An Interview with Michael Wilt

July 24, 2015 | by Katie Claflin

Categories: Affordable Housing

For this week’s blog post, we’d like to introduce our newest staff member, Michael Wilt.  Michael joined the TSAHC team in December 2014 as our External Relations Specialist. 

In this role, he is responsible for communicating TSAHC’s programs and services to our many partners and stakeholders, including legislators, housing advocates and partner nonprofits.  Michael is also helping out with TSAHC’s written communications, including our weekly blog posts!

Below is an interview with Michael to help you get to know him a little better.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Amarillo to a Texan father and Belgian mother. Both cultures equally influenced my childhood which made for a unique upbringing. I attended the University of Texas on a partial debate scholarship and competed on the 1998 national championship team. I was also in the Texas Cowboys (we fire the cannon at UT football games). After graduating, I attended law school and worked mostly in politics and policy, eventually focusing on land use, real estate, and affordability. I live in the Mueller neighborhood in Austin with my wonderful chocolate lab named Hayes.

2. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am the youngest of four siblings but was the first to graduate from college. I also earned my law degree at night while working full time during the day, which was challenging but ultimately very rewarding.

3. What excites you the most about working at TSAHC?

I’m passionate about both housing and affordability, so every day is exciting. I also work with the best people in the best work environment – one that enriches our professional development and allows us to run exceptional programs.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?

I’m hooked on outdoor adventure. I train for and compete in triathlons and do pretty much any type of similar event or outdoor activity – hiking, mountain biking, endurance races, adventure races, distance running, etc.

I go to the movies almost every weekend, spend a lot of time entertaining my dog, watching live music, exploring Austin’s food scene, and travelling.

5. What song best describes you?

“The Long Way Around” by the Dixie Chicks.  It’s about someone from the Panhandle with an adventurous spirit. 

6. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a lawyer when I was a kid because my friend’s dad was a lawyer, and his family lived in the biggest house in the neighborhood. That was still my plan until halfway through law school when I discovered that, while I was very interested in the legal process, practicing law just wasn’t for me.

7. If you could be a super hero, what would you want your super powers to be?

Prescience (the ability to see the future). I would therefore be able to anticipate, respond to and prevent disasters and other catastrophic events.

8. Tell us a random fact about yourself.

I’ve translated about 200 written works from Latin to English.

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On the House blog posts are meant to provide general information on various housing-related issues, research and programs. We are not liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the information provided by blog sources. Furthermore, this blog is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney.