In late 2021, it was announced there would be a change in ownership. Albany Patroons Inc., agreed to take over basketball operations for the 2022 season under Ben Fernandez, who has a long history with the Patroons as well as with the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) dating back to the 1980’s.

With this announcement, Michael moved into the role of President, and immediately secured the commitment of Rocco Ricchiuti, who was named Vice President. Shortly thereafter, former UAlbany Head Coach Will Brown was tapped as General Manager & Head Coach, rounding out the core front office team.

Michael is also COO of Albany Basketball & Sports Corp, and since 2012, General Manager of the historic Washington Avenue Armory. Michael’s role with the Armory was initially extended when he was named General Manager of the Albany Patroons mid-season during the 2018 inaugural year of the NAPB League (North American Premiere Basketball), later to become the TBL (The Basketball League). After reaching the finals in 2018, Michael continued as GM for the 2019 season, helping to guide the team to their 3rd Championship, the first in 31 years. The Albany Patroons won the 2019 TBL deciding game 3 against the Yakima Sunkings on May 3rd, 2019 on the home court at the Armory. Michael again continued in his dual role managing the team as well as the venue during the exciting, but short 2020 season – ultimately cut short after only 4 home games due to the pandemic.

During the Patroons downtime, the Armory was selected by FEMA and the New York State Department of Health to transform into a Covid-19 vaccination site. In March of 2021, the Armory began operations as one of a select few federally funded statewide Covid-19 vaccination sites. For over 3 months, 7 days a week and 12 hours a day, close to 90K vaccination shots were administered to Capital Region residents at the Armory. On behalf of the Armory, Michael was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by FEMA and NYS for the venue’s contributions helping the NYS federal vaccination sites reach their goal of 600K vaccinations.

Michael began his career in the late 90’s as the youngest on-air radio personality in the Albany market, working on-air full time at WFLY Fly 92.3. He was also an on-air host on WKKF Kiss 102.3. Michael holds a NYS teaching certificate was the Lead Instructor of the Radio/Internet Personality class at the New School Center for Media in Albany, where he graduated in the late 90’s. He has also served as the ‘voice’ of the Patroons radio and television commercials and continues to voice and produce commercials inside the many recording studios situated inside the Armory.

Michael is also an accomplished concert and event coordinator having created, developed, and produced hundreds of live music events large and small locally, regionally, and nationally. He has worked directly with hundreds of performing artists on multiple levels in the areas of management, development, promotions and booking. Michael stays active in the music industry and is currently working with and supporting his daughter Sofia’s passion to develop as a recording artist. Sofia is currently in negotiations with streaming services, television, and motion picture companies regarding the licensing of her original recordings.

During his time working with some of the nation’s largest experiential marketing agencies, Michael has coordinated and led dozens of corporate trainings and learning seminars across the country. Michael enjoys creating and conducting structured corporate engagements such as workplace team development training and team building. When he’s not at the Armory or courtside at a Patroons game or in the studio, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife Carolina, and his three children, Noah, Joseph and Sofia.