Mark Michels, Chief Programs Officer

Dr. Mark Michels served over 31 years in the U.S. Army, starting as a Private and was he was eventually promoted to Sergeant First Class. In 1999 he accepted a Green to Gold Scholarship to Syracuse University ROTC Program, earning an active duty commision.  Dr. Michels' military branches/special assignments include Infantry, Finance, Combat Engineer, Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, Air Defense Artillery, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, and Nuclear Nonproliferation. Dr. Michels' combat deployments were within the Middle East and East African regions.  He retired from active service in late 2019 and started a business consulting company, published several emergency management peer reviewed articles and served on the Colorado University's Dissertation Committee for civilian and military relations topic. His academic credentials include a Doctorate in Business Administration, Post Grad Certificate in Higher Education Administration, Masters in National Security, Bachelors in Sociology and an Associates degree in Criminal Justice.  Dr. Michels is married to his wife Gabrielle, and has three sons and a daughter.  Dr. Michels currently resides in upstate New York.