Lt. Col. Michael Woolfolk has been selected to serve as the next commander of the Civil Air Patrol New York Wing, the organization announced this week.
Civil Air Patrol is a nationwide nonprofit organization and the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Its volunteers support emergency services, youth leadership programs, and aerospace education across the country. The New York Wing oversees these missions throughout the state, working in partnership with emergency responders, schools, and community organizations.
Woolfolk will succeed Col. Tom Carello, who has led the wing as interim commander since October 2025. A formal assumption of command ceremony is planned for April, with additional details to be announced.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Col. Thomas Carello for his dedicated stewardship of the wing during his tenure as interim wing commander,” said Col. James A. Ridley Sr., commander of Civil Air Patrol’s Northeast Region. “I also wish to congratulate Lt. Col. Michael Woolfolk, whom I have selected to serve as the next New York Wing commander.”
“Lt. Col. Woolfolk brings extensive leadership experience to this role, most recently having served as the wing’s deputy commander. I am confident that he will assemble a strong command staff to support him, and that together they will provide the wing with an exceptional and effective leadership team moving forward.”
A Record of Volunteer Leadership in New York
A native of Rye, New York, Woolfolk joined Civil Air Patrol in 2010 as an adult volunteer with a local unit. Over the past 15 years, he has served in leadership roles at the squadron, group, and wing levels, gaining experience managing volunteers, coordinating operations, and supporting statewide programs.
His service includes commanding local Civil Air Patrol units, overseeing operations across the New York City area, and serving in multiple senior leadership roles at the wing level. Most recently, Woolfolk served as deputy commander for the New York Wing, helping guide programs focused on emergency response support, youth leadership development, and aerospace education.
Training, Experience, and Professional Background
Woolfolk has completed extensive leadership and management training through Civil Air Patrol and the U.S. Air Force professional education system. His training includes coursework designed for senior leaders responsible for complex organizations and large volunteer teams. He has earned numerous awards recognizing excellence in leadership, education, and organizational development.
Outside his volunteer service, Woolfolk brings more than 30 years of professional experience in banking and finance. His career includes serving as a managing director and media spokesperson for The Bank of New York on its Wall Street trading floor. He currently works as a resident director for Merrill Lynch.
Woolfolk holds a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University, a master’s degree from Willamette University, and a doctorate in finance from Penn State University. He also completed executive education through Harvard Business School. He lives in Rye with his wife and daughter.
Leadership as a Foundation of Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol’s effectiveness as a national organization reflects a strong commitment to leadership development and careful selection of commanders. Leaders are chosen through a deliberate process focused on experience, performance, professionalism, and service.
As a volunteer organization, Civil Air Patrol relies on leaders who can manage operational responsibilities while mentoring members, building partnerships, and earning public trust. Commanders carry responsibility for mission readiness, youth development programs, and community engagement, while serving as ambassadors for the organization.
By investing in leadership training and placing proven individuals in key roles, Civil Air Patrol ensures its missions remain guided by experienced, capable leaders. The selection of leaders such as Woolfolk reflects an enduring focus on integrity, accountability, and service, values central to Civil Air Patrol’s role supporting communities across New York and the nation.
