Speaker Bio
Michael most recently started working for Starbucks Coffee Company as Director of Policy and Government Affairs. He previously served as the Special Assistant to President Joe Biden and the Director of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs for Vice President Kamala Harris. In this prestigious role, he manages a team of communication professionals and oversees the strategic planning and implementation of both internal and external deliverables, including, but not limited to coordinating public engagement initiatives, creating social media and web content, and establishing, maintaining, and tracking partnerships with key stakeholders. Michael’s goal is to improve relationships with under-represented communities through intentional public engagement initiatives that explore diverse experiences and tackle complex issues.
Michael previously served as the long-term Chief of Staff, Floor Assistant, and Senior Advisor to the Honorable John Lewis, a civil rights icon, a revered national leader, and the Representative for Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. As Chief of Staff, Michael directed the work of the Congressional staff in Washington and the District staff in Atlanta. As the right hand to one of the most powerful men in Washington, Michael managed the long-term legislative plans of Congressman Lewis and was the main liaison for constituents and various interest groups. He supported Congressman Lewis as he championed important legislation and made laws that impacted the lives of everyday citizens.
Viewed as one of the most powerful Chiefs of Staff in the House of Representatives, Michael worked with “both sides of the aisle,” and interfaced with some of the world’s most influential leaders as he upheld Congressman Lewis’ agenda. Michael provided judicious counsel and prudent advice to Congressman Lewis as he navigated critical issues in Washington, the nation, and the world. Michael says that having the opportunity to work for Congressman Lewis and serve our country in that capacity was an honor and an immense privilege that he will never take for granted.
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Michael attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He later earned an MBA from Emory University and an MSW Degree from Boston College. In addition to serving as Board Chair of the John and Lillian Lewis Foundation and Board Member of the Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation, Michael gives back to others through CASA DC, a non-profit organization dear to his heart. Michael is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Michael previously served as the long-term Chief of Staff, Floor Assistant, and Senior Advisor to the Honorable John Lewis, a civil rights icon, a revered national leader, and the Representative for Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. As Chief of Staff, Michael directed the work of the Congressional staff in Washington and the District staff in Atlanta. As the right hand to one of the most powerful men in Washington, Michael managed the long-term legislative plans of Congressman Lewis and was the main liaison for constituents and various interest groups. He supported Congressman Lewis as he championed important legislation and made laws that impacted the lives of everyday citizens.
Viewed as one of the most powerful Chiefs of Staff in the House of Representatives, Michael worked with “both sides of the aisle,” and interfaced with some of the world’s most influential leaders as he upheld Congressman Lewis’ agenda. Michael provided judicious counsel and prudent advice to Congressman Lewis as he navigated critical issues in Washington, the nation, and the world. Michael says that having the opportunity to work for Congressman Lewis and serve our country in that capacity was an honor and an immense privilege that he will never take for granted.
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Michael attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He later earned an MBA from Emory University and an MSW Degree from Boston College. In addition to serving as Board Chair of the John and Lillian Lewis Foundation and Board Member of the Sadie Grice Funny Scholarship Foundation, Michael gives back to others through CASA DC, a non-profit organization dear to his heart. Michael is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.