Michael Smith has a strong energy policy background. His experience includes lobbying against the proposed BTU tax while he was Public Affairs Director at National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Mike was the Editor and Publisher of "Affordable Energy Alliance" newsletter which was circulated to numerous high energy users. Most recently Mike helped a large international public relations and advertising firm win the ExxonMobil public affairs advertising business for $30 million per year. Smith provided in-depth research using Capitol Hill decision-makers and focus group outcomes to help develop an opinion-editorial program for the ExxonMobil client. He worked with Rep. Hastert's office as well as environmental groups traditionally opposed to Exxon-supported policies.

Mike also has significant media relations experience and expertise. He most recently supported a government contractor in the Washington region on energy policy relative to nuclear radiation and nuclear worker exposure concerns. Mike helped this company explain its programs on NBC News.

He also has strong ties at DOE including the head of the Renewable Energy Resources Division in Gaithersburg, MD. Mike served as a public affairs representative for the Solar Energy Alliance and supported specific solar initiatives and tax credits.

More specifically to Michelin, Mike has taught students about the Firestone tire crisis communications program for the Public Relations Society of America. He has knowledge of the "tread separation" issue and created a national presentation to PR and lobbyists on how this phenomenon occurs. Additional research was conducted for industry groups by the Harris poll company on the Firestone issue.

Mike is also a well-connected at the Department of Defense. He works with government technology contractors and also helped serve Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon's Family Assistance Center just following the events of 9-11. Mike most recently introduced new insurance and quality of life benefits to DOD employees for the Traveller's Insurance Company. This included working directly with the Office of Family Life and reached the level of assistant secretary of defense before being enacted across DOD.