Michael Woloz began his career at the New York City Council’s Legal and Government Affairs Division and as a freelance journalist, writing for publications that include The New York Times and Newsday. In 2000, he joined campaign, lobbying and public relations veterans Marty McLaughlin and Maureen Connelly, eventually becoming a named partner in Connelly, McLaughlin and Woloz. Michael then established CMW Strategies and built a team of seasoned city and state lobbyists, subject matter experts and support staff that helped propel CMW Strategies to become a “top-ten” lobbying firm in New York City, a position it has maintained every year for the past decade.

Michael has managed high profile lobbying campaigns for legislation, funding, procurements, crisis management and visibility on behalf of clients in nearly every sector including arts and culture, transportation, energy, technology, non-profits, real estate, healthcare, and large and small businesses. He regularly appears in the City and State “Power 100” which ranks the 100 most powerful people in New York City politics, business and lobbying. In addition, Michael has received several accolades from City and State, amNY, Crain’s New York Business, Government Business Review, the Real Deal and other media outlets.

Michael has long been affiliated with the environmental organization, the New York League of Conservation Voters, currently serving as Chair of the New York City Chapter and as a Director of the statewide organization. He is a board member of the anti-poverty non-profit Urban Upbound and is deeply involved in the fight to elevate arts education in our public schools through several endeavors. Michael is one of New York City’s leading advocates for arts and culture funding and advises dozens of arts and cultural organizations. He is a frequent guest lecturer at the Yale School of Drama and has lectured and taught workshops at Teachers College at Columbia University and Queens College.

Michael was raised in Queens and currently lives with his family in Manhattan.