ABOUT MICHAEL PUTEGNAT
Author of Laguna

Michael Putegnat, author of Laguna, grew up on the border in far south Texas in the 1950's and after college returned there to found several business enterprises.  He drew upon his nearly two decades of leadership positions in both the public and private sector to write his debut novel, Laguna, which depicts ordinary people in a small Texas town pitted against the powerful forces of government corruption and greed.

Putegnat earned his bachelor's degree in English from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. After attending IBM's systems analysis and design schools in the early 1970's, Putegnat realized he had a special affinity for computer science and problem solving.  He held several executive positions in the computer industry and ultimately founded Tymdata Computing Corporation, one of the first on-line computer service bureaus.

After selling his company in 1985, Putegnat was elected to a state college district board of trustees, where he soon rose to chairman. A year after his term ended, he was tapped to serve as Executive Director/CEO of the Texas Southmost College District.  His accomplishments included collaborations to redesign the college district's governing structure, launching a campus rebuilding campaign, initiating the district's first multi-million dollar, awarding winning endowment for student scholarships and negotiating a revolutionary new partnership with the University of Texas System, which has led to a new model in university accreditation nationwide.

His experiences in the public sector led him to Harvard University's world-renowned John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he earned a master's degree.  Currently, Putegnat is president of MP Advising which advises businesses, government agencies and non-profits across the U.S. that are facing structural change.

Putegnat is active in his local community and has held many leadership positions on various executive boards.  These include banks, an economic development foundation, academic institutions, and many other projects. He designed public policy curriculum and lectured at the university level.

Putegnat says that is diverse career has a common thread as a designer, having designed companies, software, buildings,  government structures, and now a novel.

Putegnat currently resides in Brownsville and South Padre Island, Texas with is wife and is the father of four children.  His interests include sailing, architecture, history, politics and film.  For more information, visit www.michaelputegnat.com.

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To request a review copy of Laguna or schedule an interview with Michael Putegnat, contact Jennifer McAndrew at (512) 478-2028 ext 221 or jmandrew@bookpros.com.