Leadership shaped by
service and experience.
Executive leadership in finance, operations, and public education. Retired U.S. Air Force and airline pilot. Focused on effective organizations, accountable stewardship, and thoughtful innovation.
About Michael Tanner
Michael (Mike) Tanner is an executive leader whose career spans public education, financial and operational management, military and commercial aviation, and organizational improvement.
His leadership experience includes senior roles in Illinois and Utah public education, with responsibility for complex budgets, capital programs, facilities, transportation, safety, and operational services. He brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the work of strengthening organizations and supporting the people they serve.
His approach emphasizes integrity, servant leadership, fiscal accountability, and empowering teams to make sound decisions.
Executive Leadership
Public Education
Senior financial and operational leadership in school districts in Illinois and Utah, including chief business and operations responsibilities. Experience includes budget oversight, long-range planning, facilities, capital improvements, and operational services that support student learning.
Organizational Transformation
Experience aligning people, processes, and resources around institutional priorities. A leadership philosophy rooted in transparent decision-making, collaboration, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship.
Military & Commercial Aviation
United States Air Force
Retired U.S. Air Force pilot and officer with experience in military air mobility, global operations, and mission-focused leadership. Military aviation informs a disciplined approach to risk management, operational readiness, and team performance.
Commercial Airline Aviation
Retired airline pilot with experience operating in complex, safety-critical environments. Commercial aviation reinforced the importance of preparation, standardization, clear communication, and sound decisions under pressure.
Business Education & Emerging Technology
Graduate business education, including studies at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, complements a career leading complex organizations. Continued professional development in artificial intelligence informs a practical, process-first approach to technology adoption and measurable organizational improvement.
Exact degree titles, institutions, and dates will be added following résumé verification.
Insights & Perspectives
Operational Excellence in Public Education
How effective financial planning, facilities, transportation, and support services contribute to stronger learning environments.
Lessons from Aviation Leadership
Applying preparation, disciplined risk management, and collaborative decision-making to complex organizations.
Process-First AI Transformation
Why organizations should improve workflows and define measurable outcomes before introducing new technology.
Stewardship and Accountability
Building organizations that use resources responsibly while investing in people and long-term outcomes.
These are proposed article topics; links will be added only after publication.