Board Member
Michael C. Michaels is as diverse as his friends and associates, who are as diverse as the diverse region of San Diego! From running a record label, serving as a real estate broker, directing a sports agency, and serving his fellow tribal members as the elected treasurer, Michaels brings a wealth of experience to everything he focuses on.
In his current role as vice president for the Sycuan Tribal Development Corporation (STDC), Michaels serves as a primary representative for the corporation and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in reviewing investment and business opportunities. Recognizing that gaming is not an end unto itself, but rather a means to an end, Michaels is a strong proponent of asset diversification and conservative wealth management. As an officer of STDC, his primary concern is ensuring the financial well-being of his fellow tribal members well into the future.
Prior to his service with STDC, Michaels served the tribe in the Community Development Department. In this capacity, he assisted with the development of land management plans and conservation efforts for water, land and natural resources. In addition, he helped oversee a $16 million reservation infrastructure improvement project, resulting in improved traffic flow, undergrounding of utilities, and enhanced services to residents on the reservation.
From 1995-2002, Michaels served as the elected treasurer on the Sycuan Tribal Council. As one of the youngest members to serve as treasurer, Michaels helped generate the first billion dollars in revenue for the tribe. He played an integral role in the creation of the STDC, one of the first tribally charted development corporations in Indian Country focused on business diversification. He was also involved in the acquisition of over $300 million in real estate purchased by the tribe including the historic US Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego; the former Singing Hills Country Club; and the purchase and development of the Hotel Solamar in San Diego’s East Village.
Michaels studied real estate finance and accounting at National University, and received his gaming certificate from SDSU. He is a licensed California Real Estate Agent, active in deals from single family residential to joint ventures and commercial developments. When Michael is not schooling his son Michael, Jr. on the basketball court or with his daughter Kyra for sushi and a movie, you can find him with his buddies on the golf course — usually Sycuan Resort!