MEET MICHAEL
 Michael graduated from Bunn High School in Franklin County and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving in the Persian Gulf War. Upon returning home, he moved to Henderson and attended Vance-Granville Community College earning a degree in Criminal Justice with academic honors. While at VGCC, Michael served in the Student Government as a Senator and in his last year of attendance rose to President of the Student Government Association. Michael also worked as a work study student during his studies at VGCC.  After graduating, Michael was accepted into the Police Academy (Basic Law Enforcement Training) at VGCC. During the police academy, Michael's leadership skills that he acquired in the Marine Corps, served him well and was promoted to Class Leader. His class was the largest graduating class of the program's history.
Michael was offered employment with several agencies, accepting the offer at Wake Forest Police Department. Early in his career, roughly 22 months, Michael's drive and professionalism gained him the promotion to Patrol Sergeant. Some time later, the department started a Community Policing Program and Michael was selected to head up the program as the unit commander. Michael and his team conducted community meetings, door to door surveys, identified drug activities, referred residents to sources of assistance, and interacted with many youth in the community. You could find them walking or riding in the community at any given time, day or night.
Michael would later return to the patrol division as a Platoon Commander, where he had the priviledge to work with great officers and the department's first full service K-9, Chico. During this time, he returned to school at Campbell University were he earned his Bachelors Degree with a strong concentration in Business.  One Saturday morning in March 1999, Michael was working in the yard when his wife came to him and shared some great news...they were going to be parents! Considering the demand of police work and the work schedule consisting of nights, weekends, and holidays; Michael realized he wanted to be more available to his family.
After a short while, Michael found the opportunity to teach at Vance-Granville Community College in the Criminal Justice Program. It was during this time, he had the opportunity to try teaching in the dual enrollment program. This program was a consortium between the college and county high schools where VGCC would teach Criminal Justice classes in the high schools. The students would take the class as a high school elective and would also gain college credit. Michael really enjoyed the interaction with the high school children but was torn by a desire to own his own business.  In 2002, Michael and his wife started their own small business. Michael is a custom home builder with an excellent reputation in his industry. Through long hours and determination, his company grew and flourished in the years after that.
During these years, Michael volunteered in youth activities coaching soccer, t-ball, coach pitch baseball, and Dixie league minors. He has been active in church serving as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, chairman of building committee, usher, and assistant treasurer.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Homebuilders Association. Currently, Michael serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure at the Chamber of Commerce, Michael has served as the Chairman of the Finance Committee, currently serving as the Vice-Chairman. Michael has been selected to be the Chairman of the Chamber in 2011. At the annual banquet for the Chamber in January 2010, Michael was recognized for his service with the award of Director of the Year 2009.  Michael has many pleasures in life. He finds great pleasure in sharing time with his wife and children. He enjoys activities that include them. Both his children have come to love fishing and Michael truly enjoys fishing. He will tell you that he does not get to go enough! He is a member of Sandy Creek Fishing Club where he serves as the Secretary and Treasurer and is also a member of the NC BASS Federation Nation. He also enjoys camping and hiking, hunting, and pretty much anything to do with the outdoors. Michael holds a NC Lifetime Sportsman license. 
When Michael is not engaged in his work, you can find him on the farm. Michael is married to his best friend of 16 years who happened to be a farmer's only child...that made Michael the farmer's "NEW" helper. During that time, Michael has assisted in whatever needed done on the farm. Today, he has taken on the primary role of the farm. Michael believes in family traditions and family values. He believes farming is a part of both of these. He enjoys his time in the field even when things breakdown...well maybe only when things are going well? 
Michael understands that it is hardwork that pays off in the end and it is committment that sees you to the end of your endeavors! | 
