June and Michael Tompkins at Walton County Boys & Girls Club’s Belles & Bowties Fundraiser.
Helping youth change their lives by providing hope and opportunity has been a forefront mission for Michael. Currently he advocates for the youth of North Central Georgia as the Board Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Georgia. His connection with the Movement began as an 11 year old when he walked through the blue doors in the Bronx of New York City. His family endured hardships along the way, but the club became a safe harbor for him and his five brothers.
“For a number of unavoidable reasons my family moved several times including a short period of being homeless,” Michael shared. “Despite our struggles we remained together.”
In school, Michael was often called a day dreamer. He frequently took trips on the subway to window shop on the other side of town. “The dream was to one day become a customer. I wanted to become somebody of substance.”
His first meaningful employment was at Standard Oil after graduating from high school. Although it was a rewarding position, it did not fit with his long term plan. His young engineering supervisor encouraged Michael to go to college. Eventually he resigned from the refinery which was a scary decision at age 20 with a wife and new baby girl.
Michael’s sense of urgency pushed him to a full time student and employment. The vision to become a successful business executive and give back to his community kept him on target.
After finishing his education at City University of New York with a degree in accounting and economics, he was employed as the Chief Financial Officer at the Jackie Robinson Residential Company. He was later recruited to the Calibre Companies in Atlanta and soon became the Managing Partner in Florida building, investing and managing apartments. He retired from TriBridge Residential as the Executive Managing Partner after 25 years developing an international real estate investment group.
Along the way, Michael remarried June, currently a BGC volunteer. Together they raised four kids. In addition, he served on several Boards including serving as a BGCA National Trustee. “I serve today for BGCNCG with a focus on our youth. I can relate to their hardships. My current dream is to make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth in the next generation.”