Michael-Sean Spence is the Managing Director of Community Safety Initiatives at Everytown for Gun Safety and the founder of the Everytown Community Safety Fund. With over 17 years of experience in public safety, criminal justice, and policy development, he leads national efforts to support community-based solutions to gun violence. His work includes managing a multimillion-dollar grant program currently supporting 136 nonprofit organizations across 69 cities, creating a national training institute to build the capacity of practitioners, and developing innovative tools like CityGRIP.org and GovGrants to empower policymakers and advocates.
A Queens native, Michael-Sean began his career as an Assistant District Attorney, later serving as a policymaker at the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, where he contributed to a 15% statewide reduction in gun-related offenses. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago’s Community Violence Intervention Academy and serves as Chairman of Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., continuing his lifelong commitment to fostering safety and well-being in underserved communities.
