ABOUT ME
Michael K. Gray, Ph.D., is a strategic and politically astute leader with over twenty years of extensive experience across political, governmental, and civic sectors. He specializes in developing and implementing strategies to tackle complex local, national, and international issues. Michael is highly skilled in leading dynamic teams, nurturing multi-party collaborations, and turning political analysis into practical actions. His innovative outreach methods and sharp political insights significantly enhance public services, resulting in substantial community and organizational advancements. Michael’s expertise lies in handling the complexities of diverse governance structures, balancing multiple stakeholder interests, and ensuring transparency and active engagement in community interactions. He is steadfast in his commitment to exemplary leadership and service within the community.
Michael served as Senior Outreach Advisor to United States Senator George Helmy, where he collaborated with officials and stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels to address and resolve community issues and cultivate and maintain strong relationships through transparent communication and active community engagement. He drives strategic initiatives to address critical challenges in New Jersey and Washington, DC for Senator Helmy, enhancing public services.
He also served as the District Director and Senior Advisor for U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., managing the constituent relations for over 700,000 residents in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District. His previous roles have seen him at the helm of operations for Newark’s Municipal Council and Essex County’s Board of Commissioners, deepening his understanding and influence in New Jersey’s largest city and second-largest county. Michael’s foundational political experiences were shaped by his early mentorship under Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., focusing on global health and African diplomatic relations.
In the realm of technology, Michael built a solid foundation as an IT consultant for prominent entities like the U.S. Social Security Administration, PaineWebber, GE Financial, and Marriott. He actively contributes to the Newark community through his board memberships at the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity and the University Heights Science & Technology Park (UHSTP) Board.
Michael’s advocacy work extends internationally, promoting better governance, education, and health programs that primarily benefit African American, Hispanic/Latino communities, as well as African and Caribbean nations. He has been instrumental in driving humanitarian initiatives in nations such as Liberia, Haiti, and the Ivory Coast, focusing on communities with significant diaspora populations in New Jersey.
Michael’s engagement with global policymaking is enhanced by his participation in U.S. congressional conferences and legislative exchange programs in countries like China, Israel, and Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC). He founded the Save Our Nations Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education and healthcare for people of color worldwide through increased awareness and access to resources.
Recognized for his humanitarian and leadership efforts, Michael has received numerous awards, including the Human Rights Award from the NAACP’s Newark Branch and the Danny Glover Power of Dreams Award. He continues to make a mark through community service and public relations excellence. Passionate about music and community development, Michael is an executive producer and songwriter of three Singles, “Save Our Nations”, “Sweet Liberians”, and “Wooo”. He has also completed “Thanks for the Love,” an inspirational music album to support his humanitarian projects.
Academically, Michael holds a BA in Economics from Seton Hall University and an MBA from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Michael has also earned a graduate certificate in business communications from Harvard and an advanced certificate in digital transformation and artificial intelligence from Cornell, and is a certified life and executive coach. Michael has a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. (Southern Miss). Designated by the Carnegie Classification as an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity, recognized for advanced research and policy analysis.
A long-time resident of Newark, NJ, with roots in Liberia, West Africa, Michael has also completed advanced training in emergency management from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. His dedication to improving local and global communities is a testament to his diverse skills and deep commitment.