Michael retired at the end of 2012 after 43 years in Federal service, working in international communications, Internet and new media, and government reform. He started at the United States Information Agency, working in motion picture and television production. This work took him to more than 64 countries, covering news stories and events involving international affairs. He served under nine presidents and personally worked with seven.

In 1994 Michael was detailed to the White House, where he served seven years in Vice President Al Gore's office, working on Mr. Gore's Reinventing Government initiative and, the last two years of his detail that office’s chief of staff. At the end of his detail in the Clinton Administration, he spent two years detailed to the General Services Administration, where he helped manage the expansion of the Federal government’s Internet portal, FirstGov.gov — now known as USA.gov. In 2003 he returned to his home agency, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, where he was senior adviser to the Director for Internet Development. After two years, he was named as the Voice of America’s first Internet Director. In 2009 he became Senior Adviser to the VOA Director for Online Development.

In 2010 Michael was again detailed to the White House, working directly for the Associate Director at the Office of Management and Budget. He assisted with outreach, engagement and communications on issues dealing with performance management and with the development of the White House’s special website, Performance.gov.

After 26 months at OMB, he returned to VOA in April 2012 and later retired in December of that year.

Since then, Michael has been a consultant, working in the areas of government reform, digital media, and customer service and engagement.