Michael Pearlmutter was named Executive Director for the Partnership for Clean Competition Research Collaborative in January 2014​​​. In this role, Pearlmutter is responsible for developing, directing and driving organizational strategy and overseeing daily operations, including managing the organization’s $3M budget, fundraising, business development, grant administration, scientific outreach, and communication with the PCC Board of Governors and Scientific Advisory Board. Prior to joining the PCC, Pearlmutter served as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership (IOPL), a multi-partisan non-profit educational organization committed to good governance through the strategic advancement of ethical, informed, and effective leaders and citizenry. During this time, IOPL launched the Chamber of Commerce Candidate Academy, created the first ever Collegiate Political Leadership Program, a service learning program focused on introducing undergraduate college students to public service as a career option, and merged with the North Carolina Center for Women in Public Service. In addition to other functions, Pearlmutter also managed the alumni network of over 1,500 including 120 elected officials, developed new training and partnerships, and managed the board and staff. Pearlmutter has been published in peer-reviewed journals and featured in media outlets for his entrepreneurial work, including his work for Los Alamos National Laboratory and Babson College where he earned his Masters of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He also has a BS degree in Quantitative Economics from United States Naval Academy. In the North Carolina and Massachusetts entrepreneurial communities, he has served as a business plan evaluator, guest lecturer, and mentor to high school, college, and graduate students. He served in the US Navy as a submarine officer before attending business school and has since been involved in startups, non-profits, and political organizations.