Mike Gorby serves as the Director of the Office of State Administration within the Texas Military Department, which is the principal administrative backbone supporting the Texas Military Department and its more than 24,000 dedicated service members across the Texas Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and State Guard. He oversees an exceptional “team of teams”—a staff of 80 professionals—responsible for managing and empowering 650+ State of Texas employees in support of Texas Military Forces operations. Accountable for the efficient delivery of key services—including payroll, procurement, logistics, IT, and resource allocation—operationalizing an annual budget exceeding $1 billion.
He is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with over 26 years of distinguished service, including 20 years as a Green Beret, leading Special Operations Forces across the globe. Throughout his career, he commanded elite units in the Army Special Forces from Detachment to Battalion-level. He later commanded the 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) while attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and completed his distinguished career as the Commander of Special Operations Detachment - Africa. His distinguished military staff assignments include serving as a Congressional Fellow in the U.S. Senate, aide to the Director of the Army National Guard, and Executive Officer for the Adjutant General of the Texas Military Department. His experience extends beyond the military into government affairs, strategic communications, strategic consulting, and nonprofit leadership, where he has successfully led initiatives that raised thousands of dollars for veteran and Special Operations communities in Texas and nationally.
Currently serving as a Board Advisor for the Texas Wesleyan University Customer Experience Program, Mike brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to mentorship and education. He is a graduate of West Virginia University, Miami University, Ohio, and The George Washington University. He is the recipient of numerous military awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, Bronze Stars, Defense Meritorious Service Medals, an award for Valor in combat, the Master Parachutist Badge, and three international airborne qualifications. Residing in Austin, Texas, with his wife Christine and their three children, Mike continues to dedicate his expertise and leadership to developing the next generation of leaders.