Vertical Paths is the vision of Retired Army Chaplain, Mike Chitwood who believes that, “the journey is the destination.” Being an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Mike strives to encourage people through circumstances, even the negative ones. Seeking to grow vertically on our path together!

Before retiring from the Army, Mike advised First Sergeants, Junior Officers, all the way up to a One Star General on related matters to lead their troops effectively. While religious matters were a frequent topic, other issues emphasized leadership, morale, and long-term strategic thinking associated with the personal needs of each Soldier.

Additionally, Mike is a highly-effective project manager. At the start of his Army career, he led the Alabama Army National Guard to begin a Suicide Prevention Program program. The result being over 10,000 Soldiers receiving Suicide Prevention training, and the program is still in use today.

Towards the end of his career, Mike organized the Thanksgiving Build-A-Meal drive for low-income Soldiers stationed across the island of Oahu, Hawaii resulting in more meals than any other year. Simultaneously, he gained approval for a Religious Support phone application for the Army Chaplain Corps, the first of his kind. No, Mike isn’t a technological specialist. Instead, he used his abilities to get different entities to work together to create a one-of-a-kind solution.

Primarily, Mike seeks to coach, consult, and create trainings around your organization’s needs. Areas centering on team development, human resources, purpose, strategic leadership, and more. No matter the area, with his project management experience and ability to advise, he looks forward to working with you and your organization soon.

In the meantime, be encouraged by his essays and videos. Mike believes there are lessons and an encouragements in all things. Let’s then grow and journey with purpose.