Mike Ward is a distinguished professional with a remarkable career in both the military and civilian sectors. He graduated from Auburn University in Alabama in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. That same year, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy through the Aviation Officer Candidate Program, earning his “wings of gold” as a naval flight officer in December 1990. Mike’s naval aviation career included roles as an A-6E Bombardier/Navigator and an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer, with multiple squadron tours and combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as the squadron Commanding Officer of VAQ-133 in 2008-2009 and the Commanding Officer of Naval Base Guam from 2012 to 2014.

Mike is also a graduate of the Naval War College non-resident program and earned his master’s degree with distinction from the Naval Postgraduate School Executive MBA program. His final tour of duty was as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he retired in October 2019 with the rank of Captain after 30 years of service. Following his military career, Mike transitioned to a DoD civilian service role as the Director of Finance at the Naval Postgraduate School in March 2020.

In July 2022, Mike retired from federal service and moved with his family to Anacortes, Washington. His commitment to community service continued as he was selected to join the Island Health Foundation Board of Directors in January 2023 and was appointed as the Foundation Treasurer in January 2024.