Mike Alexander - President
In 1996 Mike Alexander joined the staff of U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), the current Assistant Majority Leader of the United States Senate, where he held a variety of senior staff positions in both the Washington and Illinois offices.
In 2002, Mike began serving as the Director of Local Government Affairs for the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity (DCEO), providing him with priceless insights and extensive contacts among key Illinois and federal officials. Mike used this experience to assist Illinois businesses, municipalities, and a variety of constituencies navigate through delicate legislative and procurement issues.
Today he utilizes his wide network of contacts and broad understanding of critical issues being debated in Illinois and Washington to help clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to not-for-profits advance their legislative and procurement objectives. With an extensive political and governmental network, Mike uses his relationships and insight to guide him in his role as President of Michael Alexander & Associates.
Mike was born in Springfield, Illinois and raised in nearby Virden. He is a 1996 graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, where he majored in Political Science and graduated with honors. Mike resides in Chicago, Illinois with his wife, Valerie, their son Alex, and daughter Maeve.
Mike Grady - Partner
Mike Grady brings nearly two decades of political campaign and governmental experience in Illinois. He started his career on the policy staff of then-Treasurer, now Governor Patrick Quinn, and later moved on to legislative and policy development posts with Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, and as Deputy Director for Policy at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). During these years, Mike also regularly took leave of his state employment to run political campaigns at the legislative, municipal, and statewide level.
Most recently, Mike brought this unique background together as the State Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for the American Cancer Society-where he earned a reputation for effective, cutting-edge advocacy stratagies. Programs designed and produced by Grady routinely were adopted as national best prectices by the organization, and he was nationally recognized in 2007 by the Society as Government Relations Professional of the Year for his managing the successful Smoke Free Illinois Campaign.
Now, Mike brings his unique expertise in policy, legislative affairs and political campaigning to help clients develop effective advocacy strategies before the different branches of Illinois Government-employing a full package of legislative consulting, grassroots advocacy tactics, and media and messaging strategies at all levels.
Mike Grady was born in Mattoon, Illinois; received his B.A. from Eastern Illinois University in 1992, and has lived in the Springfield area for nearly 20 years. He lives with his wife, Alyson and their three children, Justin, Aidan, & Clare.
Stephen S. Best, Associate
With a passion for public policy and reputation for client care, Stephen plays a critical role at Michael Alexander & Asociates. He obtained his B.A. in Communications from Purdue University in 1992. Stephen has been active with numerous political campaigns and charity work throughout Indiana. Stephen was awarded Outstanding Volunteer Awards in 2006, 2007, and 2009 for his passionate & unparalleled community involvment. At MA&A, he focuses on client management and communications. Stephen resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Charles W. Scholz, Associate
Charles Scholz has dedicated his career and life to public service. The former mayor of Quincy, IL, Chuck's expertise has earned him recognition both locally and statewide.
Chuck is a 1975 graduate of Georgetown University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Mercer University. In addition, Chuck holds honorary degrees from Quincy University and Culver-Stockton College.
Chuck entered private practice in 1978 and then in 1981 began his career in public service. He served as Assistant Attorney General, directing the Western Illinois Regional Office. Chuck was also the Downstate Political Director for United States Senator Paul Simon. In 1993, he was elected mayor of Quincy, Illinois a position he held for 12 years.
Chuck's deep commitment to his community stretches beyond his professional life. For his municipal experience and dedication to community service, Chuck has received regional acclaim, including a Governor's Award for Unique Achievement, a Distinguished Service Award from Catholic Charities and a Pilot Award from the Upper Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers Association.