Mike has spent most of his professional life teaching in the Bloomington public school system (1959-1987). He was also the vice president and president of the Bloomington Teacher's Association (1969-1971). Mike has been an active member of the community for many years by participating on numerous councils, boards and committees.

These are just some of the highlights:

Parks and Environmental Activities
- Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, 1991-1996: board member, Legislative Chair, and Executive Committee
- Friends of the Minnesota Valley: board member, 1982-89, president, 1984-85
- Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission (MPOSC), 1979-83, 1992-2003
- Lake Minnetonka Association: Board of Directors, 2003-present