Michael Neil believes in the power of words and appreciates their impact. As University of Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Coordinator, he uses compelling words and evocative imagery to tell Extension's story to the public. Additionally, as a skilled communicator, he conveys to key stakeholders how the work of Extension's dedicated staff positively impacts the lives of Cook County residents.

Michael has experience working with people from diverse professional, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds and is genuinely interested in helping staff members clearly and effectively articulate their thoughts and ideas, express their passions, and find their voice. 

Neil joined Cook County Extension in 2014 and has served as program coordinator supporting STEM, 4-H Youth Development, and Social and Emotional Learning teams. During that time, Michael co-created a mentoring program for pre-teen males and created an introduction to science series for elementary school youth.

Neil has demonstrated success working individually and as a member of a group. His marketing efforts increased the number of activities and programs delivered for all of the teams he has served. As part of the 4-H Youth Development team, Michael received a team award for increasing traditional 4-H club membership.

While at Extension, Neil has served on the following committees: Extension Strategic Planning Steering, Council on Governmental and External Relations, Communications and Information Technology, Cook County Volunteer Management, MarCom Better Together Planning, and regional and local employee search committees.   

In addition to his time at Extension, Michael has worked as a grant writer, program coordinator, workforce development instructor in the nonprofit sector, and a proposal writer for a consulting firm.

Neil has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in management with an English minor from University of Illinois Chicago. Michael is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma (International Business Honor Society).