Michael Sullivan
Director of Education
Michael Sullivan is the director of education for Take Charge America (TCA). He oversees all educational components of the organization and develops classroom and computer-based programs to assist individuals in reaching financial independence.
Sullivan is the author of the “Budget Doctor” articles for TCA, in which he provides tips and advice on how to manage finances and remain debt-free. In addition, Sullivan sits on the board of advisors for the Take Charge America Institute at the University of Arizona, an organization that works to improve consumer financial well-being through research and outreach programs.
Prior to joining TCA, Sullivan was executive director and chief executive officer of the Agency for Instructional Technology (AIT), a non-profit U.S.-Canadian education organization that develops, produces, acquires and distributes educational materials. Sullivan joined AIT in 1990, previously serving as director of strategic planning at UNISYS Corporation in Bluebell, Pa., since 1987.Before that, he was assistant state superintendent for instructional technology in Maryland, where he directed the selection, production and distribution of all instructional materials to schools, established the Maryland Educational Technology Network and directed the state education foundation.
Sullivan has authored many trade articles and publications throughout his career. He edited and contributed chapters to Taking Charge of Your Personal Finances, co-authored the Maryland Education Technology Network Resource Book for the Maryland State Department of Education and published articles in business journals including Arizona Business. His writings have also been featured in educational works such as The Education Media and Technology Yearbook, Executive Educator, the American School Board Journal, CURRENT, Technos Quarterly and Educational Leadership, among others.
Sullivan routinely appears on television and radio programs including CNN, Fox Business, all Phoenix-area affiliates and KTAR-FM radio. He has also served as an expert source for top magazines and newspapers including the New York Daily News, Los Angeles Times, The Arizona Republic and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. During 2006 and 2007, Sullivan was the host of “The Budget Doctor,” a financial education show, on KNFX-AM radio in Phoenix.
Sullivan serves as president of the Arizona Jumpstart Coalition, a non-profit organization that encourages curriculum enrichment to ensure children receive basic financial management skills from kindergarten through high school. He has also acted as a juror for the International Educational Program Contest, a coveted Japanese prize, sponsored by NHK-Japan Broadcasting Corporation.
In addition, Sullivan served as a member of the Advisory Council on Dependents Education for the Department of Defense Education Activity, and he serves on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity.
Sullivan earned a bachelor’s degree in English and speech from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and he holds a master’s degree in curriculum development from Ohio’s Wright University. In addition, Sullivan earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Tech.