Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Service
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
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MICHAEL W. PATTERSON

Mount Vernon,USA

Summary

Community-focused investigator, media strategist, and innovation leader with a track record of ethical oversight, digital transformation, and civic engagement. Founder of a successful UX/media firm acquired by a global mobile engagement company. TEDMED contributor and public service advocate with deep roots in Mount Vernon. Creator of the political commentary platform Angry Black Liberal, known for incisive, satirical takes on governance and justice. Known for bridging technology, storytelling, and public trust.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chief Innovation & Operations Officer

High School Taskers
01.2022 - Current
  • Leads operations and strategy for a student-run gig economy platform empowering high schoolers to engage in entrepreneurial work.
  • Develops infrastructure for civic-oriented projects tied to school pride and community impact.
  • Oversees branding, media communications, and expansion partnerships with city organizations and businesses.

Private Investigator

Power Investigations
01.2019 - Current
  • Conducts legal investigations for law firms and private clients involving injury claims, contractor fraud, and public liability.
  • Specializes in interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and producing court-ready documentation with legal precision.
  • Collaborates with public agencies, law enforcement, and civic groups on sensitive matters involving fraud and public safety.

Director of UX & Strategic Innovation

Life in Mobile
01.2016 - 01.2019
  • Joined Life in Mobile following its acquisition of Polygon Dropout Media.
  • Led UX and digital strategy for mobile-first consumer engagement platforms, including linknexus and Smart Mobile Cards.
  • Contributed to the company's mission to humanize mobile marketing solutions through innovation.

Founder & Creative Director

Polygon Dropout Media
01.2012 - 01.2016
  • Founded a full-service interactive design firm specializing in UX/UI and digital integration for app and web developers.
  • Focused on web, mobile, video, and audio design and prototyping.
  • Successfully scaled the company, leading to its acquisition by Life in Mobile.

Creative Lead & Systems Strategist

Walker Digital / TEDMED
01.2001 - 01.2013
  • Collaborated on patented gaming, hospitality, and digital media systems with a focus on fraud reduction and behavioral data analysis.
  • Participated in TEDMED initiatives, contributing to the intersection of technology, health, and innovation.
  • Engaged in civic initiatives, including the restoration of culturally significant artifacts for private libraries and institutions.

Quality Assurance Manager

Acclaim Entertainment
01.1995 - 01.2000
  • Managed product integrity and technical compliance for over 50 game releases, including high-visibility sports and action franchises.
  • Led teams in enforcing ethical QA standards under deadline pressure.

Education

NYS Private Investigator License -

Certified Notary Public - undefined

Continuing Education - Legal Procedure, Ethics, and Urban Policy

Skills

  • Legal & Ethical Investigations
  • UX/UI & Digital Product Strategy
  • Civic Media & Public Engagement
  • Mobile Marketing & Consumer Experience
  • Systems Thinking & Governance
  • Youth Empowerment & Nonprofit Collaboration
  • Environmental & Infrastructure Advocacy

Community Service

Notary Public for the State of New York, Creator of the political blog Angry Black Liberal, focusing on systemic accountability, urban politics, and social justice, Pro bono support for Spanish-speaking clients via affidavit facilitation and legal document review

Affiliations

  • Board of Ethics – Commitment to transparency, conflict resolution, and public trust
  • Cable Television Advisory Committee – Experience in media oversight, public engagement, and content accessibility
  • Tree Advisory Board – Advocate for environmental equity and neighborhood revitalization

Certification

NYS Private Investigator License (Pending)

Certified Notary Public, State of New York


Timeline

Chief Innovation & Operations Officer

High School Taskers
01.2022 - Current

Private Investigator

Power Investigations
01.2019 - Current

Director of UX & Strategic Innovation

Life in Mobile
01.2016 - 01.2019

Founder & Creative Director

Polygon Dropout Media
01.2012 - 01.2016

Creative Lead & Systems Strategist

Walker Digital / TEDMED
01.2001 - 01.2013

Quality Assurance Manager

Acclaim Entertainment
01.1995 - 01.2000

Certified Notary Public - undefined

Continuing Education - Legal Procedure, Ethics, and Urban Policy

NYS Private Investigator License -