Michael Cole-Schwartz directs the Human Rights Campaign's media relations, promoting a message of equality in print, broadcast and online media and serving as an organizational spokesperson. Previously, Cole-Schwartz was the Director of New Media at HRC, bringing his public relations experience to bear on how the organization interacts with online communities. His work included editing the organization's blog, HRC Back Story, working with other bloggers and citizen journalists to advance LGBT issues and managing HRC's state-of-the-art, in-house media center.

Cole-Schwartz 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-Schwartz 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 husband Steven and their dog Gary.

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