Mastering the art of storytelling to drive change.

Bio

A national award-winning journalist, strategist and social entrepreneur.

Journalism and Media

Michael Golden has worked as an investigative and public affairs reporter in TV newsrooms in Illinois, Iowa and California. His documentary, “Behind the Crime,” and political coverage have earned him honors from:

  • The Edward R. Murrow Awards
  • Society of Professional Journalists
  • National Headliner Awards
  • Associated Press
  • National Academy of Television Journalists

Today an opinion journalist, Michael’s political analysis and social commentary are featured in media throughout the country.

Strategic Communications

Michael has served as a campaign manager and communications strategist on races for the White House, US House and Senate, and Chicago Mayor. The re-election campaign he managed for US Rep. Melissa Bean was ranked by The Washington Post as one of the top 10 in the country.   

Through Golden Mean Strategies, Michael works with leaders and organizations to optimize communications performance.

Social Enterprise

Michael has dedicated the bulk of his career to launching social enterprises that create opportunity in underserved communities. He believes that when given a shot — anyone can convert their dreams into reality.

Michael is a co-founder of:

  • One Million Degrees
  • Newsbound
  • Complete The Degree
  • Spark Chicago
  • The Fulcrum

Based on his work in empowerment through higher education, Michael was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to serve on the State Commission to Eliminate Poverty.

Elections and Government Reform

In 2015, Michael authored the book Unlock Congress, a non-partisan diagnosis of the breakdown that is afflicting our federal government — and prescriptions to heal it. Since its publication, he has served in Senior Fellowships at the Center for American Progress and the Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy.   

Unlock Congress has been adopted in college curricula around the country and Michael has served as an adjunct professor at Arizona State University’s School of Politics and Global Studies. 

Michael earned his BA from Indiana University and his MS in Public Services Management from DePaul University.