International Experience, Local Roots
We Rise Together for a Brighter FutureMichael’s service as an elected member of Canandaigua City Council, Ontario County Chamber of Commerce Board Vice Chair, Town of Canandaigua Economic Development Committee member, and Geneva Business Improvement District Executive Director give him deep insights and experience working with local and New York State governments to support businesses and improve our communities. He volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association Finger Lakes Walk for a Cure, is a past member of the Finger Lakes Community College Geneva Campus Advisory Board and graduated from the Ontario County Citizens Academy.
Michael authored the book "Battling Democracy's Decline" based upon his graduate research into the Civil Rights Movement and his civic service.
Audrey, Lewis and Michael enjoying the Finger Lakes
Professionally, Michael is sought after for his public affairs, organizational management, executive leadership coaching, and grassroots organizing expertise. He has owned Involvement, Inc., a communications and coaching company for the past decade, helping nonprofit and business clients engage stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes, and individuals hone their leadership skills. He developed a deep reservoir of economic development and policy experience as an executive at multiple public relations firms, while also running regional public affairs for one of America’s largest corporations, and leading multiple civic and environmental nonprofits.
Some of Michael's professional experience includes:
Michael brings nearly 30 years of public policy, economic development and management experience at the international, federal, state and local levels to his candidacy.
He has a proven track record of studying tough issues and bringing people and ideas together to solve them in government, nonprofit and corporate settings.
He has a proven track record of studying tough issues and bringing people and ideas together to solve them in government, nonprofit and corporate settings.
Michael and son Lewis, Inauguration Day for Canandaigua City Council
Michael in Dublin w/Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
Michael grew up in Honeoye and Rochester, and went to college locally, at Hobart. He moved to Atlanta for graduate school, earning a master's in communications from Georgia State University before “boomeranging” back to the Finger Lakes.
Upon returning he fell in love with a region that had grown so much during his time away yet retains its small town charm. And he wants to lend his entrepreneur’s perspective and decades of experience tackling environmental, agriculture, healthcare, business, and community issues to protect our region and state's bright future.
Michael and his wife Audrey moved to the “Chosen Spot” of Canandaigua from Rochester in 2018 because of the community’s welcoming attitude, historic charm, access to the best of the Finger Lakes, and the jewel that is Canandaigua Lake. The excellent school system became an additional benefit when they welcomed their son Lewis to the world in 2020.
Education and Recognition
- Michael has been a continuous learner, seeking to understand civic movements and management. He's attended locally and nationally recognized institutions of higher learning.
- Michael believes deeply in the importance of volunteering and civic service, as evidenced by his years of community engagement.
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- RECOGNITION/AWARDS YES!Atlanta Luminary Award; MS Society of Georgia Leadership Class; Outstanding Atlanta; Delta Chi Fraternity’s national “Distinguished Delta Chi;” Leadership Buckhead; Georgia State University Communications Department, Outstanding Alumni; and Georgia Trend Magazine, “40 Under 40”
- VOLUNTEER AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Canandaigua City Councilman (Ward 1); Geneva Community Projects, Board of Directors; Canandaigua/Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors (Board Vice Chair and Public Affairs Committee Chair); Finger Lakes Community College Geneva Campus Center Advisory Board; Town of Canandaigua Economic Development Committee; Pittsford Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors and Government Relations Committee; Ontario County Citizens Academy; Greece High School Hockey Coach; Atlanta Beltline Partnership Board of Directors; GivingPoint Advisory Board; YES!Atlanta Board of Directors (Chairman for eight years); American Cancer Society Corp. National Exec. Leadership Council; Communities in Schools of Georgia Board; YES!Atlanta Rising Star Mentor; Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Board of Directors; Vote for America–Georgia, Board of Directors; League of Women Voters of Georgia, Board of Directors; Hands on Atlanta, MLK Service Summit Planning Committee; Hands on Atlanta, Citizens Academy Steering Committee; and American Cancer Society, Georgia Advocacy Committee
Endorsements and Support
"I first met Michael when I hired his PR firm to help us market our family-run winery. From our first meeting I was genuinely impressed with Michael’s listening skills and the time he spent genuinely getting to know our business and values. It was the one-to-one, personal time he put in that ultimately resulted in a successful strategic marketing plan for our business. Michael has worked with a multitude of different industries; he is successful because he listens and takes the time to understand his clients. We need more politicians who take the time to understand and work for their constituents, and I see those qualities in Michael."
"Michael's profound understanding of our region’s sociopolitical landscape - shaped by both historical awareness and a progressive lens - renders him uniquely capable of addressing the complexities of public service in the 21st century. Whether advancing infrastructure, championing small business growth, or supporting the voices of historically underserved communities, Michael leads with both conscience and competence. He is, quite simply, a statesman in the making—respected by colleagues and constituents alike.
In every respect, Michael Mills exemplifies the caliber of leadership we should demand in the New York State Senate. He is not only capable and passionate, he is profoundly invested in shaping a more just, dynamic, and inclusive New York. I offer my strongest and unequivocal support for his candidacy."
Read the full statement of support here.
In every respect, Michael Mills exemplifies the caliber of leadership we should demand in the New York State Senate. He is not only capable and passionate, he is profoundly invested in shaping a more just, dynamic, and inclusive New York. I offer my strongest and unequivocal support for his candidacy."
Read the full statement of support here.
Kim Aliperti, Founder Billsboro Winery &Town of Geneva Board Member
Dr. Sim J. Covington, Jr., Canandaigua City Council
"The Finger Lakes region needs strong leaders who are genuinely focused on people and can get smart policies enacted. Michael Mills is that leader. Whether in business or government, he does the work to build a stronger future that everyone can be a part of. The key to his success is that he listens first, forges connections, and does the work so our region can rise together."
Stephanie TownsendTown of Pittsford Board Member