Dr. Michael Macias, USN-Retired is a role model for youth, and a community and business leader.
A corporate professional and Retired U.S. Navy/Navy Reserve veteran after 21 years of service, he lives by the motto, “life is what you make it” and he has thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
Growing up in a large family, he didn’t know if college was an affordable option so he joined the Navy upon graduating from J.C. Harmon High School. His goal was to learn a trade. He was highly successful and was hand-picked to be an instructor after his first tour of duty. He studied the field of aviation electronics and at the age of 21, became one of the youngest aviation electronics instructors and course managers in the Navy. He received two Achievement Medals and one Commendation Medal for his training management accomplishments.
Michael received a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from the University of Charleston. He earned an MBA from Baker University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education (with honors) from Southern Illinois University. He has designed and developed education and training programs for corporate giants such as Applebee’s International, H&R Block, and Sprint PCS, all the while serving as a Training Unit Leader in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
He said he loves the Navy because he loves helping people, but his service to his country and community doesn’t stop with the Navy. Over the years, he has served as a volunteer with a number of youth organizations including Big Brothers and Sisters, Junior Achievement, Pop Warner Football and the YMCA. He also has dedicated countless hours to the Rose Brooks Center for domestic violence. He served as the President of the International Society for Performance Improvement, KC Chapter in 2007. He was recently appointed to the Regional Transit Authority by Jackson County Executive, Mike Sanders.
Macias said growing up in the Kansas City, Kansas School District taught him to be accountable and responsible. He is grateful to influential teachers like Ms. Perkins at Harmon. His stepfather, Jesse Trujillo, also gave him reasons to believe in himself and encouraged him to make a difference through his strong influence.