Michael Schut is a director of strategic partnerships for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Schut has a bachelor's degree in communication from Western Michigan University and served four years in the United States Marine Corps.

Schut was born in Lansing, Michigan, and grew up in Plymouth-Canton. After college and military service, Schut began his IT and public health sector sales/marketing career here in Michigan. Later, he felt called to work as an addiction counselor, working in both private and government treatment facilities in Georgia and Virginia.

Schut is excited to be back in Michigan, this time to identify and build relationships with freedom-loving individuals who share the goal of advancing liberty and opportunity for all people. He lives in Rockford with his wife, Jennifer, and poodle Max.

In his free time, Schut enjoys taking day trips with his wife to explore small towns and destinations of interest. Once there, they search for unique restaurants and shops and seek to support local small businesses.