Christopher Michel , President and CEO

In addition to Young Veterans of America, Chris is the Founder and Chairman of Military Advantage, the parent company of Military.com.  Prior to Military Advantage, Chris worked in strategy consulting, assisting companies in the airline, entertainment, and financial services industries. Prior to consulting, Chris helped start Initio Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company focused on rational drug design.

Chris also served as a Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy. While on active duty, Chris flew as a P-3 Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander in support of operations Desert Shield, Deny Flight, and Bosnian Sharp Guard. He also led crews on counter-narcotics missions in Central America. Following his operational tour, Chris worked in the Pentagon as Aide to the Chief of the Naval Reserve.

Chris is also a frequent speaker on defense and veteran's issues. He's interviewed frequently and has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Week, Financial Times, and others. He's also a frequent guest on national radio and television programs and recently appeared on CNN Headline News during the War in Afghanistan.  He's also a regular guest on TechTV's "Screen Savers" television program.

Chris is committed to the military community, and is currently a Director of the Navy Memorial Foundation, a Trustee of the USS Arizona Memorial Fund of the National Park Foundation, and an honorary board member for TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. He is also on the advisory board of OutSmart Technologies, a high-tech company focused on solutions for the Intelligence Community. Chris earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.