Mike Avella Jr. is a seasoned government relations professional with extensive experience navigating New York's legislative, regulatory, and political landscape. His career spans leadership roles in state government, healthcare, advocacy, and the private sector, providing clients with a comprehensive understanding of how policy is developed, negotiated, implemented, and communicated.

Since joining Dickinson & Avella in 2019, Mike has represented a diverse portfolio of clients before the Executive Chamber, State Legislature, state agencies, and local governments. Drawing on his experience inside government and across highly regulated industries, he develops and executes strategic advocacy campaigns that help clients achieve meaningful legislative, regulatory, and budgetary outcomes.

Prior to joining the firm, Mike served as Senior Associate Director of Governmental Affairs for the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY), where he helped develop and advance the organization's legislative and regulatory agenda. Working closely with lawmakers, legislative staff, executive agencies, and coalition partners, he successfully advocated for numerous public health initiatives, including New York's landmark vaccine mandate and enhanced consumer protections related to prescription drug coverage.

Earlier in his career, Mike was Senior Contracts Manager at DentaQuest, where he managed complex contractual relationships with multiple health plans—including the largest Medicaid payer in New York—and advised internal leadership on regulatory and legislative developments affecting the organization's operations.

Mike also served as a Plan Manager for the New York State of Health Marketplace, overseeing contractual relationships between the State and participating health insurance carriers. In that role, he ensured compliance with state and federal requirements while serving as the primary liaison between the Marketplace and health plan leadership.

He began his public service career in the New York State Assembly, spending seven years as a Press Coordinator supporting a growing delegation of legislators from across New York. There, he directed strategic communications, constituent outreach, media relations, and community engagement efforts while also assisting with numerous successful political campaigns. He later served at the New York State Board of Elections, further strengthening his expertise in election law, campaign finance, and government ethics.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike has remained deeply committed to community service. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Troy Kiwanis Club, founded and led the local chapter of Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), and played a leadership role in a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year campaign.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics and a Master of Public Health from the University at Albany.

His leadership and impact have been recognized statewide. He was named one of City & State's Albany 40 Under 40 Rising Stars (2021) and has since been recognized on numerous City & State power lists, including Who’s Who in Government Relations, Who's Who in Sports, Trailblazer in Health Care and Casino & Sports Betting Trailblazer —reflecting the breadth of industries and policy areas in which he has built a reputation as one of New York's leading government affairs professionals

Mike’s Areas of expertise include:

• Elections/Voting

• Healthcare

• Criminal Justice

• Racing/Gaming

• Technology

• Insurance

• Telecommunications

• Professional Sports

• Economic Development