Michael Withiam is a communicator and a leader, all of which he applies to his life as a writer, editor, journalist, business executive, community volunteer, and teacher.

Writer, editor, journalist, and communicator: My writing credits include work as a newspaper reporter, feature writer and columnist, several years as writer and editor for university magazines and in-house business publications, and several local and regional magazine articles. As a business communicator, I have written countless columns, proposals, speeches, and media releases, developed sales, marketing and public relations collateral for every communication channel, and led internal communications and employee relations programs. I also created and hosted live television and radio news and public affairs programs in the United States and Canada.

I am editing a book with the working title “Normal to Noble,” how one man followed his inner voice to build a multi-million dollar charity focused on improving the lives of children in Southeastern Virginia. Like every writer, I have many projects underway. The two most important are books: one a work of fiction, the other a memoir.

Business Executive: I am currently Associate Vice President Provider Communications Strategy at Amerigroup Corporation, where I provide strategic and tactical leadership for all communications across all channels targeted to doctors, hospitals, clinics, and others for a Fortune 400 managed care company.

My business experience includes 25 years in the cable television, internet and telephone industries, including roles as General Manager and senior leadership positions in operations and marketing. In these roles, I consistently met or exceeded P&L targets, including revenue and customer growth while delivering exceptional customer and employee satisfaction results. I have extensive experience in P&L and business management, strategic planning, business communication, marketing, product and brand management, residential and commercial sales, operations and logistics, call center management, government relations, community relations, and employee and organizational development.

Teaching: I developed and taught courses in Business Communication and Writing, News Writing, Principles of Marketing, Introduction to Public Relations, and Sports Marketing at several colleges, including Old Dominion University, Ithaca College and Cornell University. I have taught several writing workshops in Narrative Non-Fiction and Business Writing, and developed and delivered Communications and Public Relations courses for trade associations and non-profit organizations.

Consulting and Editing:  I developed a marketing plan for a professional sports team, a training program for the New York State 4-H, strategic business partnerships for a software company, and worked with various small businesses to improve marketing and public relations efforts.

Community Volunteer:  I serve on the Board of Directors, United Way of South Hampton Roads, where I am also Vice-Chair of the Community Funding Committee and lead the Marketing and Communications Committee. I have 30 years experience working with the United Way in various communities, serving in every possible volunteer leadership role except campaign chair, including Board Chair. I served as Board member and committee chair for the Chamber of Commerce in two communities, am a past Board member for Special Olympics of Virginia, and have served on several different community boards and committees.

Industry Leadership: I am a former board member of the Kentucky Cable Telecommunications Association, the Ontario Cable Telecommunications Association, and the Cable Television Public Affairs Association, as well as former Chair of the Metro Toronto Cable Association.

Factoids: I am Cara and Maria’s father. I coach their soccer and basketball teams. I dabble with photography.  I love words and ideas and enjoy discussion on many different topics. I am a news and information junkie. I was once very athletic. I am a very good cook, and a better eater. I enjoy good wine, single malt scotch, and single-barrel bourbon. I’m a 22 handicap. I have a large and eclectic music collection. I like to nibble on peanuts and chocolate. When I die, I will have an ice cream cone for my tombstone.