Before joining Fluence in 2021 as the company’s COO, Michael transitioned from a 20-year career in the media and publishing industry where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of the USA Today Network’s national division (part of Gannett). In his role, he oversaw the company’s day-to-day business operations, sales, B2B marketing, and corporate development. Prior to his time at USA Today, Michael held key leadership positions at Gawker Media and Hearst Magazines where he was focused on expanding and monetizing both organizations’ portfolio of content offerings and digital media assets. Beyond his professional life, Michael turned to psychedelic therapy in 2018 to successfully combat ongoing struggles with anxiety and depression after frustrations with conventional forms of mental health treatment. Since then, he has invested in and advised several early-stage startups who are dedicated to ushering psychedelics into the world as a legal form of treatment for mental illness. Additionally, Michael also serves on the board of Lucid News, an independent media outlet that covers the growing integration of psychedelics into society and their broad implications for human wellness.
