Alumni Spotlight

This December, the Alumni Spotlight features Michael Corrigan '85. From his early days as a high school soccer player to his current role as Executive Director of Government Operations at Boeing, Corrigan's career has soared to new heights, championing Methacton's core values of motivation and being open to opportunities.

Michael had a unique elementary school experience in Methacton School District. He attended three different Methacton schools without changing residences. He first attended Audubon Elementary, followed by Boyer Elementary, while Arrowhead Elementary was under construction.

We were the first third grade class at Arrowhead and I still remember the day they placed the time capsule behind the stone on the front wall with the opening date on it.

As a student at Methacton High School, Michael fondly recalls his senior year soccer team experience led by Coach Marcheski.

My senior year our varsity soccer team finished third in the league and the first and second place teams never beat us. It was a great group of guys and some of them (not me!) were really good and played in college.

Michael credits teachers Bill Forsyth and Peggy Nixon for significantly impacting his life. Mr. Forsyth, his Biology teacher, had a unique blend of humor and discipline. Ms. Nixon, his Spanish teacher, instilled the value of organization and preparedness, even assisting Michael with selecting a suit for the senior banquet.

Both of these teachers were instrumental in my education and helped create an interest in teaching.

While in high school, Michael's interest in community service led him to become president of the Key Club, a student-led organization dedicated to fostering leadership and making a positive impact in the world.

Following his undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware, Michael pursued a teaching certification at West Chester University. Although he successfully obtained his certification and completed his student teaching at Conestoga High School, he never entered the teaching profession. Michael admits that he never had a specific career path in mind, emphasizing that it's perfectly acceptable to not have a predetermined plan.

After college Michael moved to Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill for Congressman Larry Coughlin who represented Montgomery County.

While I was working for the Congressman, Methacton was given an award by the US Government for being a Blue Ribbon School. The district superintendent visited our office in D.C. to receive the award. He was surprised to see me there with the Congressman.

His next job was an appointed position for President George H.W. Bush’s administration at the National Transportation Safety Board where he did investigations of several high profile aviation accidents.

Michael is now in his 20th year at Boeing, serving as the Executive Director of Government Operations. While based at the company's military helicopter facility near the Philadelphia airport, he spends significant time in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country. His primary focus is advocating for Boeing's defense and space programs.

I believe my initial work experience on Capitol Hill instilled in me a staffer mentality that I have utilized everyday since in my work life. Being able to read a room and be comfortable in attempting to mold the priorities and perspectives of decision makers has served me well.

In offering advice to current Methacton students, Michael emphasized the importance of service, stating:

Be of service in everything you do - it will always pay off.

This strong connection to service can be attributed to his work in the public sector.

I believe my experience working in the public sector has made the greatest impact in my life. Being of service to your town, state or country is very fulfilling and rewarding. It’s a stark recognition that there are things bigger than us and we can help our communities strive and grow.

Michael currently lives in Montgomery County with his wife and two kids.
They enjoy playing golf together.

Go Warriors!

If you are -- or know -- a Methacton graduate who should be featured in the ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT, complete the interest form here.

Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org/alumnispotlight
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