Adjunct Professor Michael Hurley has been employed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for over 30 years. A majority of his career has been spent at the World Trade Center, where he is currently the WTC Operations Manager, managing all aspects of site operations. Prior to this, he was the World Trade Center Fire Director and was responsible for fire and emergency management related activities.

Professor Hurley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in fire science, a Master's degree in administration, and a graduate certificate in public management. He regularly instructs classes on fire related topics and lectures to a variety of government agencies such as the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration and various military units.

During his career, Professor Hurley has been formally commended on various occasions. Most notably he has been awarded medals for valor and heroism for his actions during the 1993 terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center and the attacks of September 11, 2001. Professor Hurley has also received the 2001 Distinguished Alumni Award from the NJCU Fire Science Department. He has been recognized by various groups and agencies, including the New York City Fire Department Honorary Officers Association of which he is a member, holding the rank of Battalion Chief.