Michael Fourte

Michael Fourte is a United States Navy veteran with over twenty years of experience. While serving his country across three different continents, Michael held the titles of Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Administrative Officer, Personnel Officer, and Regional Director for Diversity Outreach at various points in his career. Michael’s service has made him an expert in strategic and operational planning as well as general leadership. Plus, Michael’s military experience has helped him excel in other areas of his professional life—notably as a real estate investor and attorney.

In 1994 Michael Fourte received a nomination from the late Senator Paul Wellstone (D-Mn) to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland where he majored in Computer Science. While enrolled in school Michael co-authored mathematics software with his math professor and a mathematician from the National Security Agency. In addition to his courses, Michael also ran NCAA Division I cross-country and track.

Upon graduation, Michael served as a Tomahawk Missile Strike Officer & Information Systems Officer on the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City homeported in Mayport, FL. However, when the USS Cole was attacked in October 2000, Michael was deployed to Manama, Bahrain (Arabian Gulf) as part of Destroyer Squadron 50. Less than a year later, after the 9/11 attacks, Michael joined the 5th fleet Tomahawk Strike Cell to plan and execute cruise missile strikes in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a result of his performance, Michael was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal. Michael was especially proud to receive the medal since it is usually only given to more senior officers.

Michael returned to the United States in late 2001 to serve as an assistant professor at State University of New York (SUNY) and Fordham University where he taught Military History. At this point, Michael left active duty to pursue an education in law. During this period Michael was also involved in another passion of his: real estate. Michael surmised that a law degree would be a useful asset to his real estate career which has turned out to be true over the years.

In 2007 Michael Fourte returned to the Navy as an Executive officer and later Commanding Officer. The duties and responsibilities of a Commanding Officer are similar to the duties of a CEO. While serving as a Commanding Officer, Michael worked at the Navy Operational Support Center in New York City, the seventh largest Naval Reserve Center in the world with over 1000 servicemembers. After four years, Michael moved on to become the Navy City Outreach Officer for the Northeastern United States.

As a Navy City Outreach Officer, Michael built teams with civic, business and education officials throughout the Northeastern United States to enhance the Navy’s engagement with students with a propensity for STEM engagements. He achieved this goal by developing the first ever public-private joint venture not-for-profit underwater robotics program called SeaPerch New York This program gave students the opportunity to interact with Naval cadets and officers, gain experience with underwater robotics, and learn about the Navy as well.

Additionally, Michael Fourte recently accepted a temporary position as a member of the Chief of Naval Operations audit staff. He will be reviewing financial audits and corrective actions for the Navy.