Michael Gallis is widely considered one of the country's leading experts in large-scale metropolitan regional development strategies. His firm pioneered a specialty in building frameworks through which public, private and institutional leaders have been mobilized to develop new ways of responding to the challenges and opportunities of states and regions in the 21st century. Michael Gallis & Associates, a strategic planning and design firm, was formed in 1988. Since that time, the company has grown to become a multi-disciplinary firm advising regions, states and national governments in the development of integrated regional, national and global strategies. The firm also specializes in transportation, airport and economic development and environmental strategies. MG&A has received many awards and honors, including a National Design Award from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Endowment for the Arts, and two National Economic Development awards. Mr. Gallis consulted with the National Surface Transportation Revenue and Study Commission in 2007 and 2008 on developing the "Big Picture" component of the vision for US transportation in the 21st century. He was invited to speak before the Committee on Transportation and the Environment of the US House of Representatives in January of 2009 and testified in the US Senate to the Infrastructure & Environment Committee. His firm has completed strategic development and transportation programs for a number of cities and regions including Detroit, Cincinnati, Memphis, Mobile, West Michigan, Orlando, San Diego and Charlotte, as well as for several states, including Connecticut, Rhode Island, Illinois, New York and New Jersey and for nations including Canada and the US.