Mike O’Neal joined the Maritime Institute in 2022 following the MI’s acquisition of Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy. He has been a maritime instructor and Information Technology manager for Mid-Atlantic for over 12 years. Prior to that he was a junior officer with the NOAA Commissioned Corps, serving a sea tour aboard the NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSON after successfully completing NOAA Basic Officer Training Class at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He previously held an Able Seaman Special USCG license.

Mike O’Neal holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a B.S. in Cyber and Information Security from the East Coast Polytechnic Institute. He is an FAA-licensed Commercial Multi-Engine Airplane pilot and a volunteer aviator with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. In his spare time, he and his wife Tiffany operate Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 private foundation that provides a loving permanent home for special needs dogs and cats out on their farm in Suffolk, VA.