Michael had been a steadfast and stalwart supporter of the Council's mission from the very beginning. He attended with care and diligence to Council matters through five separate decades. His dedication to the best interests of the organization was exemplary and renowned.

He was a graduate of Harvard Law School and the University of Pittsburgh, which he attended on the GI Bill. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army in the Pacific during World War II and was among the first U.S. Army personnel to be stationed in Japan as the conflict came to a close. He was a founding partner of the distinguished New York law firm of Smith, Steibel, Alexander & Saskor, later merged into the firm of Holland & Knight.

The Council was greatly indebted to Michael Alexander and marked his many years of invaluable service to the organization with a Special Recognition Award in 2007.

In remarks at the presentation of that Award at the Council's 45th Annual Dinner that year, Council Board member and former law partner and colleague, John Reilly said "Tonight is a very special one in the annals of this Council as we mark the retirement of our long-time National Secretary, Michael Alexander. It was Michael's remark long ago that set the tone for this organization. In one of his memorable phrases he noted that in this Council, we always take what we do very seriously. But, we never take ourselves too seriously."

Continuing, Mr. Reilly noted "If the institutional memory of an organization is composed of the collective knowledge retained by long-serving members, directors and officers, then the Council enjoyed formidable resources in this regard. And, Michael Alexander stands forefront in the ranks of those who have served the Council with distinction for the very longest time."

He is survived by his wife Claire. Funeral and memorial service arrangements to be advised later.