Full Name
Michael Chirico
Job Title
Executive Director of Government Affairs
Company (Please input the full name of your organization)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Speaker Bio
Chirico, a licensed attorney, has extensive experience in government relations. Prior to joining the Chamber, Michael spent six years working in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins and deputy chief of staff and counsel for U.S. Rep. Carol Miller. During this time, Chirico was a tireless advocate for the southern portion of West Virginia, routinely working to connect residents with their government. Chirico was also responsible for the science, technology and space legislative portfolio. After leaving the Hill, Chirico served as government liaison and policy advisor for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission in Washington, D.C. There, he served as the agency official who advised the presidentially appointed chair on relevant management, internal policy, and legislative issues. He most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer at Marshall Health and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, where he acted as a liaison between the institution and federal and state officials.
At the Chamber, Chirico cultivates opportunities for collaboration that advance the Chamber’s mission. His work has focused on expanding free enterprise principles by facilitating meaningful relationships between the Chamber, its business organizations and employers, and members of both institutions of Congress and their respective offices.
Chirico lives in Alexandria, Virginia. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and earned his law degree from the Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University. In addition to his professional work, Chirico has previously served on a number of West Virginia-based boards of directors. He is a 2016 graduate of Leadership West Virginia and was recognized in 2019 as part of The State Journal’s “Generation Next: 40 Under 40”. In his spare time, Chirico enjoys road cycling, traveling, politics, reading, and being a self-proclaimed food enthusiast. As a staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives, he became known for his Capitol tours which incorporated both his natural enthusiasm and his in depth knowledge and love of its history.
At the Chamber, Chirico cultivates opportunities for collaboration that advance the Chamber’s mission. His work has focused on expanding free enterprise principles by facilitating meaningful relationships between the Chamber, its business organizations and employers, and members of both institutions of Congress and their respective offices.
Chirico lives in Alexandria, Virginia. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and earned his law degree from the Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University. In addition to his professional work, Chirico has previously served on a number of West Virginia-based boards of directors. He is a 2016 graduate of Leadership West Virginia and was recognized in 2019 as part of The State Journal’s “Generation Next: 40 Under 40”. In his spare time, Chirico enjoys road cycling, traveling, politics, reading, and being a self-proclaimed food enthusiast. As a staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives, he became known for his Capitol tours which incorporated both his natural enthusiasm and his in depth knowledge and love of its history.
