Michael John Pantelides

Michael John Pantelides

Experienced Leader

Dynamic and seasoned government relations director with extensive experience in developing regulatory positions and strategies; budget management, and relationship management. Possesses a strong, diverse background in government, private industry, and politics. Proven track record of driving sustainable public policy and government relations efforts by leveraging relationship building, policy analysis, and leadership. Excels at fostering strong, collaborative partnerships with stakeholders, including senior government officials and business executives.

Areas of expertise

Experience

American Chemistry Council (ACC), District of Columbia May 2023 – April 2025

Director of Plastic Sustainability Policy

Supported federal and state plastic policy development and coordinates advocacy workstreams within the Plastics division by working closely with ACC’s federal lobbying team. Advanced a pro-active policy and advocacy agenda that benefits an integrated plastics value chain. Led the planning and execution of key initiatives with internal and external stakeholders, engaged regularly with company, government and public affairs representatives, and supported subject matter experts.

Supported development of federal policy initiatives that impacted plastics value chain in Congress and Executive branch.

Developed and led implementation of state affairs strategies.

Represented ACC before key stakeholders, partners, and other organizations.

Developed systems to track, monitor, and alert developments in Congress and at the regulatory level.

Implemented strategies to advance key workstreams in packaging, sustainability, and durable markets.

Developed and implemented comprehensive strategy to engage with state officials.

Collaborated with Political Mobilization Department on grassroots activities.

Maryland Department of Labor, Baltimore, MD April 2018 - April 2023

Executive Director

Developed and implemented strategic plans that met business goals and objectives for Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance. Ensured commitment to and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Promoted increased responsiveness of customer service provided by state agencies to businesses and customers. Led efforts to help small businesses navigate government complexities, proactively addressing internal and external challenges.

Oversaw team planning and coordination of over 100 outreach events to describe principles of Sick and Safe Leave (https://labor.maryland.gov/paidleave/) to assist in compliance with Maryland Healthy Working Families Act.

Served as Vice Chair for Governor's Customer Service Initiative, increasing responsiveness of and improving customer service experience provided by state agencies to businesses and customers in MD.

Led state Coronavirus pandemic response for 157 municipal governments in MD, coordinating weekly calls with municipalities and State Cabinet Secretaries, and responding to requests by coordinating intergovernmental response.

City of Annapolis, Annapolis, MD December 2013 - December 2017

Mayor

Served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for city government of the capital city of Maryland as 2nd youngest Mayor of Annapolis. Improved public safety, financial stability, economic development, and environmental sustainability while overseeing workforce of 600+ employees and annual budget of $107M. Managed Mayor’s Office, executed policies adopted by City Council, and drove development of short- and long-term strategic plans for city development. Presided over council meetings, received input from constituents, and made key business decisions. Appointed management staff to city Boards and commissions totaling 100+ appointments and created advisory boards comprised of community members and local business / industry representatives. Established goals, objectives, and public policies, reviewed and approved annual budgets and capital expenditures.

Spearheaded development of award-winning solar energy park on closed landfill of 54K solar panels – Annapolis Renewable Energy Park (https://solarflexrack.com/solar-flexrack-installed-in-the-2018-silver-project-of-the-year-winner-annapolis-solar-park/), driving creation of green jobs and producing $4M revenue for city.

Eliminated the inherited $7.3M deficit by limiting spending and restructuring budget.

Partnered with property owners and community to redevelop chronically vacant properties.

Promoted community growth, overseeing opening or expansion of 400+ businesses during tenure.

Secured $1M in funding from state agencies dedicated to flood mitigation in historic Annapolis.

Passed 1st budget with 8—1 vote without raising taxes working in bipartisan fashion.

Vocus, Beltsville, MD July 2012 - November 2013

Government Relations Sales Executive

Discovered and pursued new sales prospects for public relations software company offering government relations software, SaaS database, custom services, and congressional database, grassroots advocacy, bill tracking, and PAC software modules, concentrating on government affairs and political action committees (PACs). Conducted market research to identify selling possibilities and evaluate customer needs and sought out new sales opportunities.

Helped Fortune 1000 companies and trade associations learn government relations strategy and helped track bills and manage political action committees and grassroots advocacy.

Met business expectations and contributed to company’s rapid and sustainable growth prior to achieving election as Annapolis mayor.

Additional Relevant Experience

The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD

Advertising Sales Executive

Dave Cordle For Mayor, Annapolis, Maryland

Capital Gazette Communications, Annapolis, Maryland

Advertising Account Executive

John S. Pantelides & associates, LLC., Annapolis, Maryland

Project Manager

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Philosophy

West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Professional affiliations

Governor’s Workforce Development Board 2016 - 2017

Board Member

Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County 2014 – 2017

Board Member

County Executive Heroin Taskforce 2015 - 2017

Member

Maryland Municipal League 2014 - 2015

Board Member

21st Century Education Foundation 2011 - 2015

Board Member