Board Changes and Thank Yous
At our annual meeting on 8 May, we said farewell to four members of our Board of Directors whose efforts during the past six years were vital to the success of the Institute. Former Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work, our former Board Chair, carried out his last official duty by introducing and interviewing Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric Smith at the annual meeting. Former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jon Greenert served as the Vice Chair of the Board. Former Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen headed our finance and audit committees during his tenure. And retired Navy Rear Admiral Peg Klein served on the nominating and governance and audit committees. These four leaders played pivotal roles in raising the funds for the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center—the largest capital project the Institute has ever undertaken. They also helped us weather the COVID-19 pandemic, which was particularly challenging for nonprofits and publishing companies. We cannot thank them enough.
We also welcomed five new directors: retired Coast Guard Vice Admiral Fred Midgette, former Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area; Mr. Mike Petters, former executive vice president of the Board of Directors of Huntington Ingalls Industries, at which he previously served as president and CEO; retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds, former Deputy Commandant for Information; retired Navy Admiral Chas Richard, former Commander, U.S. Strategic Command; and retired Navy Master Chief Russ Smith, the 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. I look forward to working with our current and newest board members as we set the course for the Institute in our upcoming strategic plan.
Naval Institute Press
As Commander, U.S. Central Command, from 2019 to 2023, Marine Corps General Frank McKenzie oversaw some of the most important operations in modern U.S. military history. In his memoir, The Melting Point, McKenzie provides an honest assessment of his time in command—describing decisions that were sound, as well as some outcomes he wishes had been different. Throughout, he never loses sight of the importance and primacy of civilian control of the military and the fact that, especially in the most challenging times, military leaders matter. This book, with a forward by retired Marine Corps General and former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, is a must for students of both modern military history and leadership.
Naval Institute Membership: Perfect Gift for Dads and Grads
Graduation season and Father’s Day are here, and the Naval Institute has great gift ideas for those special people in your life! Help launch the career of a new ensign, second lieutenant, or enlisted professional by giving them a membership in the Naval Institute. Members receive Proceedings, discounts on our books and Naval History magazine, and invitations to events and conferences. If you are a member of the Sea Services but your father is not, make him a member and open the world of the naval services to him. Share the legacy of membership at www.usni.org/join. Use promo code DADGRAD24 at checkout to get 15 percent off!
