Michael D. Cole
Fellowship Placement: Canal Winchester City Schools
Michael D. Cole (he/him/his) is a firm believer in the possibility of infinite possibilities for anyone committed to realizing their fullest potential. Through his work with BRIGHT, Cole aims to bring this mindset and his skills to work collaboratively with staff and students towards their optimal professional and academic outcomes.
Michael holds a B.A. in International Studies from The Ohio State University and M.A. in Strategic Communications & Leadership (MASCL) from Seton Hall University. Additionally, he completed the Accelerating Board Capacity Certification from Harvard Business School and a certificate in Education Finance from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.
His diverse professional background demonstrates that of an accomplished leader with expertise in strategic communications, public policy, government affairs, community engagement, and operations management. Serving in a variety of roles during the last two decades, Michael has leveraged opportunities to secure grants, develop campaigns, and oversee large budgets.
In public education, Michael brings 10 years of governance experience as an elected member of the Columbus City Schools Board of Education. He also worked for several years as a substitute teacher in the South-Western City School District at the middle and high school levels.
With a passion for sharing and learning, Michael enjoys public service, leadership mentoring, and reading spiritual writings. He collects the works of renowned authors, such as Peter Senge, James Baldwin, Amitai Etzioni, and Rudyard Kipling. Inspired by the interests of his father and uncles, he also is a corvette and motorcycle enthusiast. Michael is married to Lee Cole and they are the loving parents of three adult children.