Michael Lanzilotta retired to Highlands several years ago after a long and successful career as a senior manager at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as an entrepreneur in the private healthcare sector. In the public sector he implemented the HMO Act in Region IV, an Economist for the Division of Diabetes, Deputy in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control and Business Services Manager for CDC’s Global Offices and Public Health Advisor to Ministers of Health with CDC affiliations. In the Private sector Michael was an entrepreneur developing the first financially successful HMO in Georgia. He then converted Georgia Medical Plan to a for profit entity at the time he was being recruited as President of the SE Division of Cigna Health Plans. Since retirement Michael moved from his home in Atlanta to Highlands where he has lived for the past 14 years. He has been involved in several organizations serving on the Boards of Highlands/Cashiers Players, Community Care Clinic, Arts Council of Macon County, and The Library. He is past president of The Mountaintop Rotary Club and serves as the DEI Chair for WNC Rotary and is a Rotary Assistant Governor for three clubs. Michael has acted and directed several plays for the Highlands/Cashiers Players. In 2025 he was named Volunteer of the Year by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
