Michael James "Mike" Sheridan (born September 17, 1958) is an American consultant, substance abuse counselor, and former politician from Janesville, Wisconsin. A Democrat, he was the 77th speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly (2009–2011), and represented Janesville in the Assembly for six years. He currently works as head of business development in Wisconsin for Recovery Centers of America. Prior to his legislative service, he worked at the General Motors Janesville Assembly plant and was president of the United Auto Workers Local 95 from 2002 through 2008.
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Early life and UAW work
Sheridan was born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin, graduating from Janesville's George S. Parker High School in 1977. Shortly after leaving school, he went to work in automobile assembly at the General Motors Janesville Assembly plant, where he became a member of the United Auto Workers Union. He was active in the union, rising through the ranks of Local 95 until becoming president in 2002. He returned to school later in life, completing his associate's degree in political science and government at University of Wisconsin–Rock County in 2004. As union president, he was involved in critical discussions which extended the viability of the Janesville plant in 2003 and 2004.