Michael Weems serves as Vice President of Public Policy for ALA. He came to ALA with a decade of experience in constituent services and a vast knowledge of various government policy topics. He has dedicated his career to public service and advancing quality lighting.

Michael joined ALA in 2014 after spending 10 years working for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. While working on Capitol Hill, he learned the ins and outs of the legislative process and its impact on the implementation of regulations. Before his time in the nation’s capital, Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

During his time with ALA, Michael has worked to establish ALA’s presence in vital policy discussions, successfully representing the positions of the residential lighting industry. He is known as a strategic thinker with deep policy knowledge and possesses the skill to forge relationships and alliances. His ability to build consensus with industry experts and key decision-makers helps ensure policy victories for ALA.

Away from ALA, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, their daughter, and the family Welsh-Terrier. He volunteers at his daughter’s school and serves on his neighborhood advisory council as well as the area school board ambassador program. Michael enjoys running, hiking and playing golf. As a travel enthusiast, he is always searching for the next great bottle of wine or a nice glass of bourbon.