2005 Man of the Year
Mike first became involved in the labor movement in June of 1974, serving his apprenticeship with Sheet Metal Workers Local 119 from June 1974 till July 1977, and then he became a journeyman sheet metal worker. Mike was elected President of Local 119 in June 1981. Then he served as executive board member of newly amalgamated Local 100 from April 1982 until June 1989 at which time he was elected to Business Representative in which he still serves presently.
In 1982, Mike was first appointed as a delegate to the Roanoke United Central Labor Council. He has held several positions with the Labor Council: serving as Secretary-Treasurer from 1990 till 1996 and has served as Vice President from 1998 till present.
Since 1990, Mike has served on the Virginia AFL-CIO Executive Board and serves as a trustee for the Virginia AFL-CIO.
Mike has been active with the southwest Building and Construction Trades Council since 1989 and has been President of the Southwest Building and Construction Trades Council since 2003.
In addition to activities with the labor movement, he has served on the United Way Board of Directors of Roanoke, Local Workforce Investment Board, and other numerous boards and committee.
Mike is married to Doris Crouse-Mays and has two children and one grandson. Mike enjoys outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He also enjoys motorcycles and playing with his old muscle cars.