Michael joined the Arizona Department of Health Services (Department) in January of 2001.  His main responsibility, as Native American Liaison, is to enhance effective working relationship between the Department and the Arizona Native American health care community comprised of twenty-one tribal health office/departments, three urban Indian health programs, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., three Indian Health Service Area Offices, and other agencies providing public health services to the Arizona Native American community. 

Michael is a member of the Navajo Nation originally from Shiprock, New Mexico. His Navajo clans are Ta’chii’nii (red running into the water people) and Naakaaii Dine (the Mexican Navajo people). He earned his Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of New Mexico in 1974 and his Master of Public Health Degree from the University of Arizona in May 2003.  He has thirty-four years of management work experience in small business development, tribal economic development, health care management, and public health. Former positions held by Michael include: Executive Director, Navajo Division of Economic Development; Executive Vice President, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development; and Executive Director, Native American Community Health Center, Inc.