Michael Mandel spent most of his professional career working in the nonprofit sector before entering academia. He has served as development director of the Community Food Bank, director of housing services for the Primavera Foundation, vice president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona and communications director of the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. In 2005, Mandel launched a consulting practice, Mandel Management Solutions, and was named a Tucson “40 Under 40” young professional leader. He transitioned to teaching at the collegiate level in 2013 after completing his MBA in 2012. Mandel is also a member of the Eller College Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.