Michelle McIlveen was educated at Methodist College Belfast and graduated from Queen's University with a Masters in Irish Politics and a Certificate in Education.  She is a former teacher of history and politics to A level at Grosvenor Grammar School and until recently worked as the business manager of the family business in Newtownards.  Elected as an MLA for Strangford in 2007, Michelle was a DUP representative on Ards Borough Council for the DEA of Newtownards Town since 2005, but resigned from her seat in December 2010 in line with the DUP’s policy of phasing out dual mandates. 

Her interests include education and economic development matters. The Chair of the Assembly’s Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, Michelle has also been a member of the Education Committee in the Assembly since 2007. She previously served as the Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Committee. She is also the Party Spokesperson on Children and Young People and is currently the Chair of the All Party Assembly Group on Children and Young People.