Michael Ivester, Veteran Opportunity Senior Partner Specialist
Michael Ivester is a Florida native, U.S. Navy veteran, and project management professional with a diverse background spanning military service, information technology, and construction management.
At the age of 17, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Mineman, beginning a distinguished 10-year military career. During his service, he spent seven years overseas and completed multiple deployments throughout the Pacific and Middle East. His first overseas tour was aboard a minesweeper operating in Japan and Korea, where he gained valuable experience in naval operations and maritime security. His second overseas assignment took him to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, where he served in ordnance quality assurance and worked with Tomahawk Vertical Launch System (VLS) operations, supporting critical defense missions across the region.
Following his military service, he transitioned into the private sector,where he worked in information technology for a concrete company, applying his technical expertise and problem-solving skills in a new industry. Michael joined the Veterans Florida team in May 2026.
At the age of 17, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Mineman, beginning a distinguished 10-year military career. During his service, he spent seven years overseas and completed multiple deployments throughout the Pacific and Middle East. His first overseas tour was aboard a minesweeper operating in Japan and Korea, where he gained valuable experience in naval operations and maritime security. His second overseas assignment took him to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, where he served in ordnance quality assurance and worked with Tomahawk Vertical Launch System (VLS) operations, supporting critical defense missions across the region.
Following his military service, he transitioned into the private sector,where he worked in information technology for a concrete company, applying his technical expertise and problem-solving skills in a new industry. Michael joined the Veterans Florida team in May 2026.