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MEET MIKE
DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Michael McElwee Jr. grew up in Holbrook, the son of a nurse and a Nassau County Police officer. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, a commitment to service, and the importance of giving back to the community.
Mike graduated from Sachem High School in 1993 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the New York Institute of Technology in Central Islip. It was at NYIT where he met his wife, Mary Ellen. The two are celebrating 25 years of marriage and are proud parents of three children, Madeline, Michael III, and Thomas. Mike and Mary Ellen have called West Islip home for many years.
Mike's career in hospitality began at just 13 years old, working at Mulcahy’s Pub in Wantagh, a family business owned by his uncle. After rising to General Manager, Mike ventured out on his own in 2003, opening The Nutty Irishman on Main Street in Bay Shore with his business partners. Over the years, they went on to open and operate several successful local establishments, including locations in Farmingdale and Hampton Bays, TJ Finley’s, The Penny Pub, Local Burger, and Sayville Bait & Tackle.
Building businesses taught Mike the value of hard work, taking care of people, creating jobs, and investing in the communities where you live and work.
Since moving his business to Bay Shore in 2003, Mike has been deeply involved in the community. He has served on the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce and worked with the Bay Shore Business Improvement District.
He also served on the Bay Shore St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and organized and led the Bay Shore Restaurant Committee, helping create Alive by the Bay, a popular summer series that brings thousands of people to downtown Bay Shore and supports local restaurants, shops, and businesses.
Mike's commitment to public service led him to work in constituent services for State Senator Phil Boyle from 2019 through 2022, helping residents navigatemake government and solve problems. He later served as a Community Liaison for Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo.
In 2023, Mike was elected to the Islip Town Board to represent District 3. As Councilman, he has brought his experience as a small-business owner and community advocate to Town government, focusing on public safety, infrastructure, responsible development, economic growth, and responsive constituent service.
Mike believes effective local government is simple: listen to residents, show up, and follow through.
When he's not working, Mike enjoys baseball, traveling, and spending time with his family. One of his favorite traditions is traveling with his son Thomas to visit Major League Baseball stadiums. Together, they've made it their goal to visit all 30.