Michael Scanlon Jr.

Michael Scanlon, Jr.

July 22, 1947 - February 29, 2024

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Hilton Head Island, SC. In a split second, we lost an extraordinary storyteller, novelist ("The Best Good Time," 2010), artist, avid baseball fan, golfer, dog dad, and a loving husband, brother and uncle. Known for his larger-than-life personality and great sense of humor, he regaled friends and strangers with stories. The stories came from a myriad of sources: his Catholic childhood, first generation Irish heritage, extraordinary decades-long high-octane political and business career and his 40-year marriage to Paula.

A proud alumnus of Cleveland's St. Ignatius High School (1965) and John Carroll University (1969), Mike worked to elect Ralph Perk as Mayor of the City of Cleveland and held the position of Director of Communications for the City. His hometown pride never diminished even with the Browns lackluster performances and when the Indians changed their name to Guardians.

He was campaign director of the successful 1970 U.S. Senate campaign of Congressman Robert Taft, Jr. of Ohio and, as a result, accepted Taft's invitation to join him in Washington, D.C. in 1971. Shortly afterward, the Hon. Robert Dole, then Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), recruited Scanlon to be his Special Assistant (1971-1973). Scanlon and Dole formed a trusting relationship, and Scanlon was an usher in the Dole's wedding. A personal "great" achievement was coaching the RNC softball team and winning the annual RNC-DNC game, even with George H. W. Bush as his first baseman.

Scanlon's federal government service continued as a member of The White House staff - Office of Public Liaison, under President Gerald R. Ford, as Special Assistant to the Chief Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and as Bureau Chief, State and Local Government Programs for the Executive Office of the President & Federal Energy Office, during the 1973-74 oil embargo.

"I have had the distinct honor to work for several leaders elected by the American people: one fine mayor, two distinguished U.S. Senators and three Presidents of the United States. Those years were the most valuable and powerful learning experiences of my work life. I would encourage all young people to spend time getting involved in politics and serving in government."

When Mike became chief lobbyist for Arcata National, a Fortune 500 company with interests in the redwood industry, he held the position of highest paid lumberjack for his first two weeks initiation.

His nonprofit career began as Vice President, the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), President, the Petroleum Marketing Education Foundation (PMEF) and Director of Communications of the American Bar Association (ABA). Trying to quell lawyer jokes, Scanlon went so far as speaking with Jay Leno, then host of NBC's Tonight Show, to convince him that lawyers were undeserving of his late night jokes.

Scanlon worked within the telecommunications industry as Senior Vice President, Metrocall. He held ownership roles in two minor league baseball teams and contributed tirelessly to pitching the Northern Virginia location and ownership group to Major League Baseball during their expansion in the 90's.

During his 11 years as President and CEO of the Self Storage Association (SSA), the organization grew exponentially. He created programs to fund successful state lien law modernization and tenant insurance law efforts, established an educational foundation, conceived the industry "Economic Summit" and "Value and Education", and introduced the national sponsorship program and association magazine. He increased the membership model by recruiting state associations and publicly owned Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). This framework, created by Scanlon, enabled the SSA to triple in size and continue record growth after his retirement.

In 2015, Mike and Paula retired to Hilton Head Island, SC, their paradise. Scanlon was the founding executive of the Self Storage Institute, an industry think tank for prominent worldwide independent self storage company owners. Scanlon was a 2021 inductee in the Self Storage Hall of Fame and the Michael Scanlon award is given out in his honor each year.

In retirement, he served as the Chairman of the Town of Hilton Head Planning Commission and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Global Alliance Education Foundation (Washington, DC).

He is survived by his wife Paula, his beloved dog Arnie, brother Brian (Patti), many nieces and nephews, and the Carolina Cigar Shop Illuminati.

And finally, Mike was a member of the Sea Pines Country Club. Those who knew Mike best will delight in remembering that, along with his many achievements, he'd claim that one of his proudest moments was being responsible for bringing 1000 Island Dressing to the club's buffet table.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike will be remembered for his intellect, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family.

All of us will miss laughing with Mike. In lieu of flowers and somber faces, Mike wished for laughter and donations to support Tunnel to Towers (T2T.org) or your favorite charity.

A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, at 2:30 pm on Friday, April 5. www.Keithfuneral.com.