Michael L. Hawthorne Jr. is a native of Greenville, South Carolina and is a graduate of South Carolina State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English. Michael started his professional career as an educator in West Palm Beach, teaching High School English and engaging in community improvement projects. In 2007, Michael began his political organizing career as the Georgia Deputy Field Director for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign, where he helped implement a state-wide grassroots and social media vehicle that led to victory in the state of Georgia. 

Following the 2008 Presidential Campaign, Michael went on to serve on various political and issue campaigns as a political field organizer, managing stakeholder relationships, legislative efforts and leading specific advocacy efforts. In 2009, Mr. Hawthorne was the Lowcountry Field Organizer in Charleston, SC for the Alliance for Climate Protection.  While working for the Alliance for Climate Protection, former Vice-President Al Gore's action fund, he lobbied for federal climate and energy legislation that promoted a clean economy. He continued to work as climate and energy political organizer for Greenpeace USA, mobilizing grassroots support for clean energy policies.

In 2011, Michael went on to work for KSTB Enterprises, LLC. a resource and nonprofit development consultant group, as the Director of Marketing & Business Development, responsible for operations, development and client acquisition.