In Mike’s years with DBD Group, he has helped many YMCAs and YMCA Camps across the country prepare for and conduct successful capital campaigns. He is also well-versed in helping nonprofits develop endowment programs that ensure their donors’ legacy.
Mike’s 40-year YMCA career included nine years as the CEO of the Jerusalem International YMCA and 20 years with the YMCA of Greater St. Paul where he served as the Director of Camp St. Croix and later as Vice President of Financial Development and Operations. Prior to joining the DBD team in 2009, Mike served for eight years as YMCA of the USA’s Financial Development Consultant to 350 YMCAs in 14 Midwest states.
During Mike’s tenure as the Director General of the Jerusalem International YMCA, the YMCA was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for its historic work in building peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.
Mike has served on the NAYDO Council (North American YMCA Development Organization), as the National YMCA Director for World Camp ’88 and as the YMCA of the USA's representative to YMCAs in the Middle East. He has been a keynote speaker at numerous YMCA conferences and annual meetings.
Mike is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, MN), where he has been honored as a Distinguished Alumni and now serves as the Chairman of the Gustavus Alumni Board. He is also the founder and Board Chair of the Friends of the Jerusalem International YMCA, a U.S. not-for-profit dedicated to raising awareness of (and support for) the critically important work of the Jerusalem International YMCA.
After living and working in Jerusalem and Chicago for 25 years, Mike and his wife, Marcia, returned to their home state of Minnesota in 2014 where they live in Woodbury, close to five of their seven amazing grandchildren!