Michael Donley, J.D., MBA, was appointed general counsel in July 2026. In this position, he is responsible for leading the NDCS Legal Division, which provides guidance on legal and administrative matters affecting the agency.
Donley has extensive legal experience both in private legal practice and as general counsel for complex public and private entities. He previously served as general counsel for the Office of Governor Pillen, where he oversaw all legal matters, supported the Governor as health-policy advisor, and provided guidance on judicial appointments and nominating commissions.
Donley earned a Juris Doctorate from the Harvard Law School, Master of Business Administration from the University of Oxford, and Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. He is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran.