Michelle Norman, former member of MOAA's Currently Serving Spouse Advisory Council and executive director of Partners in PROMISE, is a Navy spouse of 25 years and a champion for exceptional military families.

Norman, a Texas native, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin prior to marrying her husband, a Naval aviator. After years working in both private industry and government service, Norman’s career changed dramatically when her daughter was born prematurely in 2003.

Norman became an advocate for her daughter, who was diagnosed with multiple disabilities, when she was not provided the minimum level of education mandated by federal law. Norma n won each of multiple legal cases. When other military families reached out with similar problems, Norman realized the challenges she experienced were common throughout all military ranks and services. She focused her advocacy on widespread special education reform for all military children with special needs.

Much of Norman’s success has been based on partnerships she has cultivated inside and outside of the military community. Additionally, Norman is a volunteer with several military service organizations and serves as an advisor for the Family Readiness Groups in her husband’s commands.  

In her downtime, the Virginia Beach resident enjoys traveling, organizing, and spending quality time with her husband, two children, and Labradoodle.