Michael Hegarty

Special Events Manager

Michael Hegarty has been with NIET since 2016 after serving for five years as the director of communications and Outreach for the Arizona State University "Ready-for-Rigor Project," a TIF-funded grant that partnered with 60 high-need schools across the state to increase teacher effectiveness and student achievement.

During his 20-plus years in public relations, Michael has worked as the deputy director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, public relations manager with the Harlem Globetrotters, and in the public affairs offices of the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Drug Control Policy in Washington, D.C. Throughout this time, Michael has also organized and managed official and campaign events for the White House, senior officials and political candidates throughout the country and around the world.

Michael began writing for local Phoenix newspapers during high school and throughout after earning his journalism degree from the University of Arizona.

Michael Hegarty

Why are you passionate about working at NIET?

While I'm not an educator, I feel proud to assist those with NIET and our partnering schools and districts that are having a direct impact on improving the effectiveness of our teachers, administrators and, ultimately, our students.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my son, family and friends, whether being outdoors (on a golf course or hiking/biking trail) or indoors (preferably on a bowling lane).

Who is your favorite teacher?

Mrs. Daggett, my eighth-grade English teacher, who taught me the value of the written word and to keep writing what I felt passionate about and in my own style.