He and his wife, Dr. Teresa Baysden, relocated to the Chattanooga area in December 2005, where he accepted the position of director of marketing and communications with University Surgical Associates (USA) - southeast Tennessee’s largest general surgery and general surgery-based subspecialty practice.

Michael spent the majority of his professional career working in Major League Baseball, beginning in 1987 as a marketing intern for the St. Louis Cardinals. Following the completion of his degree, he joined the marketing department of the
Atlanta Braves, before moving to the public relations department after being named publications manager/public relations assistant. 

In 1995, he joined the Cincinnati Reds as director of media relations and publications, then was named director of communications in 1998. In 2000, he added community relations to his responsibilities, where he assisted in establishing the club’s first community relations department and nonprofit foundation, The Cincinnati Reds Community Fund.

Prior to joining USA, Michael served as director of media and public affairs for LaVERDAD Marketing and Media in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Six Bits represents Michael’s first published novel, but not his first published work. Throughout his career he’s authored several feature and professional articles, with his most recent submissions appearing in the East Tennessee Medical News.

Michael is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, Chattanooga Chapter and the Chattanooga Writer's Guild, and is a frequent public speaker - enjoying most speaking to civic and professional groups, universities and high schools, covering topics relating to careers, marketing and communications, and literature.