Bland is the former campaign manager for Mayor Pedro E. Segarra, the 66th Mayor of the City of Hartford. Michael Bland is the former campaign manager for Mayor Pedro E. Segarra, the 66th Mayor of the City of Hartford. Prior to joining Mayor Segarra’s team, Bland was the Director of Community Affairs as well as the Political Director for Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (D-CT). Bland was the first African American to hold this position. Bland served as the Field Director for the Congresswoman to ensure her re-election to the House of Representatives. Bland began his campaign career with U.S. Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ). He went on to serve as the Deputy Northeast Regional Director in North Carolina (Obama for America).
Bland attended the University of Rhode Island where he majored in Political Science. He is the recipient of countless awards and citations including being a member of the city planning board at age twenty-two, a former chair member of the Minority Caucus for the Young Democrats of America, and an All American in track and field. Bland is also the founder of a local community group “Believe Inc.”, which helps local youth with networking skills in college along with post college employment and internships. Along with Believe Inc. Bland has started the ground work for his own political consulting firm, “Millennial Leadership Consulting Group”.
Bland is married to Laura Smith Bland (a graduate of Amherst College) and they have twin daughters, Layla and Michayla. He is actively involved in numerous community and civic organizations, believing strongly in the mission, “to whom much is given, much is required.”
