PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Founder and CEO of Leader Grove Consulting, LLC, a service-disabled Veteran owned business, conducting leadership consulting, assessments, training, and executive coaching. Author of two books, Iron-Sharpened Leadership and The Ride of Our Lives.
• An independent national security analyst focusing on transatlantic issues. Holds a top-secret security clearance.
• International speaker. Develops and delivers keynote addresses, leadership workshops, presentations, team exercises and group facilitation to many organizations including General Dynamics, the United States Army, Baltic Defense College, Polish Land Forces Academy, NATO HQ. the National Conference on Ethics in America at West Point, Pennsylvania National Guard, Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, PECO Energy, Exelon, Comcast, Price Waterhouse Coopers, PNC Bank, ON Semiconductor, Iron Mountain, the YMCA, the Freedom Alliance, Penn State University, Drexel University, Widener University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, Wilkes University, Lebanon Valley College, Albert Einstein Health Network, Buckman’s Inc., Delaware Valley Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, Schlouch Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, the Kulski Foundation, Center for European Policy Analysis, the USO, Rotary International, VFW, 40Plus Washington DC Chapter, The Young Presidents Organization, the Pennsylvania State Police, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
• A proven combat leader, John served for over 40 years in the United States Army on active duty and in the Pennsylvania National Guard retiring at the rank of Major General. Served in key assignments from the tactical to strategic level including Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard, United States Army Europe; Commanding General, 28th Infantry Division; Brigade Commander, 2nd Brigade, 28th Infantry Division in Ramadi, Iraq; Brigade Commander, 55th Brigade, 28th Infantry Division; Military Liaison Team Chief in the Republic of Lithuania.
• Worked as a director for a large management consulting firm in the Philadelphia area for approximately 15 years. Led diverse teams and provided oversight and leadership to implementation teams responsible for planning and executing large complex projects in Fortune 500 companies. Served as an executive coach for senior business leaders. Provided large group facilitation during training seminars and meetings.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS

Kennedy School, Harvard University, August 2018

Senior Executive National and International Security Course

Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA, September 1998 – December 2003

Master of Business Administration

US Army War College Carlisle, PA, July 1999 – July 2001

Master of Strategic Studies

University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, September 1974 – May 1978

BS, Human Services

Alvernia University, Reading, PA, August 2009 – May 2010

Attended Doctoral Program, Corporate Leadership

Villanova University, Villanova, PA, March 2011

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Masters Certificate

Project Management Professional (P MP®) Certification, August 2009

MILITARY TRAINING

US Army War College, Senior Executive in National and International Security Course at The Kennedy School Harvard University, Army Strategic Education Program Advanced Course 18-02, Command and General Staff Course, Dual Status Commander Course, Infantry Officer Advance Course, Ranger Course, Airborne Course, Suicide Intervention Officer Course, Resiliency Training Assistant Course, Winter Mountaineering Course, Air Ground Operations School, Master Fitness Trainer Course.

MILITARY AWARDS

Distinguished Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star), Iraq Campaign Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Gold Hourglass with M Device and Numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (with Numeral 2), Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal, Pennsylvania Twenty Year Service Medal (with 1 Silver Star), Major General Thomas R. White Jr. Medal, Pennsylvania

Recruiting and Retention Medal, General Thomas J. Stewart Medal, Governor’s Unit Citation, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• The AUSA Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal - Awarded to a serving or former member of the United States National Guard who has contributed most to the advancement of the Association’s goal of a seamless and component-integrated Army, presented October 2019.
• Cross of the Knight of the Order for Merits to Lithuania – For active promotion of military cooperation between Lithuania and the United States of America, awarded February 2019.
• The Golden Polish Army Medal – For promoting the history and traditions of the Polish Army outside of Poland, presented August 2019.
• National Infantry Association Order of Saint Maurice in the rank of Primicerius – Awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to the Infantry, awarded August 2011.
• Frank J. O’Hara Award in the Government Service Category - This is the highest award bestowed jointly by the University of Scranton and the Alumni Society for outstanding achievements in government service.
• James E. West Fellow and Silver Beaver Award - Awarded by the Boy Scouts of America for contributions to the scouting program and serving area youth.
• Eagle Award – Awarded by the Pennsylvania VFW in recognition of superior leadership and combat service.
• The Washington Crossing Foundation Award – Awarded by the Washington Crossing Foundation for service and dedication to the ideals of our Founding Fathers.
• Patriotic Service Award – Awarded by the Knights of Columbus acknowledging patriotic service ethics.
• Outstanding Citizenship Award – Awarded by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in recognition of the highest ideals of character and citizenship.
• Republic of Lithuania Medal of Merit – For meritorious service while serving in the Republic of Lithuania from January 2000 through January 2001