Since 1990, Michael Alexander has been the executive and artistic director of Grand Performances, which presents free performing arts that reflect the best of global culture and inspire community among the diverse peoples of Los Angeles. From the organization's very beginning, he set the tone for Grand Performances' approach to programming, with an eye to serving the entire community. In 2004, then-California State Assembly Speaker Herb J. Wesson appointed Alexander to serve on the California Arts Council. In January, 2007, his colleagues elected him Chair of the Arts Council and re-elected him to a second term in 2008. He was re-appointed for a term through 2012 and continues to serve as immediate past chair. He also serves on numerous nonprofit arts and community service boards where his skills in policy development, government affairs and community relations are regularly put to use. Alexander served as a Center management panelist in 2009.