Mike was born and raised in Smithfield, North Carolina — representing the sixth generation to live and work the same family farm. Immediately prior to joining the Delta team, he concluded a 25-year career with Caterpillar, during which he achieved a bachelor of science degree in business administration, graduating cum laude from the University of Mount Olive. Also during that time, he spent 12 years as the chairman of the Middle Neuse River Delta Chapter.
“I hope to bring more awareness of Delta Waterfowl to the region,” Mike said. “I really enjoy educating people about the organization. Being a chapter chairman and attending other events throughout the region have given me the opportunity to get to know a lot of the folks I will be working for in the field. I hope my experience as a volunteer in Delta over the years will help me contribute to the other chapters and volunteers. I know what it means to be where they are, and I think and hope they will see that I understand some of the struggles and triumphs associated with their chapter.”
He is married to his wife, Kim, and they have a daughter, Carson. Though Mike lives to be outdoors in the fall and winter, when he isn’t hunting you can find him making things with his hands — his grandfather and father taught him to weld and fabricate.
Asked what he could never give up, Mike said hunting rights would be on that list, and added family, close friends, church and freedom. His favorite place to hunt is NE NC with a couple of close friends who have a few stake blinds and invite him to come along. Hunting with friends and sharing experiences make any hunt a favorite. He hunts over and shares the devoted companionship of a Chesapeake Bay retriever named “Chic.”