Michael G. Musser, II is one of Pennsylvania's most respected government affairs professionals, achieving success for nearly two decades as he has worked on behalf of political, public and private sector clients.
As Founder and President of CNR, he started the company with the goal of filling a void in the government affairs space. Michael had the foresight and ingenuity to start and grow a company that was focused exclusively on County and Local government relations, an area that was often ignored by many in the government affairs sector. Over his career, he has helped clients navigate the red tape and bureaucracy that exists even at the local and county level. Known for his ability to deliver results, his relationships with key decision makers has led to countless victories for his clients across Pennsylvania.
Early in CNR's history, Michael decided that he did not want to run a company that was reliant on one party or the other being in power. He had seen the peaks and valleys that some firms experienced when elections are won or lost and was insistent on not making the same mistake. Thereafter, he made a point of developing relationships with elected officials and decision-makers in both parties, a practice that he continues to this day.
His primary area of practice continues to be assisting clients navigate issues at the local and county level. Whether it be funding for a project, securing a needed approval, or the expansion of a client's business development opportunities, Michael continues to be known as someone who can deliver results, even in the toughest of situations. This ability to deliver in tough situations is perhaps no more evident than in his land development and zoning practice. His track record of being able to deliver zoning changes or land development approvals, sometimes in the face of persistent public opposition, is second to none.
With his lengthy career dealing with local governments, Michael is perhaps proudest of the work that he does with municipal governments. He continues to look for any opportunity possible to bring private sector companies and municipal entities together to achieve a goal that benefits everyone involved. From economic development projects to infrastructure funding, Michael is truly passionate about bringing business and government together to create a stronger community for years to come.
Michael has also led the growth of CNR into other sectors, including grassroots advocacy, direct lobbying, and non-profit consulting. This expansion had allowed CNR to become one of the few government relations firms in Pennsylvania that can truly help clients address issues at all levels of government.
In 1992, Michael began his career as manager for the Borough of Steelton, at the time the youngest to hold such a position in Pennsylvania. During his tenure, Michael was noted as a key strategist in creating a renaissance for the old steel town that had suffered a long depression. His work was recognized in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News, which called Steelton's rebirth strategy "visionary" and an example for other local governments to follow. The work he did in Steelton earned him recognition by the Central Penn Business Journal, when they included him in their 40 under 40 and Movers and Shakers lists in 2005. The experience he gained in Steelton continues to serve him to this day.
Michael is a resident of Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County. He and his wife Laurie have two children.
His work was recognized in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News, which called Steelton's rebirth strategy "visionary" and an example for other local governments to follow. The work he did in Steelton earned him recognition by the Central Penn Business Journal, when they included him in their 40 under 40 and Movers and Shakers lists in 2005.