AWARDEE BIO

Captain (Ret.) Michael S. Kohler is currently serving his first term as the Escambia County Commissioner for District 2, having been elected in 2022 and now holding the position of Board Chairman for the 2024–2025 term.

Born in Longmont, Colorado, Kohler joined the U.S. Navy in 1987 as a seaman recruit following his high school graduation. He advanced from enlisted ranks to Warrant Officer and eventually to Captain, accumulating 33 years of distinguished service.

During his Navy career, he held leadership roles including Director of Healthcare Business at Naval Hospital Pensacola, Officer in Charge at naval clinics such as Belle Chasse, Executive Officer at Navy Medicine Operational Training Center, and deployed as a senior medical officer to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

Kohler earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Pensacola Junior College (1991), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Hayward, and a Master of Education (Education and Training Management Systems) from the University of West Florida (2004). He holds certifications including Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN). His military honors include multiple Meritorious Service, Commendation, and Achievement Medals among others.

Kohler has served as Vice Chairman of the Escambia County Republican Party (2011–2015), and as Vice Chair of the Escambia County Health Facilities Authority, which has issued extensive health-care bonds and supported local nonprofits. He also directed the Rock N' Fly race series, raising $230,000 for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and together with his wife Shannon has completed a marathon in each of the 50 states.

Kohler remains deeply engaged in community life through numerous civic, veterans, and athletic organizations.