Mike’s journey to nursing began in 1983 as a medic in the Army to see if he really wanted to pursue healthcare. In 1984 Mike began working on a step down ICU unit at the old mannequin Army Medical Center Hospital.

Mike eventually found his way to working at good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, where he served as a local unit leave leader through several contract negotiations and as a local unit chair. He also stepped up to leadership roles at WSNA, where he served as a delicate for the ANA House of delegates conventions. Mike also served on the WSNA economic and general Wheeler welfare cabinet, including multiple terms as chair of the cabinet. During this time, mike also became a leader at PCNA Pierce County Nurses Association.

Over two decades Mike served terms on the board as a director as well as two stents as president, each lasting 4 to 8 years. Even after stepping back from being on the board of directors, he continued to serve as a committee chair for the banquet committee, which requires a very strong leader.

Mike’s quiet, and steady leadership has made our annual celebrations successful.

Mike has attended countless presentations to nursing students across our region, sharing the story of his nursing career with young and future nurses. In his words, he wanted them to know that “nursing is big enough that you can do anything you want”.