Michael Wilton  

Managing Director and Director of Operations

Michael Wilton is a seasoned consultant who is highly skilled at advising on state government. His work has helped pass legislation and regulations that have benefitted both his clients and their industries. Mr. Wilton also has extensive experience and expertise in gaming and racing, real estate, property issues and economic development.

Mr. Wilton also serves as the Director of Operations, ensuring the firm runs efficiently. He plays a key role in facilitating communication across business units and overseeing the firm’s marketing strategy. Additionally, Mr. Wilton manages and coordinates efforts across all departments — the legislative staff, office administration, research, and fundraising efforts.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Wilton built a 25-year career in government and private sector. He was executive vice president of business development for the Empire State Development Corp., and he was president of the Higher Education Services Corp. In these roles, he was instrumental to downtown Niagara Falls’ development and IBM’s decision to produce microchips in New York State. Mr. Wilton’s time as senior aide to the three-time governor, Hon. George E. Pataki, contributed greatly to his understanding of state and local government. That expertise served him well in his eight years as the executive director of the New York Gaming Association. There, Mr. Wilton successfully represented the association’s interests before the executive and legislative branches of New York State government.

As a government affairs consultant, he built a diverse portfolio of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, racing and gaming and real estate developers, and some of New York’s most respected private companies.  Mr. Wilton was a member on Niagara University President’s Board of Advisors.