Col. Joseph C. Barto, III (USA, Ret.) has been elected to the board of directors of the Virginia War Memorial Educational Foundation (VWMEF). Col. Barto, founder and president of Training Modernization Group, Inc. (TMG), headquartered in Spotsylvania, Va., is an internationally-renown expert on leadership, team building and professional development. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, he served as Chief of Current Operations for 24th Infantry Division during Operation Desert Shield and as Executive Officer of the 2nd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment during Operation Desert Storm. Prior to retirement from active duty, Col. Barto was selected as an original member of the Joint Warfighting Center and primary author of the 1996 Joint Training Manual. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned his Masters of Public Administration in Organizational Theory and Leadership from James Madison University.

“We are especially honored to have two such distinguished and esteemed individuals join the board of directors of the Virginia War Memorial Educational Foundation,” said C. David Hudgins, VWMEF board chairman. “Joe Barto and Charlie Bryan are well-known and respected, not only throughout the Commonwealth but throughout the Nation, as exemplary leaders in their respective fields.”

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) announced that it has promoted Mary K. King Vice President of Human Resources. Since joining PG&E in 2009, King has held two Senior Director roles in Human Resources, and served as Chief of Staff to PG&E President Chris Johns. In her new role, she continues to oversee labor relations and the HR business partner team, which supports the development and execution of workforce strategies for PG&E’s lines of business. She succeeds Andy Williams, who assumed the role of Vice President, Safety, Health and Environment in January 2015. Read More

First Lt. Devin Redding, budget officer for Fort Bragg-based 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), helped reform North Carolina's Miss Rodeo organization in 2015, after the state had gone several years without crowning a rodeo queen. After talking it over with Lindsey Harper, the group's national director, it was decided the 2012 Military Academy graduate should lead from the front - minus a pageant, Redding was awarded the Miss Rodeo North Carolina crown in late April.

The crown - or the cowboy hat, as it were - comes with a heavy schedule; Redding will spend several weekends meeting rodeo fans in her state as well as traveling with other state winners to larger events out West, eventually competing in a weeklong Miss Rodeo America pageant in Las Vegas starting in late November. Miss Rodeo, though, comes with its own stress: State winners must prepare for a Las Vegas event that includes the usual pageant fare - "Wranglers instead of bikinis," said Harper, a former contestant - along with interviews on rodeo knowledge and current events, as well as a horsemanship portion.

"Some of the skills I learned at West Point, and the skills that I have honed in the Army, have been really helpful," Redding said. "Staying organized, having attention to detail, all of those things are very important during this whole crazy process." Full Story»

Pivotal Systems, led by Larry Harada ’82, Chief Operating Officer, Joseph B Hajost ’82, Sr VP of Quality and Supply Chain, and John Hoffman ’82, CEO, recently won the esteemed Red Herring award as one of the top 100 North American companies. Red Herring selects winners from approximately 1,200 privately financed companies each year in the US and Canada. Their editorial staff evaluated companies on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technological innovation and intellectual property, DNA of the founders, business model, customer footprint and addressable market.

Pivotal Systems CEO, John Hoffman (Pictured) had this to say about the award, “Pivotal Systems is extremely pleased to be selected by Red Herring as a top company for 2015. We take great pride in truly making a real difference in bringing advanced technology to the global market. To be selected by Red Herring tells us that we are on the right track”.

Blair Tiger will take the helm of Allentown Central Catholic on July 1. He succeeds Dennis Nemes, a longtime educator who came out of retirement three years ago to lead Central Catholic and is retiring again. Bishop John O. Barres approved both appointments upon the recommendation of the schools' boards of directors, according to statements from the Diocese of Allentown.

Tiger served 22 years in the U.S. Army as a commissioned infantry officer, serving in leadership positions from the platoon to brigade level. After his military career, Tiger taught and coached at St. Bede Academy in Peru, Ill., for seven years. He has served as an educational consultant focused on school culture, technology fielding and strategic planning.

Tiger earned a master's degree in management and leadership from Webster University, St. Louis, and is pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational development at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill. He has been married to his wife, Carolyn, for 30 years and they have two children, J.P. and Megan.

"I am honored to have been selected to serve at Central Catholic High School where I have been warmly welcomed by everyone from the students to Bishop Barres," Tiger said. Read More

WEST POINT, N.Y. - A three-time men's basketball All-America choice, a three-time lacrosse All-America selection, a two-time football and women's basketball All-American, the nation's most outstanding lineman, a hockey and men's soccer star, a 10-time varsity letterwinner, a two-time national champion in lacrosse and a legendary swimming and diving coach are just a few of the many accolades of the Army Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2015.

Army West Point Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Boo Corrigan announced the class today.

Football and track and field standout Mike Fahnestock, men's basketball star Bill Hannon, men's lacrosse extraordinaire James Hartinger, women's basketball letterwinner and former administrator Kim Kawamoto, football All-Americans Frank Merritt and Casimir Myslinski, hockey and men's soccers' Michael Palone, coach Jack Ryan and national champion Don Tillar comprise the Class of 2015.

The Army Sports Hall of Fame is a subset of the Kenna Hall of Army Sports, a comprehensive museum displaying Army's rich and proud intercollegiate athletic program. It is located on the third floor of the Kimsey Athletic Center, Army's state-of-the-art football training facility.

The announcement of the Army Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2015 marks the end of a lengthy process that began in the spring. A 10-member selection committee, representing athletic administrators, academic administrators, former West Point athletes, graduates and representatives from the Association of Graduates, began the process of developing a workable list from the thousands of athletes, coaches and administrators that have represented the Academy on the "fields of friendly strife." Only individuals that graduated from or coached at the Academy and those 15 years removed from their playing and coaching days are eligible. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee voted and approved the change from five years removed to 15 this spring. Read More

The capstone team of Connor Howlett, Luke Martin, and Christal Theriot (mechanical engineering majors in the Class of 2015) were named third place winner (out of 75 entries) for the 2015 SourceAmerica Design Challenge sponsored by the Institute for Economic Empowerment to develop a device to assist workers with disabilities. The team designed, built, and tested the Stapler Operation Aide Resource (S.O.A.R.) device to improve the assembly process for heavy-duty staplers at Access: Suppol0rts for Living (formerly Occupations, Inc.) in Middletown, NY, as part of their senior design project. Project advisors were COL Daisie Boettner and MAJ Dan Fox. The team’s device significantly increased productivity and accessibility for workers with disabilities. A demonstration video of their device (part of the competition requirement) and the other finalists’ videos is at http://www.instituteforempowerment.org/design-challenge/2015-college-challenge/2015-college-finalists. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney presented the team their award during an evening Congressional reception in Washington, D.C., at the Rayburn House Office Building on 10 June 2015.

"To preserve the memory of their service during the tumultuous decade since their commissioning as Army officers, members of the West Point class of 2004 have written The Strong Gray Line. This class suffered the highest casualty rate since those that graduated during the Vietnam War. In this book, thirteen of their classmates who lost their lives fighting the Global War on Terror are profiled to help the reader gain an understanding of the bond forged between classmates during time at West Point, a bond that transcends the separation of death.

In addition to the stirring profiles, thirteen personal essays detail some of the most brutal fighting of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in addition to the struggles endured by those on the home front. These stories range from visceral observations of combat to a wife’s anxious wait for her husband to return home. Holistically, these stories define an emotional spectrum that enables the reader to connect not only with the experience of the Class of 2004, but with every man and woman who served their country in a time of war.

What separates The Strong Gray Line from other war memoirs is the illustration of the endurance of the bond forged at West Point. It is fitting that these exceptional young service members be remembered and revered, not only as examples of selfless and intrepid officership, but also as monuments to the thousands of fellow Americans who served alongside them."

DineEquity, Inc., the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar® and IHOP® restaurants, announced the appointment of Darren Rebelez as president, IHOP brand. Mr. Rebelez, who most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of 7-Eleven, Inc., the world's largest convenience store chain, takes over for DineEquity Chief Executive Officer Julia Stewart, who for the last three-years has led IHOP's resurgence in the additional role as Interim brand president.

During Mr. Rebelez's seven-plus years with 7-Eleven, the company enjoyed both earnings and store growth, with Darren leading a drive to improve operations and culture change. He was involved in and led multiple functions for the company as part of his P&L responsibility for more than 8,300 stores and 5,000 franchisees. "Throughout our search process, we've focused on finding a very specific person to fill the president's role and continue the fantastic results and momentum we've built over the past few years," said Ms. Stewart. "What was most important, and what we've found in Darren, is someone with superior leadership qualities, extensive experience and a unique understanding of the franchisor/franchisee relationship. I look forward to partnering with him as we continue to ensure the IHOP brand's position as the number one choice for breakfast."

Previously, Mr. Rebelez held executive level positions with ExxonMobil's On the Run convenience store division, working directly with existing and new franchisees, while leading the establishment of enhanced franchisee communications. He has also served in executive positions for Fresh Serve Bakeries (Dunkin' Donuts') for Thornton Oil Corporation, Daka International's Fuddruckers brand and PepsiCo's KFC brand. Read More

The University of Texas System has announced that Edward P. Mattison (USMA ’91) has been appointed Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). In this role, COL Mattison will develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive system-wide information security program for the UT System and its fifteen academic and medical universities.

He earned a BS in Computer Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a MS in Computer Science from Binghamton University, where he graduated first in his class. He is currently completing a PhD in Computer Science from Binghamton University. He will be retiring in July from the United States Army as a full Colonel after 24 years of distinguished service.

COL Mattison currently serves as the Chief, Information Assurance / Cyber Security (Inspector General) for the United States Army. In this role, he serves as a Senior Information Security Advisor to the Secretary of the Army and has authored numerous Inspector General Cyber Security reports including the Army’s Annual Information Assurance Readiness Report. He also serves as a senior member of the Army’s Cyber Risk Management Governance team which identifies critical cyber vulnerabilities across the Army, recommends cost-effective solutions, and builds consensus among key security stakeholders.

COL Mattison has served in many information security and technology roles during his military career. As Director of the Army’s Continuous Monitoring program, he coordinated a major cyber security initiative. As Deputy of the Information Technology Management Reform, he served as the technical lead on one of the Army’s most successful IT efficiency initiatives. In addition, he has served multiple assignments at the United States Military Academy as an Assistant Professor, IT Course Director, and technology subject matter expert. COL Mattison also served as the Network and Data Services Manager for Multi-National Corps – Iraq. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and currently holds a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance.

Following his retirement in July, COL Mattison will relocate his family to Austin and begin his duties as CISO for the University of Texas System on August 3, 2015.

Colonel Tom Hiebert (U.S. Army - Retired) has joined ADP to help the company further expand its veterans hiring program. He brings 28 years of experience in leading and managing military personnel to his new role as Senior Director, Veterans Initiatives. Tom will collaborate closely with ADP's talent acquisition team, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity team, business resource groups (BRG) and key human resources and business leaders to attract and develop veteran talent. He will be responsible for increasing the company's visibility in the veteran community to expand the pipeline of qualified talent to address ADP's business needs.

"ADP is committed to providing opportunities for our military men and women and currently employs approximately one thousand veterans across its U.S. operations, leveraging strong relationships with national veterans recruiting partners and military bases near our Augusta, GA and El Paso, TX locations," said ADP Chief Diversity and CSR Officer, Rita Mitjans. "Tom's perspective as a veteran and leadership experience will enable us to transition many more veterans into productive roles that can contribute to ADP's growth and their own professional development."

Colonel Hiebert recently retired from the U.S. Army after a long career in a variety of leadership roles. Prior to joining ADP, he was Director of Strategic Plans and Policy at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He also led an airborne infantry battalion task force in combat as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He is a graduate of West Point and holds a PhD in Finance from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Read More

A high school honors student enrolled in Junior ROTC since seventh grade, Carlton Blake had two goals: go to college and join the military. After deciding on the U.S. Army and with the help of his ROTC instructor, Blake was accepted at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2011, having garnered not one but two nominations. When he received his degree in engineering management last month with a class of 995 cadets, 2nd Lt. Carlton Blake became the first African-American from Burlington City High School to graduate from West Point.

"I didn't even know West Point existed until Sgt. (Larry) English, my ROTC instructor, took us there in the ninth grade. My graduating shows a student from (a poorer) district can make it," said the 22-year-old trailblazer, who has a strong allegiance to both his hometown on the Delaware River and to his high school. "My mission is not all about self. You need to take time to help others," said Blake, who started that mission tutoring other students at the academy and continued giving to back during his current 60-day leave.

Blake could not wait to return home immediately after graduation to march in the next day's Burlington City Memorial Day parade with the high school ROTC classes. He spent an entire day at his alma mater, encouraging ROTC students and the following week he volunteered to accompany students to an ROTC camp. "I am not here to talk at you but with you and to help you wherever you want to go," he said he told the ROTC classes. After speaking with those classes, 10 students took him up on his offer of help in applying to West Point or for ROTC at colleges like Rutgers University. Read More

His assignment as Hunter Army Airfield’s new garrison commander is a bit of a homecoming for Army Lt. Col. Michael Squires. The infantry officer, who took command of the Savannah Army post in a traditional ceremony, spent about three years at Hunter serving with the elite 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. “We’re thrilled to be back here,” said Squires, who returns to Savannah after serving as an economics professor at his alma mater, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. “Rarely in the Army - you move often - do you get to go back to the same duty station. I’m not sure the Army realizes that they’ve sent us here twice now.

“We’re really looking forward to the next couple of years here amongst the great Savannah community. ”Squires commanded a Ranger company, served as a staff officer and as a rear-detachment commander during his previous tour at Hunter between 2006 and 2009. “The reality of the mission set for the (Hunter) garrison commander is to lead the installation forward, set the conditions for the Army to attain its stated goals and objectives - everything from projecting power into Europe and the Middle East to home station - and joint-training and to make sure (a soldier’s child) is receiving the best supervised care. Read More

There’s a new CEO at Transtar Holding Co., a Cleveland-based group of companies that provide distribution, manufacturing and remanufacturing of after-market automotive products. The company announced on that Edward H. Orzetti has been named CEO. He succeeds Timothy Bowes, “who has transitioned from the organization,” according to a news release. Bowes joined Transtar in January 2013.

Robert Keegan, executive chairman of Transtar’s board of directors, said in a statement that Orzetti’s “global background and track record for operational excellence, market success and productive organizational alignment in both manufacturing and distribution businesses will help Transtar and its portfolio of (companies) accelerate their core growth.”

Orzetti previously served as president and CEO of Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., a $700 million wholesale distributor and marketer of after-market automotive parts and accessories. He worked there for eight years and was a member of the company’s board of directors. Prior to Keystone, Orzetti was president of the Global Lab Business at VWR International. Read More

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Families, friends and Soldiers of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) gathered under clear blue Florida skies to witness the reins of the Red Empire change hands.

Maj. Gen. Darsie Rogers, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) (Provisional) commanding general, presided over the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) change of command ceremony where Col. Michael Ball took command from Col. Christopher Riga held here June 18.

After exchanging the unit colors, symbolizing the official passage of command, the outgoing and incoming commanders addressed the crowd. Read More

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Amid the burgeoning Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, Col. Marvin L. Griffin assumed command of the Savannah District at the Hyatt Regency Hotel June 19. It was a fitting tribute as the ceremony was held just blocks away from CSS Georgia recovery efforts currently underway near Old Fort Jackson. Griffin, who arrives at the district following a Senior Service College Fellowship with the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellowship Program, carries the torch helming the district’s vast public works projects, including the SHEP. From cadet to commander, Griffin’s return to the Savannah District reunites him to the location where he began his career, he said. “My first Corps experience was here in the Savannah District as a West Point cadet and Engineering major,” he said. “I am incredibly humbled and honored to assume command of this great district, standing upon the shoulders of those like [my first commander] Col. Wayne Boy, and Col. Tom Tickner, who have gone before me and set in place a legacy of exceptional engineering support to this nation.”

He earned a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Missouri. Griffin’s previous assignments include deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo. He has served as an instructor and assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at West Point. Griffin previously served in the Corps of Engineers as the deputy commander of the Little Rock District in Arkansas. With nearly 700 employees throughout Georgia and the Carolinas, Griffin now leads a legion of employees who provide expertise across a wide range of disciplines – from engineering, architecture, design, construction and master planning to subsurface exploration, hydropower and environmental stewardship. Full Story »

Tony Hofmann, a former U.S. Army colonel, led five active serviceman in a marathon in Leadville, Colo., which is nearly two miles above sea level, with the goal of raising money and awareness for military suicide prevention for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “The team did great,” Hofmann said. “We had our moments. “It’s a grueling marathon.”

The altitude provides for a drastically different running experience, Hofmann said. The race has an eight-hour cutoff, and several other checkpoints runners must reach or else they must stop. Hofmann’s team finished with about 25 minutes to spare.

To get into race condition, Hofmann’s team completed a rigorous 16-week training program. All of a sudden, what had started as a playful idea between Hofmann and his military buddies, but soon developed into a commitment for a cause. At the race’s highest point, called Mosquito Pass, the runners are at an elevation of 13,185 feet, with banks of snow on either side of them. According to data from Veterans Affairs, about 8,000 former military members commit suicide each year, an average of 22 a day. Read More

Fort Knox, Ky. -- Col. Brian J. Mennes, became Brig. Gen. Brian J. Mennes in a ceremony in the Pentagon. Mennes is the Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, Kentucky. He will shortly move on to his next assignment, Deputy Commanding General for Maneuver, 2nd Infantry Division, in Korea.

In his 27-year career he has served through the entire range of leadership and staff positions, from platoon leader through brigade commander. He has served a total of nine deployments: Panama (Operation Just Cause); the Sinai Desert (United Nations Multinational Force); South Korea; and multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

The U.S. Army Cadet Command oversees the Army's senior and Junior ROTC programs. It commissions more than 70 percent of the Army's new officers each year through host ROTC programs at 275 host universities and more than 1,000 affiliated programs at other colleges across the nation. It also oversees one of the nation's top citizenship and leadership programs through more than 1,700 Army Junior ROTC programs nationwide. Read More

The former secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services has landed a new job. John Polanowicz was appointed to the role of executive vice president of Network, Insurance and Physician Operations for Steward Health Care. Polanowicz is no stranger to the Steward system. He previously served as president of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, which is part of Steward. In his new role, Polanowicz will oversee some of Steward’s biggest assets, including the 700-physician Steward Medical Group, and the 2,500-affiliated providers in Steward Health Care Network.

Polanowicz will also be charged with heading Steward’s Pioneer Accountable Care Organization and contracting services to support Steward’s continued foray into managing patients on a budgeted basis, rather than receiving reimbursements on a fee-for-service basis. “After two years of public service, I am looking forward to rejoining the Steward system. Steward is leading the way in changing how health care is delivered in the community,” explained Polanowicz, “I am excited to be a part of Steward’s continued expansion.” Read More

Zach Watkins has been promoted from Launch Manager to Director of Data Operations, in which role he will discover and implement industry-leading data management practices to power data-informed products for the company. Formerly Sr. Product Marketing Manager for AT&T, Watkins also served as an officer in the U.S. Army for over 5 years, with multiple combat tours in service to our nation. He holds an MBA in marketing from The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Read More