Micah W Clay

Managing Partner

Micah Clay, a native of Texas, enlisted in the Navy in August of 1996 as a Fire Controlman responsible for repairing and operating RADARs and Weapons Systems. Upon completion of training, he reported aboard USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG 48) based out of Yokosuka, Japan where he served as a technician and operator for almost five years while progressing to the rank of E6. While serving in Japan Micah was selected to the Seaman to Admiral 21 commissioning program, one of the many commissioning paths the Navy has to offer.

Micah attended the University of Houston and received his Electrical Power Technology Engineering Degree and his commission in the U.S. Navy as an Ensign. He reported to USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and follow on tours aboard Patrol Coastal Units as the Weapons and Executive Officer for PC Crew MIKE where he completed two 5th Fleet deployments conducting oil platform defense and Vertical Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Upon completing his tour with PC Crew MIKE, Micah reported to Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Houston where he served as a STEM Recruiter sourcing direct accession Officers, before being promoted to oversee Officer recruitment efforts for the entirety of NRD Houston. During this time, Micah also earned his MBA through Texas A&M.

Micah then completed two Department Head tours at sea aboard USS NITZE (DDG 94). The first as the Weapons Officer then as Combat Systems Officer where NITZE became one of but a few naval units to ever earn the Combat Action Ribbon as a result of interactions with Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Micah then reported to Navy Operational Support Command (NOSC) Gulfport, MS as Executive Officer where he completed his final tenure with the Navy before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in January of 2020 and deciding to call Mississippi home thereafter.

Following his military service, Micah helped found and launch Uniform Locker, a brick-and-mortar retail store serving medical professionals. He decided retail wasn’t a path he would like to pursue and chose to exit the workforce for a year before deciding to found Southern Staffing Group.

Founded Southern Staffing Group in June of 2022 where he currently serves as Managing Partner and Recruiter focused on sourcing highly technical talent for the power industry.