Michael C. Ross, JD

Email: ssorleahcim@comcast.net | Location: San Mateo, CA 94402  | Phone: (916) 923-2215
Portfolio/Library:   www.ssorleahcim.com

Download Resumes here

Professional Profile

Michael Ross, a published author with over 250 works to his name, is a distinguished professional with more than 45 years of expertise in legislative advocacy,
government relations, lobbying, and public affairs. Renowned for his ability to develop, adopt, and implement transformative public and private policies,
Michael has successfully influenced legislation, corporate strategies, and educational initiatives through innovative campaigns, strategic communications,
and policy evaluation. His career is marked by shaping over 2,500 pieces of legislation through coalition building, persuasive advocacy, and dynamic
communication strategies. Michael’s unique approach, blending creativity with an in-depth understanding of legislative processes, has enabled him to navigate
complex regulatory landscapes and deliver impactful policy outcomes. A skilled public speaker and negotiator, Michael has effectively engaged with
stakeholders at local, state, national, and international levels, consistently delivering actionable solutions rooted in humanitarian values, ethical
governance, and a commitment to excellence.

Core Competencies

  • Legislative Advocacy, Lobbying, Government Relations & Public Affairs
  • Policy Analysis, Strategic Communication(s) and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Event Coordination including Grassroots Mobilization

Specialty Skills

·        Legislative Advocacy & Policy Development:

    • Expertise in policy research, drafting legislation, and providing strategic counsel to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes.
    • Skilled in legislative tracking, regulatory analysis, and interpreting complex policy data to guide decision-making.

·        Government Relations & Lobbying:

    • Established strong relationships with legislators, government agencies, and advocacy groups to advance key policy objectives.
    • Directed lobbying efforts to shape legislative and regulatory decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.

·        Coalition Building & Public Affairs Campaigns:

    • Developed strategic partnerships with trade associations, advocacy groups, and community organizations to amplify messages and achieve policy goals.
    • Designed and coordinated grassroots campaigns and public education initiatives, leveraging digital and traditional outreach tools to mobilize
      stakeholders.

·        Strategic Communication & Media Relations:

    • Authored impactful testimony, press releases, white papers, and briefing materials for diverse audiences, including policymakers and the public.
    • Produced articles, grant proposals, speeches, and technical documents to advance advocacy and public affairs objectives.

·        Event Coordination & Management:

    • Planned and executed high-profile lobbying days, press conferences, and advocacy events, ensuring seamless logistics and maximum impact.

·        Digital Strategy & Web Development:

    • Designed and managed social media campaigns, websites, and online advocacy tools to drive engagement and influence public opinion.
    • Created digital content tailored to specific policy initiatives to effect meaningful change.

·        Legal & Regulatory Expertise:

    • Proficient in drafting regulatory briefs, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with legislative mandates.
    • Adept at analyzing legal frameworks to create recommendations and advocacy strategies.

Professional Experience

C&U Seminars — Advocacy & NGO Management, Africa                       

Jan 2018 – November 2024

  • Designed and implemented international advocacy campaigns, securing legislative and policy outcomes through stakeholder collaboration, culminating in program funding & adoption.
  • Collaborated in the development of economic strategies that not only address imposed sanctions, but address legislative priorities and achieving measureable
    outcomes.

MZ Advocacy — Legislative Analyst & Copywriter (England)                

Jan 2015 – Dec 2022

  • In-depth legislative research and provided strategic communication for policy initiatives.
  • Established productive partnerships with legislators, regulatory agencies, and interest groups.

MCR Public Affairs & Advocacy — Legislative Advocacy                      

Jan 1991 – Dec 2022

  • Directed lobbying efforts across 23 U.S. states, collaborating with elected officials, agencies and businesses to advance positive public policy priorities.
  • Delivered over 2,000 public testimonies and speeches to Congressional and state legislatures.
  • Participant in over 1000 Press Conferences and print, radio and digital media appearances.

The California Index — Economic Analyst                                                

Nov 2007 – Aug 2017

  • Developed an economic index that accurately reflects California’s economic power
  • Analyzed legislative trends that impacted corporate actions, financing and lobbying strategies.

Grant Writer & Fundraiser                                                               

Jan 2011 – November 2024

  • As a trained and experienced Not-For-Profit director and volunteer,
  • Secured millions in funding through research, proposal writing and compliance oversight
  • Supported fundraising efforts for nonprofit organizations, campaigns and P.A.Cs

Credentialed Educator                                                                                 

Since 2002 – Current

  • With 10,000+
    classroom hours under his belt, Michael has provided government, civic,
    and English education to students, fostering a deeper understanding of political
    parties, American and International politics and the Federal, State and
    Local levels.

Content Creator & Strategist                                                                       

March 2008 – Dec 2023

  • Produced articles, marketing materials, and digital content for print and online platforms.
  • Developed targeted messaging strategies to advance advocacy goals.

Grand Jury Jurist & Court Officer                                                  

Dec 2019 – Mar 2020

  • Grand Jury Member, conducting research, drafting reports and supporting judicial processes. 

Shofar — Managing Editor                                                              

Aug 1987 – Jan 1991

  • Directed editorial operations, overseeing content production, and publication schedules.

Key Achievements & Expertise in Advocacy & Government Relations

·        Legislative Advocacy and Policy Development:

    • Drafted and successfully advocated for key consumer protection laws, saving billions in costs and enhancing public safety.
    • Authored impactful white papers, analyses, and testimonies presented to influential bodies, including the U.S. Congress, Israeli Knesset, United
      Nations, and Ugandan Parliament.
    • Navigated complex legislative environments to pass or defeat over 2,500 laws across local, state, national, and international jurisdictions.

·        Coalition Building and Grassroots Mobilization:

    • Built and led coalitions that mobilized over 15,000 constituent calls and letters to the U.S. Senate in support of critical legislation and nominees.
    • Designed and executed grassroots campaigns leveraging digital and traditional outreach strategies to engage stakeholders and drive legislative outcomes.

·        Strategic Communication and Public Affairs:

    • Provided strategic recommendations on legislative initiatives to corporations with annual revenues exceeding $5 billion, fostering alignment with public
      policy goals.
    • Organized nine high-profile “Lobbying Day” events, coordinating meetings with legislators and preparing comprehensive briefing materials to support advocacy efforts.

·        Public Speaking and Executive Briefings:

    • Delivered compelling and persuasive presentations to Presidents, Senators, Congressional committees, and state officials to influence policy
      decisions.
    • Engaged diverse audiences through testimony before legislative committees, international forums, and community town halls.

·        Negotiation and Diplomatic Engagement:

    • Facilitated agreements among diverse stakeholders, balancing competing priorities to achieve legislative objectives.
    • Fostered productive partnerships with advocacy groups, trade associations, regulatory agencies, and community organizations to advance legislative
      agendas.

·        Comprehensive Policy Expertise:

    • Drafted legislation, amendments, regulatory briefs, and white papers tailored to corporate counsel, advocacy groups, and judicial needs.
    • Conducted in-depth policy analysis to evaluate the impact of legislation on industries, stakeholders, and communities.

Career & Volunteer Activities

  • Board Service: Served on public and private boards in both paid and volunteer capacities, including Uganda’s Joles (2017–Present), International Jewish Muslim Dialogue Center (2017–2018), Aragon HOA (2013–2016), and DVHOA (2001–2012).
  • Publications & Media Impact:
    • Published a viral story and photograph, achieving 395K and 735K views respectively.
    • Facebook grassroots campaign for candidate and party platforms generated 3,000+ letters and 15,000 calls to the U.S. Senate (2018).
    • Authored 2 Constitutions, complete with a Bill of Rights (Jordan, 2017 and Gaza 2024)
    • Contributed to an FTC Antitrust Brief (2016) that stopped a corporate merger.
    • Member of a U.S. Supreme Court case team (1999–2000).
  • Entrepreneurship & Recognition:
    • Trading card publisher for Grateful Dead and H. Ross Perot’s 1992 Campaign.
    • Named one of the Sports Card Industry’s 10 Most Influential People in 1992, surpassing Joe DiMaggio.
  • Community & Urban Development:
    • Contributed to the development of three community plans (1980, 2005, 2019).
    • Played a role in arena and stadium placement and design (1980–2005).
    • Helped attract NBA sports to Sacramento (1980–1990).
  • Property Management:
    Managed income properties from 1979 to 2014.
  • Leadership & Volunteerism:
    • Softball Commissioner (1987–1994).
    • Elections Judge (2014–2017).
    • Chabad community volunteer (2008–2014).
  • Awards: Recipient of the ACE Award (2001)

Education

  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Teaching Credential
  • Juris Doctor (JD