Michael Carson brings over 30 years of experience in global trademark prosecution, registration, portfolio management, and enforcement. He began his IP career at McAndrews and went on to hold positions at leading international firms, including McDermott Will & Schulte, DLA Piper, and Kilpatrick Townsend, managing domestic and international IP portfolios for Fortune 100 and 500 clients. His first in-house role was with Alberto Culver (now part of Unilever), where he served as an IP paralegal. Michael joined YMCA of the USA in 2010 during the organization’s brand revitalization, helping build its U.S. brand protection strategy. He oversees contractual obligations, drafts and reviews agreements, and serves as a liaison to member associations on trademark and IP issues while supporting the General Counsel on organization-wide legal matters. Earlier in his career, Michael worked as a tax litigation assistant at Mayer Brown and served as a paralegal in the U.S. Air Force. He is also a small business owner providing IP services to individuals and businesses.