A Family Man, Business Leader, and Community Advocate Committed to Making a Bigger Impact.
Family
Inside Mike's heart you'll find his family. They live in Irmo and love every minute of it. He currently has two children in District 5 and one that graduated two years ago from Dutch Fork High School.
In the Schools
Back in 2014, Mike began volunteering his time at an elementary school. That soon turned into leading a PTA, serving on Superintendent Parent Committees, Chairing School Improvement Councils, and serving on the South Carolina PTA board.
Entrepreneur
For nearly 20 years Mike has owned and operated a business. Most of Mike's business experience is in IT, but he also has experience helping people with insurance and teaching classes about technology.
In the Community
While he was not born in Irmo, Mike considers Irmo his home now. He volunteers as a board member on several boards, serves within the community when there's a need, and chairs the Okra Strut Commission which is responsible for putting on the Irmo Okra Strut.
What Qualifies Me To Serve?
I’m well-qualified to serve on the Lexington-Richland 5 School Board. Here’s a brief overview of my qualifications and leadership experience:
- Business Owner / Entrepreneur: For nearly 20 years, I’ve worked as an entrepreneur. From general IT work to small business marketing to insurance to cybersecurity to teaching older adults how to use technology. Most of my life has been spent making sure others have what they need to succeed.
- Servant-Leader: My leadership style centers on serving the community and empowering others to achieve their best.
- Lifelong Learner: I completed the Francis Marion Non-Profit Leadership Institute in 2017, providing a solid foundation in non-profit management and leadership.
- Distinguished Toastmasters Award: Earned in 2022, reflecting my commitment to effective communication and leadership skills.
- Current Board and Non-Profit Involvement:
- Chair of the DFES SIC (Dutch Fork Elementary School Improvement Council)
- VP of Advocacy for the SC PTA (South Carolina Parent Teacher Association)
- Treasurer / Secretary of NAIFA-SC (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – South Carolina)
- Commission Chair for the Irmo Okra Strut Festival
- Previous Leadership Roles:
- Board Member (Shepherds Centers of America)
- District 58 Club Growth Director (Toastmasters International)
- Interim District President (South Carolina PTA)
- Commission Chair (Irmo Okra Strut)
- School Improvement Council Member & Chair (Dutch Fork Elementary School & Lexington Elementary School)
- District 58 Division Director (Toastmasters International)
- Club President, VP Education, VP Membership (Toastmasters International)
- Board Member & Vice-Chair (Shepherd’s Center of Lexington)
- Local Unit President (Lexington PTA)
- Executive Board Member & Officer (NAIFA-SC)
- Ministry Leader of Junior Bible Quiz (Christian Life Columbia)
- Voting Commissioner (Irmo Okra Strut)
I believe that schools and communities go hand in hand. It takes all kinds of people working in all kinds of ways to come together and raise a generation together. I want to listen to the folks in the community, the folks in the schools, and the folks making decisions to help guide the District in the right direction. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to address the complex issues our school district faces while remaining approachable and committed to serving our community.
As a retired LR5 teacher, I fully endorse Mike Ward for school board.
~Cindy Reeves Retired LR5 Teacher
With great enthusiasm, I am writing to recommend Mike Ward for a position on the Lex-Rich 5 School Board.
~Donna Rice MBA, DTM, Past District 58 Director, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Mike Ward is recommended for Lexington Richland 5 Schoolboard by The SCEA Fund for Children and Public Education.
