Michael Vesely
Academic Program Director
Phone: 410-706-2161
Email: mvesely@umaryland.edu
Areas of Expertise: Academic program and curriculum development | Student engagement and advising | Critical Infrastructure Protection | Strategic planning and partnerships | Public health preparedness | State and local emergency management | Counterterrorism law
Certifications and Affiliations: Maryland State Bar, admitted December 2006
Education: J.D., 2006, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law | B.A. in English, 2002, University of Maryland College Park | B.A. in Philosophy, 2002, University of Maryland College Park
About Mike:
After graduating from law school and beginning a traditional legal career, I quickly realized that it wasn’t fulfilling for me. The founder of CHHS, and a mentor of mine, recognized this and recruited me to join CHHS. The opportunity to work on broader policy issues was incredibly appealing, and my first project at CHHS involved training and advising state and local entities on Continuity of Operations for the Department of Homeland Security. This role allowed me to travel across the country and develop expertise in a wide range of issues. Over the years at CHHS, I’ve had the privilege of working on many impactful projects, including assisting the Lebanese Supreme Court in preparing to prosecute terrorism cases and helping NATO identify future terrorism threats. One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at CHHS was supporting the Prince George’s County Health Department and Office of Emergency Management during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the things I like best about working at CHHS is the intellectual challenge of navigating complex legal issues that intersect with critical government functions, all while ensuring that fundamental rights are respected. I also take great pride in helping government agencies maintain essential services during times of crisis.
Why do you like to teach?
I am eternally grateful for the teachers that I was fortunate to have throughout my entire education; from primary school to law school. I was not the easiest student to reach and so many of them worked so hard to ensure that I could see the value of the subject matter that they had mastered. I hope that I am in some small way able to pay forward the efforts of all these educators and share my own expertise with my students.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I worked as a carpenter throughout high school, college, and law school and am quite handy because of this experience. I firmly believe that I have the skills to fix anything… I just might have to break it worse first.
What’s a fun fact or hidden talent you have?
I have love for music that might approach an unhealthy level; it is the only true and consistent magic that I have encountered in my life. In addition to listening to it live or recorded, I enjoy making music. I have been a drummer for well over 20 years and can play in numerous styles.
