Michael Schmitt

Michael Schmitt works at the point where healthcare, technology, and federal compliance converge, and his focus is consistent: build practical solutions that solve real operational problems rather than introduce tools for their own sake. His current work centers on health information technology and interoperability, improving how laboratory, imaging, and clinical data move between providers and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Using modern interoperability standards and cloud-based infrastructure, these solutions reduce administrative friction, strengthen clinical decision-making, and support continuity of care for veterans. His company, PHI Fortress, is the only SDVOSB operating within the AWS GovCloud VA enterprise space, a position that reflects the demanding security and compliance requirements of federal healthcare technology. That national-level work earned national recognition. In 2026, Michael received the FORUM Innovation Award for helping develop a production-ready solution that advances healthcare data interoperability within the VA, an honor that rewards practical innovation aimed at genuine operational challenges. His path to health IT ran through laboratory operations. In 2014, he founded Central Tox LLC, doing business as Semper Fi Labs, and rather than rely on commercial software, he led development of Elevate, a proprietary laboratory information system tuned to operations, compliance, and evolving customer needs. Central Tox is the only SDVOSB that holds a National MOU and an Interservice Security Agreement, and it has earned multi-year Exceptional CPARS ratings on active VA contracts, evaluations completed by government contracting officials. Before entrepreneurship, Michael built a strong commercial healthcare record at Pfizer and Medtronic, earning top-performer recognition at both while operating inside tightly regulated environments. And before that, a 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps established the discipline, adaptability, and accountability that define how he leads today. He holds two bachelor's degrees and a Master of Business Administration, and he supports the Wounded Warrior Project, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the ASPCA. As healthcare continues to modernize through data integration and federal reform, Michael remains focused on technology that strengthens organizations, improves care, and supports those who have served.