Michael Stephens

As the General Counsel, Michael is responsible for providing legal opinions and advice to the CEO and Board Members on a wide variety of legal matters related to all aspects of the Aviation Authority from its governance to the management and operation of Tampa International, Peter O. Knight, Plant City, and Tampa Executive airports. Michael has over 20 years of experience managing complex legal, compliance, human resources, labor, and employment issues.

In his EVP capacity, he oversees Legal Affairs, Human Resources and Administration, Government Relations, Enterprise Risk Management, and Information Technology Services. In his EVP capacity, he oversees Legal Affairs, Human Resources and Administration, Government Relations, Enterprise Risk Management, and Information Technology Services.

Prior to joining the HCAA team, he served as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority (HART). Before HART, Michael served as the Director of Human Resources at the University of South Florida. Michael also served on active duty as a Captain and Trial Counsel in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, where he was also appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. Additionally, Michael served on active duty as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force.

Michael graduated summa cum laude from Morehouse College with a B.A. in International Relations. He also holds a Juris Doctor from the Washington College of Law at The American University as well as an M.A. in International Affairs from the School of International Service at The American University.