About

The Cypress Tree, like a trusted advisor and counselor, is resilient, reliable and adaptable. The ability to evolve and respond to a changing landscape is what allows the Cypress tree to thrive under any set of conditions.

At Cypress, we recognize that the world is constantly changing under our client’s feet, and we constantly assess the landscape that surrounds our client’s goals and objectives. Our ability to acknowledge and evolve has allowed our clients to at the complex intersection of where the public sector meets the private sector.

We are not a transactional firm. Rather, we embrace the role of helping our clients address the challenges that keep them up at night. Our ability to look at the world through the lens of the public sector gives our clients the unique ability to view government as a resource and partner – not an impediment.

The Cypress philosophy is simple. Be part of the solution.

  • Founder

    Mike founded Cypress in 2023. Mike has over two decades of experience as a legislative and executive agency lobbyist in Ohio, where he has advised clients on a number of public policy initiatives. Mike has been a registered lobbyist since 2003, having established a record of counseling his clients on a variety of matters regarding how best to navigate various challenges and opportunities that exist with governmental entities. Specifically, Mike frequently advises clients on the best methods to:

    • Secure operating and capital appropriations from state government;

    • Secure economic incentives for capital improvements;

    • Revise state law to align with client and public policy interests; and

    • Establish rules and regulations at the agency level of interest to clients.

    Mike’s work over the years has included a number of initiatives that have garnered state and national attention, including efforts to enhance Ohio’s competitiveness toward securing major sporting events and passing landmark payday lending reform laws.

    Prior to becoming a registered lobbyist, Mike was a policy analyst for the President of the Ohio Senate. In that capacity, Mike was involved in the operating, capital and transportation budget writing process. His knowledge of working legislation through the Ohio General Assembly, combined with his experience with political campaigns gives Mike the unique knowledge of ushering through politically sensitive issues without bypassing the necessary channels of communication throughout the legislature.

    In addition to serving as a lobbyist in Ohio, Mike has also counseled a number of his clients on organizational, strategic planning and development matters. In this role, Mike works directly with his clients on a broad based matter of issues ranging from governance and board recruitment to fundraising and strategic grown initiatives.

    Mike has also served in a number of leadership roles on behalf of community interests. Specifically, Mike has served on the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland as well as Project LEARN. Mike also continues to serve his community as a member of the United Way of Greater Cleveland Public Affairs Committee. Mike has also served in an elected capacity as a Member of the Bay Village Board of Education, including a term as President of the Board. Mike received a B.A. in Political Science from John Carroll University in 1998.