Meet the retired NC banking CEO looking for love on ABC’s ‘The Golden Bachelorette’

After much anticipation, it’s almost time for ABC’s debut of “The Golden Bachelorette,” and the inaugural season of the show will feature a retired banking CEO from North Carolina.

Following the smashing success of “The Golden Bachelor” last fall, two dozen men in their golden era are taking their chance at an “everlasting love” with leading lady Joan Vassos, including a contestant from Denver.

Meet Michael

“Michael is a sweet soul who is ready to find the one. The banking exec is a dad of two sons he loves very much, and they both hope he can find love again,” his “Golden Bachelorette” bio says.

“Michael is compassionate, creative and intelligent, and he loves learning new things. When he’s not working, he enjoys reading, watching movies and exploring Chicago’s botanical gardens. When it comes to dating, Michael says he makes sure to listen and learn about his date rather than talking too much. Michael is excited for the chance to fall in love again and can’t wait for his ‘Golden Bachelorette’ journey to begin.”


Fun fact: The 65-year-old Lake Norman area contestant is also a self-proclaimed Swiftie and went to Lollapalooza three times in his 50s.

Among the 24 men looking for love with the 61-year-old grandmother and school administrator, Michael is the only constant from North Carolina.

He joins a long list of former “Bachelor” nation stars from the Tar Heel state:

  • Raleigh’s Marcus Shoberg from Jenn Tran’s season
  • Charlotte’s Madina Alam from Joey Graziadei’s season
  • Raleigh’s Xavier Bonner from Charity Lawson’s season
  • Charlotte’s Kylee Russell from Zach Shallcross’ season
  • Charlotte’s Hunter Haag from Clayton Echard’s season
  • Raleigh’s Matt James, the first Black Bachelor
  • Raleigh’s Caelynn Bell from Colton Underwood’s season
  • Charlotte’s Emily Maynard, the Season 8 Bachelorette

The inaugural season of “The Golden Bachelorette” will premiere Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. on ABC, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.

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