Last week, I attended a very special graduation ceremony. It wasn’t for a family member and it wasn’t held in a football stadium. It was for 36 men and 1 woman who had completed a 120-hour, MBA-style, transitions program through The Honor Foundation.
These were already alumni of some of the most elite programs in the world – they were Navy SEALs and Marine Special Operations Forces team members – who had served our country with honor and ready to transition back to civilian service.
Thanks to The Honor Foundation, these men and women have the tools they need to confidently enter the workforce with pride and a sure-footing. They are prepared to take the leap of faith that the civilian world will honor their service, embrace their elite training, and place them in positions worthy of their talents.
It is my honor to introduce you to eight members of the Group 11 graduating class.
1. Diego Ugalde, “My passion is to hear the sound of your resounding success.”
What he brings to the team: With a relentless positive outlook, Diego is known for walking into a situation, assessing it, and working tirelessly to improve it for the betterment of the team.
Areas of interest: Motivational Speaking, Leadership & Development, and Coaching
Availability: Diego transitions from the Navy SEALs in September of 2018.
2. Larry Lacefield, “Leader of leaders, adapting to any environment.”
What he brings to the team: Selfless problem solver exuding compassion, creativity, competence and sound decision-making facilitating solutions where others see obstacles.
Areas of interest: Business Development, Chief of Staff, Project Management Officer, or HR Leadership in Healthcare and Biotech
Education: M.S., Emphasis in Global Business Leadership, University of San Diego
Availability: Larry is transitioning from the Navy Special Warfare Command in May 2017.
3. Russell Hromadka, “Multi-dimensional guru and cross-generational connector.”
What he brings to the team: Perpetually sought after for crisis management, joint ventures, new initiatives, and to ‘do it right the first time’ where there is little guidance and organizational success is at stake.
Areas of interest: Chief of Staff, Business Development, Human Resources, Ops, Project Management.
Education: B.S., Applied Mathematics (Honors), US Naval Academy
Availability: Russ will transition from Marine Special Operations Command in the Spring of 2018.
4. Alexander “Pete” Tunley, “A human with supernova positivity that inspires all.”
What he brings to the team: A passionate, powerful and committed leader with incredible positivity that attracts communication and input from all.
Areas of interest: Business Development, Human Resources, Coaching, Leadership & Development, Motivational Speaking.
Education: B.A., Intelligence Studies, American Military University
Availability: Pete transitioned as a Chief Petty Officer in March of 2017.
5. Christopher “Noah” Phillips, “Diplomatic disruptor fascinated by finance.”
What he brings to the team: Exceptionally motivated and proven leader with budgetary controller and multinational business experience.
Areas of interest: Finance, Wealth Management, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Analyst and Associate.
Education: B.S., Business Finance, Pennsylvania State University (2019)
Availability: Noah is transitioning from the Marine Corps in July 2017.
6. Matthew Lampert, “Lifelong servant of the community and our nation.”
What he brings to the team: Proven, decisive, and determined leader, who motivates, empowers, and develops his team to achieve their highest potential.
Areas of interest: Chief of Staff, Operations, HR Business Partner, Project Management Officer.
Education: M.A., Leadership, Development and Education, The George Washington University
Availability: Matt transitions as an Officer with the U.S. Naval Academy in June of 2018.
7. Eric Kasmire, “Innovative leader who excels at organizing resilient teams to achieve exceptional results.”
What he brings to the team: Skilled communicator at all levels, and passionate about leading multi-functional teams from diverse backgrounds and cultures to increase performance.
Areas of interest: Business Development, Chief of Staff, Project Management, or HR Leadership roles.
Education: B.A., Homeland Security, with Honors, American Military University
Availability: Eric transitioned in the summer of 2017 from the Marine Special Operations Command.
8. Justin Plank, “Ethical leader with the exceptional ability to remain calm and decisive in both high pressure and uncertain environments.”
What he brings to the team: A tireless work ethic, accustomed to working in fast-paced environments where excellence in performance is the standard.
Areas of interest: Operations leadership and Project Management.
Education: Master of Business for Veterans, University of Southern California
Availability: Justin transitioned in the summer of 2017 from the Navy SEALs.
If your organization could benefit from service-minded, adaptable, problems solvers like these, there is no more elite group of talent than the graduates of The Honor Foundation. Contact The Honor Foundation here to learn more about employing, mentoring, coaching and sponsorship opportunities for this world-class program.
Question: What can you do to serve people who have dedicated their lives in service to others?
