Michael Anthony Astaphan is the Political Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party since August 5, 2007. He holds an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, a master's degree in Management Engineering from the University of Connecticut in Bridgeport. He also holds a certificate in Planning, Public Administration and Project Management from the Hartford Institute of Public Administration. Astaphan is a well known private sector leader, having led the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce for a number of years.