SOCRS068- Michael Hartford- "Relevant Brain Research, Treatment Programs & Fulfilling Lives"

Michael W. Hartford, MHA CAPT, USN (Retired)

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As Chief Of Staff (COS), Michael provides direct support to the Executive Director (ED) of the Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH) to accomplish its strategic work, “defining excellence” goals, and continuous improvement efforts. He is a “buffer” between the ED and his direct-reporting team to solves problems, mediate disputes, and deal with issues before they are brought to the ED.  Acts as a confidante and advisor to the ED, as well as a sounding board for ideas. He is on the executive and leadership teams, and serves as a thought leader, practicing an iterative approach to learning, evaluation, and sharing best practices. This position is in lieu of a Chief Operations Officer/Director position and is responsible for ongoing leadership and oversight including the development of strategies and processes which contribute to the University and/or campus mission.

Michael previously served on the senior executive team for Zeiders Enterprises, Inc. from November 2013 to November 2015. Zeiders, a Quality of Life Company, is an industry leader focusing on Military Family Readiness and Resilience Services.  His portfolio included working in collaboration with the Navy 21st Century Sailor Office in support of having the “Most Mentally Prepared Service Members and Family in Department History”.

Mike served as Deputy Director, Reserve Component, Navy Medicine, at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia from October 2010 to September 2013.  He retired as a Navy Captain culminating a military career spanning almost four decades. He also served as the Navy Senior Liaison Officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs while mobilized as a Care Manager with Navy Wounded Warrior/Safe Harbor from March 2007 to November 2009. Prior to being commissioned as a Navy Officer he served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and Army National Guard from 1974-1986.

In addition to holding senior-level healthcare executive positions in the Department of Defense, he has held c-suite executive level positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH). He also worked as a Program Director for Healogics, Inc., formerly Diversified Clinical Services, in providing a continuum of comprehensive wound care services at Wound Care Centers throughout the United States. His positions in the Florida DOH in Hillsborough County, Florida were Administrative Services Director, Financial Administrator and Health Center Administrator.  His twenty-two (22) year VA career included assignments as Assistant and Acting Director/Chief Executive Officer in Long Beach, CA. and Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer in Loma Linda, CA.  In 1999, while serving as Director/Chief Executive Officer at the VA Health Administration Center, Denver, CO, he was recalled to active duty to serve at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, D.C. as the Director for Navy Reserve Medical Programs.

He is Board Certified in Healthcare Management and a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE). He is Past-President, ACHE Western Florida Chapter and received a White House appointment to serve on the Board of the Veterans Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation.  He has also served as a Board Director for Help Hospitalized Veterans. Mike is a graduate of the 79th Interagency Institute for Federal Health Care Executives and Leadership VA.  He is a member of the Military Officers Association of America, American Legion, AMVETS, DAV, Loyal Order of the Moose, The Army and Navy Club, Association of the United States Navy and a life member of the Leadership VA Alumni Association.

Mike is a service-connected disabled military Veteran and has dedicated his life to serving other military Veterans, active duty service members and their families. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Management from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from the University of Laverne, Laverne, CA. Military decorations include the President's Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star).