Michael Birkby is Vice President of Development Operations at Conifer, where he brings over 15 years of experience in affordable housing development. Throughout his career, he has held multiple leadership roles, guiding multidisciplinary teams in the successful planning, financing, and construction of communities across New York State. His portfolio includes the development, rehabilitation, and acquisition of more than 2,500 apartments, representing nearly $600 million in total investment. Michael’s expertise spans all phases of development—from site selection and feasibility analysis to securing public financing and navigating local approvals. He has successfully obtained funding through 4% and 9% LIHTC, NYHCR, HOME, CDBG, and other federal, state, and municipal sources. He holds a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont, a Master’s in Urban Planning, and a J.D. from SUNY Buffalo, where he also earned the Birzon Prize for Clinical Legal Education. Michael is a licensed attorney in New York and was honored in 2021 by the Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal for Excellence in Construction & Real Estate.