Michael Cole
New Media Director
Michael Cole directs the Human Rights Campaign’s new media communications — bringing his public relations experience to bear on how the organization interacts with online communities. He is the editor and lead writer of the organization’s blog, HRC Back Story, and works with other bloggers and citizen journalists to promote HRC’s message of equality. Additionally, he manages HRC’s state-of-the-art, in-house media center, producing material for the web as well as HRC town hall meetings, gala dinners and other events.
Cole originally joined HRC in 2002 on the press staff, advancing a message of fairness in the media. His focus on local media markets brought him to more than a dozen states promoting LGBT equality – everywhere from church basements in Topeka, Kan., to the steps of the Supreme Judicial Court in Boston. He was also the founding producer and lead correspondent of “The Agenda with Joe Solmonese” — HRC’s weekly live show that aired on XM Satellite Radio.
Before joining the Human Rights Campaign, Cole worked at the U.S. Embassy to Belgium and the U.S. House of Representatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University and lives in Washington, D.C., with his partner Steven.