Michael Painter

Michael Painter is a physician, attorney, and health policy advocate currently serving as Managing Director, Impact and Learning at Nia Tero Foundation, where efforts focus on supporting Indigenous guardianship of Earth’s ecosystems. Prior experience includes over 15 years as a Senior Program Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, advocating for health equity, and a role as RWJF Health Policy Fellow under Senator Bill Frist, where responsibilities involved legislative drafting and health policy development. Additionally, Michael served as Chief of Medical Staff at the Seattle Indian Health Board and began a legal career as an associate attorney specializing in corporate real estate. Academic achievements include a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Washington, a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics from Vanderbilt University. Michael is originally from Oklahoma.