A native of Nebraska, he came to the Episcopal Church while in college. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary.

Bishop Michel came to Long Island in 1987 when he accepted the position of Canon Pastor at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Long Island in 1987. He served as Canon Pastor until 1991 when he became Rector of St. Peter's Church, Bay Shore, Long Island. He was elected to the Episcopate from St. Peter's in November 1996 and began his work with the Diocese in early 1997. In 1998 he received the Doctor of Divinity Honoris Causa from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary.

Bishop Michel has always been active in community affairs and programs and has worked in ecumenical circles both locally and nationally throughout his ministry.

At present, Bishop Michel chairs the HIV/AIDS Commission for the National Episcopal Church. He is on the Board of Directors of the American Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of the Episcopal Church and is the Episcopal Visitor to the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory.

Bishop Michel and his wife Marie have been married for 35 years and are the parents of four children. He enjoys iconography, cooking, light gardening, the Discovery Channel, and time at the beach.