Congratulations to Michael Carter, LT Class of 2019, for being named a Veteran of the Year by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) this month. As the Veteran Services Operations Manager at the Tierney Center for Veteran Services, Michael credits Leadership Tomorrow’s curriculum with shaping his leadership approach and equipping him to empower his team. LT helped him discover more ways to meaningfully engage with the community and drive sustainable outcomes for the veterans they serve.
Michael found Leadership Tomorrow’s mission to align seamlessly with his work at the Tierney Center, where he connects veterans to resources that support their transition into civilian careers. His focus on fostering an inclusive environment instills confidence in veterans, encouraging them to connect with employers and educational opportunities while building leadership skills.
Within his team, Michael emphasizes collaboration and individual ownership, creating a work culture rooted in growth, resilience, and purpose. His dedication to community engagement—another key value from Leadership Tomorrow—is evident in the partnerships he builds with organizations that support veterans’ career goals, amplifying the Tierney Center’s impact.
Rather than one defining moment, Michael describes the entire Leadership Tomorrow experience as influential, offering him a framework for community-oriented leadership that he applies daily. This comprehensive approach enables him to create a collaborative environment and establish sustainable support systems for veterans, demonstrating how leadership can extend beyond individual success to benefit the broader community. Through Leadership Tomorrow, Michael found a lasting foundation to lead with purpose and serve veterans with dedication.
