Michael D. Nieves is President and CEO of HITN, one of the first non-profit Spanish language television networks in the U.S. During his first two years as CEO (2015-2017), HITN added more than 10 million Latino Households to its subscriber base. In addition, Mr. Nieves spearheaded a historic partnership with Sprint Communications. During the 2016 election, Nieves conceived the HITN original production, Tu Momento, a Spanish-language television program explaining the US electoral process from state primaries and caucuses to Inauguration Day. The program was awarded the Social Good Leader Award of 2016 by Cynopsis Media. Under Mr. Nieves’ leadership, HITN has received three Emmy nominations and has won the prestigious Telly Award for the Public Affairs show featured on HITN TV called Estudio DC and a Telly Award for Tu Cuentas Cine Youth Fest.

For over 25 years, Nieves has helped build the political landscape in New York by serving as strategic and policy advisor and consultant to numerous elected officials and campaigns across New York City and New York State. Campaigns have included the elections of state and city representatives, borough presidents, members of Congress, and judicial candidates. Among those Mr. Nieves has served are Assemblyman and former Bronx Democratic leader José Rivera, Assemblyman Robert Rodríguez, New York City Council Member Robert Cornegy, former Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), New York City Civil Court Judge Lisa Headley, and Transit Workers Union Local 100. In 2015, Mr. Nieves served as a key strategic advisor to the Jesús “Chuy” Garcia campaign in Chicago, which resulted in Chicago’s first-ever run-off election for the mayoralty.

Michael Nieves has a distinguished record in government service. He has served as Senior Advisor to the Majority Leader of the New York City Council; as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Council Speaker; as Director of State and Federal Affairs for the Council; and as Deputy Director of Council Services. In the latter position, he oversaw the administrative functions and budget of the New York City Council and individual Council members. As Director of State and Federal Affairs, Nieves was the principal lobbyist for the New York City Council concerning all New York State-related matters. Among Latino elected officials, Mr. Nieves is renowned for his political strategy, public policy, and election law expertise.

Mr. Nieves is hailed by many as one of the top Latino political operatives in the State of New York, receiving, among others, “The Top 75 Political Consultants for 2022” Award, The 2022 “Power of Diversity: Latino 100” Award, and the 2022 “Brooklyn Power 100” Award by City and State Magazine. He has also served as an advisor on educational policy for the government of Puerto Rico.

Mr. Nieves’ numerous civic and community involvements include the boards of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Chicago, the New York Puerto Rican Parade, and New York City Public Schools Community School Board #32. He and his family are active members of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY.