Real careers, not just diplomas.

As Vice President of School Programs at VyStar Credit Union, Michael leads the VyStar Academy of Business High School Program in close partnership with nine different school districts across Northeast and Central Florida: Saint Johns, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, Flagler, Bradford, Brevard, and Marion.

The program runs 20 high school branches and has delivered financial education training to more than 180,000 students. It has also provided over 2,200 students in paid, year-long internship opportunities, real-world business experience while they’re still in high school.

National recognition.

In February 2020, the program Michael leads was recognized as the number one program in the nation (per asset size) and awarded the prestigious Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). More recently, VyStar received the 2025 Ragan Corporate Social Responsibility Award in the Education and Scholarship Program category for its work empowering youth through the Academy of Business program.

What this means for Clay County kids.

Every Clay County student should leave high school with options, a college path, a career path, financial education, a real skill, or a recognized credential. Michael will bring an outcome-focused lens to career and trades programs, dual enrollment, academy programs, and the partnerships that turn high school into a launchpad rather than a finish line.