Mike Bland

VP, Leaders of Color at Education Reform Now

Michael Bland hails from Long Branch, New Jersey, and has committed his entire career to public service. Before joining the DFER team, Michael served as the campaign manager for Jahana Hayes in her 2018 Connecticut 5th Congressional district, making her the first African American woman elected in all of New England to Congress.

Prior to his time with Rep. Hayes, Michael worked as deputy chief of staff for the Majority Conference leader in the New Jersey Legislative Assembly (Shavonda Sumter D-35) and the deputy district director for Congresswoman Elizabeth Etsy of New Britain, Connecticut. Most notably, Michael contributed to the incredible success of the Obama for America Campaign where he served as the Northeast Regional Field Director in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and conducted region-wide plans for voter registration and event organizing for volunteers.

Michael is a graduate of Rhode Island University with a degree in political science. Michael resides in Long Branch with his wife Laura, a passionate early childhood educator, and their twin daughters, Layla and Michayla.


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