Michael Girts

Michael Girts has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Michael is currently Head of Strategy at VSA Partners, where they lead strategy for major clients such as Google, Nike, and LinkedIn. Prior to this, they created and produced Off-Broadway's first-ever app-enabled unscripted musical called "Blank! The Musical" and worked as a Workshop Facilitator, Teacher, and Actor at The Second City, conducting improvisation-based corporate training for clients like JP Morgan Chase and Microsoft. Michael also served as VP Business Development Director at FCB Chicago, leading successful pitch wins and exceeding growth goals. Michael worked as a Business Development Director and Pitch Strategist at Leo Burnett, playing an instrumental role in securing new clients like UnitedHealthcare and KraftHeinz. Additionally, Michael has experience in workshop facilitation, teaching, and acting at Laugh Out Loud Theater, as well as roles as a Communications Specialist at Navigant Consulting and Visiting Lecturer at the University of the West Indies. Michael began their career as a Sports Talk Show Producer, Director, and Host at WAER.

Michael Girts holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Communications and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Theater from Syracuse University. Michael attended Syracuse University from 2001 to 2005. Following their undergraduate studies, Michael pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a specialization in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business. Michael completed their MBA from 2005 to 2007. In addition to their formal education, Michael has obtained certifications in "The Science of Well-Being" and "Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman's Visionary Science" from Coursera in October 2020 and April 2020, respectively.