Robert Carroll has released the book Building Your Leadership Legacy. A ground-breaking book for any leader at any level and for any teacher of leadership from company classroom to MBA. “Character” -- often viewed as too moralistic, lofty, or fuzzy -- is presented as a clear and very workable concept that can significantly enhance leadership. Building Your Leadership Legacy is a book for improving your personal leadership by examining what kind of leadership legacy you are creating. It is based on the premise that the people whom you are currently attempting to lead will trust you based more on who you are as a person than on what you did or can do. It's all about character. The notion that character plays a huge part in leadership is well known but little understood. The book presents an air-tight argument for why character is essential to building the trust necessary for people to follow. The concept of character embodies a set of traits or values such as integrity, accountability, openness, respect, teamwork, grit, moral courage, and others.

The author clarifies that leadership character is made up of traits that build trust in followers, as opposed to those that are drawn from a moral tradition. (Respecting others makes the list; loving your neighbor does not.) A comprehensive review of the leadership literature and of the leadership curricula from business schools, consultancies, training companies, and company trainers reveals a huge body of work in this field. The problem is there is little proof that current texts and classes improve anyone's leadership. Moreover, virtually all of the information conveyed in these channels focuses on leadership competencies, namely, skills, knowledge or things to do, not on character. The prescribed competencies or actions may differ based on where the leader is in the hierarchy and on various challenges or circumstances the leader faces. These can be broad, like how to lead large-scale strategic change, or narrow, like how to conduct a coaching session. But they are actions for a leader to do, not character traits for a leader to strive to develop.

The book is written for those engaged in the study, research, and teaching of leadership, namely professors, instructors, teachers at any institution who wish to enhance markedly the effectiveness of their leadership classes. Available on Amazon.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1948 | 1956 | 1957 | 1959 | 1968. Class Notes

Tronc, formerly known as Tribune Publishing, recently purchased a majority share in BestReviews for $66 million in cash and stock. BestReviews, which publishes in-depth reviews of consumer products, was co-founded by West Point grad Ben Faw '07. Founded in 2014, BestReviews is similar to other review sites like the Wirecutter and Consumer Reports in that it buys products for reviews, instead of relying on company-provided samples, and publishes detailed articles with information about how items were tested and ranked. The site claims it now has more than five million monthly unique visitors. Read More

First Lieutenant Derek Hines was not only a hero on the battlefield, he was a fierce competitor at the hockey rink. An Army Ranger, Hines was killed in action on Sept. 1, 2005 while serving in Afghanistan. St. John's Prep of Danvers, honored the Newburyport native by retiring his hockey jersey. It was a prestigious and emotional honor for a man who gave his life in service of others.

"It is our privilege as a school to retire Derek's Number 23 from the Eagles hockey program," said Edward Hardiman of St. John's Prep. Hines was a two-sport captain at St. John's Prep. "St. Johns was such a special part of who he was," said his father, Steve Hines. "I couldn't be more proud of my son for what he stood for and what he's done." His father said Hines "tried to make a difference in his short life."

Hines' jersey now hangs next to ALS survivor Pete Frates' jersey Number 3. Both men played a major role in popularizing the Ice Bucket Challenge. Their numbers are the only ones that have been retired in the school's 110-year history. "Derek's legacy as Peter's will go on long after we are gone," Hardiman said. Also, St. John's Prep will install a bronze-and-granite memorial in Hines' honor. Hines was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his service. Read More

Brigadier General Jennifer Buckner, deputy commander, Joint Task Force-ARES, United States Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Md., has been promoted to director of Cyber, G-3/5/7, United States Army, Washington, District of Columbia. Buckner is a native of Downers Grove, Ill., Her military education includes the Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence courses, Airborne and Jumpmaster schools, Air Assault and Rappelmaster schools, Command and General Staff College, and Joint and Combined Warfighting School. She holds two graduate degrees, served as the U.S. Army War College Cyber Fellow at the National Security Agency, and most recently completed Harvard's Executive Education Program in Cybersecurity.

Buckner is a career intelligence officer. She has had numerous assignments in the 82nd Airborne Division, including collection and jamming platoon leader, battalion S-3 air, battalion S-4, and company commander. At Fort Bragg, North Carolina, she also served as the S-2 for 159th Combat Aviation Group, in the 18th Aviation Brigade (Airborne). She has served overseas in Korea, as TENCAP officer with the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, and in Puerto Rico, as U.S. Army South's analysis and production chief and later secretary of the General Staff. After a tour in the Pentagon as Executive Assistant to the Army G-2, she commanded the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, at Fort Hood, Texas, and in Iraq.

Her awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (Five Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, Korea Defense Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Staff and Joint Staff Identification Badges, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Australian and Honduran Jump Wings. Buckner is a collegiate All-American swimmer, former All-Army triathlete, and now aspiring sommelier.

We are currently ranked #2, Army-Navy is America's game!

Sports and tradition have long gone hand in hand, and many of the country's top teams–collegiate and professional alike–have their own unique traditions both on and off the field. Vote for your favorite sports tradition once per day until polls close on Monday, March 5 at noon ET. The winning traditions, chosen by your vote, will be revealed on Friday, March 9. Read the official Readers' Choice rules here.

According to Dwight D. Eisenhower, "The Army and the Navy are the best of friends in the world 364 ½ days a year, but on one Saturday afternoon, we're the worst of enemies." He's talking about the Army-Navy game, when the Cadets and Midshipmen take turns marching onto the field–a spectacular sight from the stands. Vote Every Day! Click to VOTE!!!

The South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (SDSRPC) and the South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) Name Michael D. "Mit" Goblirsch as the new executive director of the two organizations. "I look forward to helping South Dakota soybean growers increase access to global markets and work with our directors to strategically lead and serve soybean producers throughout the state," said Goblirsch.

"Mit is a proven leader who has a strong grasp of the soybean industry," says Jerry Schmitz, a Vermillion farmer and SDSA President. "He has broad international and U.S. experience with multi-national processors. He understands international markets at every level - as a commodity broker, global importer and as a commodity trading analyst for the U.S. Soybean Export Council. Mit's experience will be a tremendous asset in developing, assessing and promoting soybean policy"

Mit has spent more than 30 years working in raw commodities - distribution, exporting, trading, marketing and logistics. He got his start working for Cargill and ConAgra, first in plant management state-side, then moving into international sales, trading and global marketing of commodities living and working in Panama and throughout Central America. Most recently, Goblirsch worked as a commodity futures and options broker-trader for the integrated agri-business sector financial management organization, Commstock Investments. He and his wife, Jennifer, have a grown daughter, Helen. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1954 | 1973 | 1979 | 1990 | 2003 | 2007. Class Notes

GoHealth announced that Jim Sharman has been named Chief Operating Officer. Sharman was most recently Chief Operating Officer of Coyote Logistics, LLC, a UPS company based in Chicago.  "We're thrilled to welcome Jim to the team," said GoHealth President, Brandon Cruz. "Jim has extensive leadership experience and a demonstrated track record of delivering results. His unique strategic perspective will be instrumental as GoHealth continues to grow."

Prior to his time at Coyote Logistics, LLC, Sharman was Managing Partner at Truecast Capital. He was also President and CEO of World Kitchen, LLC and CEO of Rubicon Technology, Inc. Sharman brings over 25 years of operations, supply chain, and leadership experience to GoHealth. "The entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant culture at GoHealth made this role instantly appealing," said Sharman. "I'm looking forward to learning more about the business and getting to know the team, so I can help lead GoHealth to its next phase of growth and innovation."

Sharman serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Spartan Motors, Inc., and he is also an active supporter of Chicago Hope Academy. Sharman holds a Master in Business Administration from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Read More

Governor Phil Murphy announced the appointments of Sue Fulton as Chair and Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

"For the first time in New Jersey's 242 years, the majority of a Governor's Cabinet appointments are female," Governor Murphy said. "While it has taken too long to get to this first, I am proud to stand with this diverse group of leaders, all of whom are committed to building a stronger, fairer New Jersey that works for everyone. This is who we are – strong and diverse, smart and talented, and committed to making our state a better place. Our team is made up of the best and brightest and their accomplishments and dedication will ensure that our residents and businesses have a state government that is responsive, responsible, and professional."

Most recently, Fulton served as a Global Project Lead at Pfizer Consumer Health, a role in which she developed programs to extend access to products for low-income customers. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Women in The Service Change Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for women in the U.S. Armed Forces and serves on the USMA Board of Visitors

"I'm honored -- and humbled -- to be asked to lead the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, and to be part of Governor Murphy's administration," Fulton said. "We will make it our aim every day to better serve the people of New Jersey. There is tremendous opportunity to bring about a positive change in New Jersey and I am excited to be a part of that change." Read More

CDT Peter Wang lost his life in service to others. The U.S. Military Academy honors Peter Wang with an honorary admission for his bravery and selflessness.

One of West Point's priorities is to develop leaders of character who are committed to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country. Peter Wang's actions on February 14th are an example of those very principles and for this reason the academy honors his dream of being a West Point cadet with a 2025 letter of acceptance.

We honor Peter Wang for being a leader of character and we send our condolences to the families of all the victims.

JAX Engineering, owned and operated by Colonel Jack A. Otteson '89, PE, and Service-Disabled Veteran, a solutions-oriented civil engineering and construction management services firm, has received verification from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). His 29-year career includes 7+ years' active service in the U.S. Army as an engineer officer and 22+ years with professional consulting firms as an engineer, project manager, department head and owner while still serving in the Army Reserve.

In 2017, Otteson founded JAX Engineering with a vision: to combine his commitment to country with his integrity and dedication as a professional engineer. The firm's services include planning, design, construction management, and emergency/disaster operations planning and recovery for federal, municipal and private clients on projects such as: water/wastewater utilities, roadways, railroads, maintenance facilities, fueling facilities, general buildings and site development projects.

"Serving on active duty and in the Army Reserve throughout my professional engineering career has given me unique opportunities to apply leadership and engineering principles throughout the world," said Otteson. "I founded JAX Engineering to serve clients with the same principles that served me well throughout my military and engineering career: responsibility, dependability and integrity." Otteson has been awarded three bronze stars and four meritorious service medals among other awards and decorations. He is also a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Army War College with a master's degree in Strategic Studies.

Chassis Plans has selected Elliot Schroeder as their new Director of Business Development responsible for making Chassis Plans the rugged and custom computer maker of choice for DoD equipment manufacturers, integrators and organizations.

With a tremendous amount of expertise in the defense market place, he is a natural fit for the director of business development role. Mr. Schroeder's expertise includes business development efforts for new payloads and weapons for new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle. This has included future weapons efforts such as the Universal Ground Control System, JAGM, NERO, and Hellfire upgrades.

"For over 20 years, Chassis Plans has provided computer solutions that meet the customers' needs – rapidly and guaranteed. It's a dynamic business that loves what they do and who they serve," says Mr. Schroeder. "In addition, our new partnership with Israel's Aeronautics Ltd provides us with a wider range of proven military grade technologies to market to our US based customers." Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1958 | 1959 | 1970 | 1980 | 1982 | 1989 | 1997. Class Notes

Andy Forssell has been named chief operating officer of Otter Media. Forssell joins Otter from Fullscreen where he served as chief operating officer. At Fullscreen, he oversaw the company's day-to-day operations and led technology and product development. He previously served as CEO of Showyou, a video aggregation service, and led Hulu's content business, including its push into original programming. Forssell began his career as a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army. He earned a bachelor's degree from Carnegie Mellon University, and received his MBA from Harvard Business School. Read More

Right from the get-go, the West Point Association of Graduates' Ring Melt, the signature event of WPOAG's Class Ring Memorial Program, was meant to be a tradition. Ron Turner '58 said as much when he proposed the idea of a "Memorial Ring Program" in the May/June 1999 edition of ASSEMBLY magazine, writing, "…we need a program whereby graduates may bequeath (or graduates' descendants may donate) West Point class rings for the specific purpose of incorporating the gold into the class rings of future graduates." Demonstrating further that he had a long-term "tradition" in mind when he proposed his idea, Turner recommended retaining some gold after each melt so that it shavings could be placed in the following year's melt, thus ensuring each year's "Memorial Gold ingot…would contain some of every ring donated." Having completed its 18th year in 2018 with a record number of rings (69), the Ring Melt tradition is going strong and may one day fulfill Turner's vision of "a time when West Point rings will be composed entirely of Memorial Gold." » Full Story

Blackbaud, Inc., announced that Kevin Gregoire will join the company in April as Group President overseeing its Enterprise Market Group (EMG) for North America. Gregoire joins Blackbaud with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the software industry with responsibilities spanning product management, business development, sales, support and more. He is a 16-year veteran of Fiserv, a global provider of financial services technology solutions, where he played a leadership role in the company's growth.

Most recently at Fiserv, Gregoire had full P&L accountability for one of the company's operating groups and was responsible for a portfolio of businesses as a Group President. Under his leadership, the business achieved revenue growth while optimizing technology platforms and expanding customer support. During his tenure at Fiserv, Gregoire served in other key leadership roles including Division President and Chief Operating Officer, Card Services, and Senior Vice President of Product and Network Strategy. Gregoire was awarded three Army Commendation Medals. He has an MBA from the F.W. Olin School of Business at Babson College. Gregoire will report directly to President and CEO Mike Gianoni and will serve on the company's executive leadership team.

"One constant we can count on is that the digital landscape is changing rapidly, and all companies and organizations need a thoughtful strategy to consume this change in an agile and flexible way or they risk being left behind," said Gregoire. "Social good organizations deserve the same kind of innovation, partnership and transformation support as for-profit players, and Blackbaud completely gets that. I've never encountered a company with a staff so completely obsessed with driving global good." Read More

Central Michigan football head coach John Bonamego went into the National Football League to find a new special teams coordinator and cornerbacks coach in Tony Coaxum. Most recently, Coaxum was an assistant special teams coach with the Denver Broncos. Prior to working for the Broncos, Coaxum was previously with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.

Coaxum, in his playing days, was a cornerback for Army. Following his time on the field he was an assistant coach for the Black Nights from 2007 to 2013. He was also a co-defensive coordinator at Henry County High School in Georgia from 2005-2006. In 2003 he worked as a defensive backs coach for the 71st High School in North Carolina. Read More

Sarcos Robotics, a global leader in the production of versatile robots announced that retired Lieutenant General Dan Christman, former superintendent of USMA, former Commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School and the 19th U.S. Representative to the NATO Military Committee, has joined the company's Advisory Board.

Christman is currently the Senior Counselor to the President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He previously led a decorated 36-year career in the Army, where he held a variety of highly visible and strategic positions. He is a four-time recipient of the Defense and Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Department's highest peacetime award, and also served as assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Entegris, Inc. and Teradyne, Inc.

"With his expertise, leadership and years of distinguished service in the Army, Lieutenant General Christman will be a valuable advisor to Sarcos," said Ben Wolff, chairman and chief executive officer, Sarcos. "We are honored to have Dan join our Advisory Board and we look forward to working with him and the other members of our Advisory Board to deliver robotic systems that can make our soldiers safer and more capable." Read More

SecureCircle announced Eric Schrenker as its new Vice President of Global Alliances. Schrenker brings extensive consulting and alliance experience to SecureCircle, including deep relationships with many global systems integrators. In his new role, Schrenker will focus on developing SecureCircle's system integrator partnerships and delivery capabilities.

Schrenker comes to SecureCircle after spending seven years developing and leading the Global Systems Integrator programs at HPE/Voltage, where he was responsible for building the alliance program as well as recruiting, training, business development, field engagement and eminence development. Schrenker also served in several software leadership and management consulting positions over the course of his 25-year career. Read More