Michael Strautmanis is the chair of the board of Emerald South Collab.

As Chief Engagement Officer, Michael Strautmanis oversees community affairs and strategic partnerships for the Obama Foundation. In this role, he is in constant dialogue with Chicagoans who are looking to learn more about the Obama Presidential Center and the Foundation’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Before joining the Obama Foundation, Mike, a two-time Illinois alum, spent over a decade in Washington, D.C, including four years as part of President Obama’s administration. He partnered with a diverse group of leaders to increase access to economic opportunity, strengthen the judicial system, and champion equity and inclusion in the White House, federal agencies, and Congress.