Michael Hale Jr.

I’ve always been drawn to work that brings people together to solve meaningful problems. That path eventually led me into software and innovation, spaces where creativity, community, and impact intersect. Today, I serve as the Business Development Lead for Atomic Object’s Ann Arbor office, focused on the Detroit market. My role is to listen well, connect boldly, and help teams build software that genuinely makes life easier for the people who depend on it.

Before joining Atomic, I helped lead Detroit’s USDOT-funded MODES program through the Office of Mobility Innovation, managing AI-enabled mobility pilots and multi-agency collaborations. I also co-lead the Federal Mashup Lab: Michigan, working with NASA, USPTO, and Brown Venture Group to help founders commercialize federal IP across emerging sectors.

My work has opened doors for me to speak across the country on innovation, tech ecosystems, and public–private collaboration—including at CivStart’s State of GovTech, ITS World Congress, ITS America, USDOT’s SMART Summit, MOVE America, Micron HQ, Black Tech Saturdays’ Digital Empowerment Summit, Right to Start Michigan, and IEDC’s Annual Conference.

Outside of work, I’m typically locked in as a girl dad, watching a great show with my wife, or serving at our local church. And when I get a moment to myself, you’ll find me chasing the perfect latte, diving into sneaker culture, or supporting friends daring to build something new. Those spaces refill me—they remind me why purpose matters and who I’m ultimately doing this for.