Delegate Mike Watson

Mike Watson( R-Newport News) | Virginia House of Delegates
A husband, father, craftsman, entrepreneur and son of a tugboat Captain, Mike Watson knows what it means to put in a hard day’s work. Starting his career as a skilled craftsman and turning that trade into successful businesses, Mike has firsthand experience of the opportunities provided by this great nation and will fight to ensure all Virginian’s have a path to their dream.

A Virginia native, Mike spent much of his youth in Hampton Roads where he worked with his father in the family’s Tug Boat business at Lee Hall. After attending ODU, New River Community College and earning a degree in Instrumentation Technology, Mike worked on both sides of labor traveling the U.S. as an Industrial Instrumentation Technician before moving to North Carolina where he started his family and first business at age 27. In the 22 years since, his employees have traveled to Asia, Africa, Central America and throughout the US, implementing process controls for Energy, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, Aerospace and dozens of other industries; often managing projects specifically designed to address OSHA, FDA and EPA regulatory compliance. In 2005 Mike expanded his second business, multi-state calibration laboratories, to Virginia where he and his wife, Amy, currently raise their sons.

In addition to receiving state awards including Small Business of the Year and national recognition as finalist for the Blue Chip Enterprise Award, his companies have been solid corporate citizens, supporting charitable, youth league and educational programs, including a fully endowed scholarship fund for disadvantaged students pursuing careers in technology. Mike has been a Boy Scout leader and Little League baseball coach. He frequently spends time promoting opportunities for skilled craftsmen, speaking to high school and college students and is a Senior Member of the International Society of Automation. He serves on the Board of Directors for the New River Educational Foundation, Community College Technical Advisory Committees, Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance – Government Affairs Committee and BSA Troop 103 Troop Committee. He is also a FAA licensed pilot and NAUI certified Advanced SCUBA Diver.

Mike and his wife Amy, who manages administrative functions at Control Automation Technologies Corporation and facilitates family activities, have three sons. Cody, 19 is a rising junior at Virginia Tech and a member of its Corp of Cadets, Army ROTC, where he will serve as Cadre in August. Adam, 15 is just months away from earning Eagle Scout and attends Jamestown High School. Taylor, 12 is an avid swimmer and attends Berkeley Middle School. The family attends Williamsburg Community Chapel.