---
title: "How I Got Here: Michael Cummings"
id: "12040"
type: "post"
slug: "how-i-got-here-michael-cummings"
published_at: "2016-04-25T04:00:00+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-03-15T00:03:18+00:00"
url: "https://associationsnow.com/2016/04/25/how-i-got-here-michael-cummings/"
markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2016/04/25/how-i-got-here-michael-cummings.md"
excerpt: "Michael Cummings Principal, Deco by Tate/Cummings New York City Michael Cummings first discovered marketing in high school when he realized that being the only male babysitter in town was his unique selling point. And today, as the principal of Deco..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Marketing / Communications"
taxonomy_post_tag:
  - "ASAEcenter"
  - "Association Industry"
  - "Career Development"
  - "Marketing"
  - "rebranding"
  - "UI Design"
taxonomy_content_format:
  - "Article"
taxonomy_role:
  - "For-Profit CEO / President / Owner / Partner"
taxonomy_persona:
  - "Industry Professionals"
---

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 » How I Got Here: Michael Cummings

**Michael Cummings**  
 Principal, Deco by Tate/Cummings  
 New York City

Michael Cummings first discovered marketing in high school when he realized that being the only male babysitter in town was his unique selling point. And today, as the principal of Deco by Tate/Cummings, he helps associations stand out by creating design and copy for them. One life motto he’s always stood behind: “Don’t live in fear—you can do anything you set your mind to.” Here are some highlights from his career journey.

> Ask questions. Listen. Learn about people.—Michael Cummings, Deco by Tate/Cummings

### A Working History

**1982–1985** Babysitter

**1988–1994** Public relations manager at Barneys

**1994–1996** Cofounder of the Internet Resource Alliance

**2001–2006** Principal of Brand Touch

**2006–2014** Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, at Kellen Company

**2014–** Principal of Deco by Tate/Cummings

Tags: [#Association Industry](https://associationsnow.com/tag/association-industry/)
 [#Career Development](https://associationsnow.com/tag/career-development/)
 [#Marketing](https://associationsnow.com/tag/marketing/)
 [#rebranding](https://associationsnow.com/tag/rebranding/)
 [#UI Design](https://associationsnow.com/tag/ui-design/)

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