Strategic Leadership

A pair of retired U.S. Army generals – both NC State alumni – and technology and business leaders from across the country will share insight into leadership and professional development at the Ninth Annual General Hugh Shelton Leadership Forum, to be held Nov. 5 at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State University.

“We’re delighted that the NC State community will be engaged with speakers who are on the front lines of strategic leadership planning and execution, from the global corporate affairs, to public policy to international military strategy,” said Dr. Mike Davis, assistant vice chancellor and director of the General H. Hugh Shelton Leadership Center. “Our speakers are committed to translating their strategic planning process into tactical and operational ‘take-aways’ for our audience.”

Gen. Shelton (’63),who served as the 14th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1997-2004, was the first member of the elite U.S. Army Special Forces – the Green Berets – to rise to the nations’ top military post. In addition to his many military and civilian awards, Shelton was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 and, a year later, received the U.S. Congressional Medal of Congress.

Shelton will moderate the annual Shelton Distinguished Leadership Seminar, to feature RTI International president and CEO Dr. Victoria F. Haynes, and Research Triangle Regional Partnership president and CEO Charles A. Hayes, CEcD. The morning keynote will be delivered by IBM North America general manager Bridget A. van Kralingen, who will discuss the new leadership qualities required to help business and society thrive and succeed in an instrumented, interconnected and intelligent world.

“The Shelton Forum’s primary focus centers on the importance of values-based leadership development for corporations, educational institutions, community agencies and public officials.” said Shelton, a Tarboro, N.C., native who received his bachelor’s degree in textiles from NC State. “We strategically coordinate this one-day event during the month of November to interconnect these varied constituencies in professional dialog around leadership development to enhance the opportunity for community partnerships and personal growth.”

Highly decorated 4-Star General Dan K. McNeill will discuss the principles of strategy development with application to the world stage. McNeill, a 1968 graduate of NC State, has served in numerous assignments both stateside and overseas, including Commander, Coalition Forces, Afghanistan from 2002-03 and Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command from 2004-07. He also commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, as well as NATO’s International Security Assistance Force.

The Forum is an annual seminar series that focuses attention on the importance of leadership development, and is offered through the General Hugh Shelton Leadership Center, administered by NC State’s Office of Extension, Engagement, and Economic Development.

“The mission of the Shelton Leadership Center is to develop values-based leaders committed to personal integrity, professional ethics, and selfless service,” Davis said. “The Shelton Leadership Forum is particularly unique in that we intentionally integrate corporate, public agency, academic, and student leaders in order to develop leaders for the state, nation and world – a priority for NC State.

Registration is $189, and includes all sessions as well as a networking luncheon. Check-in will begin at 7:15 a.m., with sessions beginning an hour later and lasting until 3 p.m. For more information, or to register, visit the General H. Hugh Shelton Leadership Center’s Web site.