A nationally and internationally recognized leader, city builder, architect and urban strategist with over 25 years’ experience leading high-profile organizations. Michael’s constructive and collaborative working style has led to direct executive and board leadership experience with an emphasis on strategy development and implementation, initiating and advancing substantive complex projects, forging partnerships, operations, project design and delivery. Well known for his ability to create a compelling vision, effectively bring disparate groups together and advocacy, Michael has successfully led substantial local and international projects, organizations and initiatives, often ones without precedent and in highly complex situations and jurisdictions.

Michael was first appointed President and CEO of SCDC in 2017 where under his leadership the company developed and implemented a new strategic plan, initiating several highly impactful projects to advance the City of Surrey’s transformation into a more complete community - economically, culturally, socially and physically.  Surrey’s Mayor and Council recently re-appointed Michael to this position in 2023.

Prior to joining SCDC, Michael was the Managing Principal of Bing Thom Architects (BTA) for well over two decades where he oversaw the company’s growth into a leading international practice with offices in three cities worldwide. The firm was known as a particularly innovative architectural office and was the recipient of many international, national and provincial design awards. Under his leadership the company was awarded the prestigious Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Firm Award. While at Bing Thom Architects he was also responsible for many of that firm’s high-profile projects throughout North America including the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver, Tarrant County College in Fort Worth Texas and the Mead Center for American Theatre at Arena Stage in Washington DC. With a long-term and deep commitment to Surrey, some of his BTA project experience prior to SCDC included Surrey Central City, the City Centre Library, the Guildford Aquatic Centre and the recently completed SFU Surrey Sustainable Engineering complex.

Committed to his community personally as well as professionally, Michael is a sought-after speaker, board, committee, and jury member and has been involved with a wide variety of community and professional organizations throughout North America and Asia. Michael was awarded designation of Fellow of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada in 2011 for excellence in contributions to architecture and community building in Canada.  Michael is a registered architect with the Architectural Institute of BC, a member of the Real Estate Institute of BC and a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Canada.  He is a graduate of both the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.