Mike, a native of Storrs now residing in Southington, developed a passion for communication at a young age, inspired by his father’s role as the sports information director at the UConn athletic department. His formative years were spent assisting his father with various UConn athletics tasks, fostering a deep-rooted interest in sport that persisted throughout his academic journey.

Mike spent his summers while in college working at the UConn Public Information office. His entry into the realm of ESPN was facilitated by a connection through his father, who had ties to Bill Rasmussen, the network’s founder. Bill offered Mike an unpaid intern position at ESPN, to which he eagerly commuted from Storrs twice a week during his senior year. His dedication paid off as ESPN extended his tenure, ultimately leading to a PR role post-graduation.

In the nascent stages of ESPN, Mike thrived in the company’s dynamic environment, wearing multiple hats and contributing across various departments, including lobbying efforts. Reflecting on his journey, Mike attributes much of his success to the internship requirement of UConn’s communication program, which steered him toward his career path and enabled him to cultivate a diverse skill set.

Armed with a master’s degree in communication from the University of Hartford, Mike briefly contemplated a teaching career but found fulfillment in his current trajectory. Alongside his professional pursuits, Mike dedicates his time to Bread of Life, a Southington-based soup kitchen. Serving as board chairman for a decade, Mike played a pivotal role in the organization’s mission to combat food insecurity through meal deliveries and a summer lunch program for students.

Offering sage advice to aspiring professionals, Mike underscores the importance of securing internships, particularly in the competitive sports industry, to distinguish oneself. He also emphasizes the critical role of writing skills in various communication-related fields, including PR.

Mike was selected as the Distinguished COMM Alumnus in 2017.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.

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