Michael Barbera joined American Continental Group as a Partner in 2005, bringing extensive high-level lobbying, political and public relations experience to the firm. Prior to joining American Continental Group, Mr. Barbera was Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Relations at MGB Ltd., a lobbying firm specializing in defense and homeland security issues. He coordinated the firm’s political activities and directed the firm’s government relations work on Capitol Hill. Mr. Barbera also brings a wealth of public relations experience to the American Continental Group, having worked for two leading public relations firms and directing public relations for a large national non-profit business organization. In these positions, he worked on a variety of issues, including financial services, health care, welfare reform and business regulations. In 1996, his public relations work won the prestigious American Communicator Award for op-ed placement. In addition, he served for five years as Press Secretary for Congressman Weldon and as national political reporter for the National Catholic Register. Mr. Barbera graduated from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts in 1989, with a B.A. in history.