Mike-Guarino-ambassador-of-the-Year

Ann Arbor, MI [Feb. 6, 2026] — Legatus, the premier organization of Catholic business leaders committed to integrating faith and leadership, named philanthropist and healthcare leader Michael Guarino the 2025 Ambassador of the Year, during the recent 2026 Legatus Annual Summit in Santa Barbara, Calif. Guarino is the President of META CARE, a lifelong Catholic, and a leader in the Legatus Tampa Bay "Bay of the Holy Spirit " community.

Michael and his wife, Marissa Guarino (CEO of META CARE), are partners in both marriage and mission—working side-by-side to serve the Church and help organizations navigate the healthcare maze with clarity, advocacy, and compassion. Through META CARE, they help care for clergy across more than 20 dioceses, improving outcomes while reducing unnecessary cost and confusion in today’s healthcare system.

2025 Ambassador of the Year Award

Each year, Legatus recognizes an Ambassador of the Year, a member who embodies this mission of the organization and whose exemplary service and authentic witness of faith have transformed their workplace and community. Regional Vice Presidents submit nominations of members who exemplify this calling. From those nominations, the Legatus Board of Governors Committee prayerfully discerns and selects one recipient. That process alone speaks to the significance of this recognition. 

Sacred Scripture reminds us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” 

“The Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes a Legatus member whose light shines clearly—someone whose faith is not confined to Sunday, but is evident in the way they lead, serve, and evangelize in the world,” said Legatus President Stephen Henley. “Michael Guarino embodies what it means to be a true ambassador for Christ.”

Henley added, “Michael’s leadership is marked not only by professional excellence, but by a deep and active commitment to the life of the Church. He is heavily involved in apostolic work, consistently leveraging his gifts, influence, and resources to build up the Kingdom of God.” 

Together, Michael and Marissa were instrumental in helping to bring the 2025 Eucharistic Encounter to Tampa—an eight-hour, free event featuring Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Bethany Madonna, S.V., Bishop David Toups, and a concert by Matt Maher. The extraordinary event drew approximately 12,000 people together for a powerful day of faith, worship, and community. It was a clear witness to the Real Presence of Christ and a powerful example of lay leadership at work in the Church today. 

"It’s humbling to receive this prestigious award. A visionary without an executor is just a dreamer. Marissa has always been by my side, executing our vision together for the Lord,” said Guarino. “I’m not a theologian, but I’m a devout follower and witness of Jesus. Receiving this award is an honor for the poor. It’s an honor for my Legatus group, and it’s an honor for my wife. It’s not about me. It’s about the people we serve, that we work with, and that we love."

This Legatus blog shares Michael’s journey of perseverance, surrender, and courage, while highlighting how his faith grew stronger through caring for his daughter Brittany, who is disabled: Faith in Motion: Michael Guarino and the Courage to Say Yes to Christ.

Michael Guarino Bio

An accountant by training, Michael Guarino graduated from Rutgers University, worked for the Internal Revenue Service, and later founded Guarino Healthcare Management, consulting with and managing ambulatory surgery centers in Florida and New York. Michael and his wife, Marissa, also co-founded the Independent Physician Association of New York, which they sold three years ago. Today, they lead META CARE as a healthcare disruptor serving dioceses and businesses across the country.

Michael and Marissa are the proud parents of three adult children. Taylor is a physician assistant and the founder of Glucose Guards. He serves as COO of Care To You, a hospital-at-home program. Michael Connor is an accountant who supports the family businesses and is married to Sophia. Their family recently welcomed a grandson, Michael Gabriel. Brittany is autistic and nonverbal and remains an active participant in her programs and activities—she also completed the Camino de Santiago years ago. 

In addition to his healthcare leadership, Michael has spent decades in youth ministry—starting youth groups, leading retreats, supporting Catholic summer camps, and working with Life Teen. He has helped bring FOCUS to the Tampa Bay market and has partnered locally with Saint Paul Outreach and the Brothers of Hope. 

Together, Michael and Marissa were instrumental in helping to bring the Eucharistic Encounter to Tampa, Florida—an eight-hour, free event attended by approximately 12,000 people, featuring Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Bethany Madonna, S.V., Bishop David Toups, and a concert by Matt Maher. 

Michael has also started to work with the poorest of the poor in downtown Tampa feeding them, but more importantly walking with them. Michael has also been on numerous pilgrimages, including the Camino de Santiago, the Holy Land, Roma, Assisi, Siena, Lourdes, Fatima, Patmos (the Seven Churches of Revelation) and so many others. His motto is “living the dream,” and he’ll be the first to tell you he’s a “whack job for Jesus.”

About Legatus

Founded in 1987 by Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan, Legatus brings together Catholic CEOs and business leaders, along with their spouses, in a unique community of faith, fellowship, and formation. With more than 5,000 members across over 90 chapters, Legatus equips leaders to become ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace.