CPO2 Michael Tibbetts has been an active and dedicated member of the submarine and sports communities across both coasts for many years, balancing athletic achievement, compassionate leadership, and administrative responsibilities. As Coxswain of HMCS Corner Brook, he has been instrumental in stabilizing the crewing situation as the submarine was reactivated.

Beyond his operational duties, CPO2 Tibbetts serves as captain of the formation hockey and slow-pitch teams, leading the hockey team to the CANWEST championship and the slow-pitch team through regional play to second place in the national finals. He is also actively involved in several volunteer organizations, including Hockey Canada, Juan de Fuca Minor Hockey Association, MFRC, Soldier On, Together We Stand, and the Old Timers Hockey organization.

CPO2 Tibbetts has chosen to donate the $5,000 award prize among Broadmead Care in Victoria, BC; the Royal Canadian Legion 13 in Corner Brook, NL; and the Royal Canadian Legion 161 in Gatineau, NS. His record of personal achievement, professional acumen, and community involvement makes him a deserving recipient of the Vice-Admiral Mark Norman Leadership Award.