Michael G. Pappas was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He graduated from Dickinson College in 1983, after which he successively worked as a lobbyist, regional field director for a presidential campaign, and investment banker for the oldest municipal bond firm in New Jersey. In 1987, he left the world of politics and finance to enroll at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he graduated with honors. As an ordained priest of the Greek Orthodox Church, he served parishes in Illinois and California. During his sixteen-year ministry, he was a prolific writer, contributing articles to numerous religious and secular periodicals.
As well, Michael devoted energy to work with the homeless and further ecumenical/interfaith relationships. After transitioning from parish ministry in 2007, he was selected by the San Francisco Interfaith Council to the newly created administrative post of executive director. As executive director, Michael has helped increase the Council’s budget and programs substantially; strengthened existing and cultivated new relationships with civic leaders, NGO’s, judicatories and congregations; and significantly projected the SFIC through expanded use of technology.
His previous/current board memberships include: Mayoral appointments to the San Francisco Disaster Council and San Francisco Office of Civic Engagement's 2010 Census Complete Count Committee; San Francisco Assisi Sister City Committee, and San Francisco Human Rights Commission. Recently he was elected to serve as a trustee on United Religion’s Initiative’s Global Council.
The father of two sons and a daughter, Michael is a congregant at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco, CA.