Michael J. Behm is a Principal of Stateside and Co-Chief Executive Officer. He has been advising Stateside’s private sector and federal agency clients about state and local issue management for almost 25 years. He directs Stateside’s advocacy efforts on environmental, financial services, technology, and other issues and hires and manages state and local lobbyists. His work has brought him to most of the state capitals around the country and has yielded an extensive network of legislative leaders and other public officials. Michael’s recent direct client work includes advising the U.S. Department of Defense on land-use conflict resolution and veteran transition strategies, and helping another client educate policymakers on the security and efficiency of electronic payments. Working on the ground with clients whenever possible, he helps them to develop productive relationships with policymakers and tell their story in a compelling way.

Michael began his public policy career in staff positions with the Ohio House of Representatives and the U.S. Congress. He also worked for the State Governmental Affairs Council (SGAC) before coming to Stateside. Michael was recently invited to serve on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council and will begin his term in October 2015. He previously served as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Foundation for State Legislatures’ for five one-year terms and as a Board member for 11 years. NCSL’s Foundation Board, which raises funds and provides leadership for NCSL initiatives, includes state legislative leaders and staff and senior corporate, association, and union executives. Michael is a member of the Associates Advisory and Annual Meeting committees of the Council of State Governments. He received CSG Associate Partner in Excellence awards in 2004 and 2006. He frequently lectures on state elections, policy issues, and state and local trends. Michael holds a B.A. from The Ohio State University, where he studied Political Science and Journalism. He is married, with three young sons, and enjoys gourmet cooking.