Executive Branch Experience

 

Amato has served in senior positions within both the Biden-Harris and Obama-Biden Administrations:

​

• As Communications Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michael oversaw all communications operations across this far-reaching department while serving as a senior advisor to Secretary Vilsack. He managed numerous high-profile crisis communications incidents and advanced the administration's key priorities around food security, climate change, equity, and rural economic development.

• As a member of the Biden-Harris Transition Team, Michael helped build the political teams at key government departments during the critical transfer of power period.

• During the Obama-Biden Administration, Michael was appointed Director of Communications for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Following one of the largest data breaches in U.S. government history, he orchestrated comprehensive crisis communications and rapid response initiatives. As senior advisor to the OPM director, he guided both internal and external communications operations.

 

Congressional Experience

 

Michael spent nearly a decade in key communications roles on Capitol Hill, including:

​

• Communications Director for the House Armed Services Committee (minority), where he served as chief spokesman for the Ranking Member, coordinated messaging for committee members, and developed communications strategies on national security and foreign policy matters.

• Communications Director for Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), managing comprehensive communications operations including digital strategy, media relations, and interview preparation.

 

Private Sector

 

Between his government positions, Michael served in a senior role at a Washington D.C.-based strategic communications firm, where he led the development and execution of communications, crisis management, and public affairs campaigns for high-profile clients.

​