FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            RELEASE NO. 74-09

WEST POINT NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP CHAIR – Aug. 25, 2009

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Frances Hesselbein, Leader to Leader Institute Chairman and Founding President, has been appointed today as the Class of 1951 Chair for the Study of Leadership in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point.
 
“West Point has my total commitment to making the greatest contribution in a unique and significant way to cadet development, said Hesselbein.
 
“I know of no American whose entire life more genuinely reflects the values of “Duty, Honor, Country,” and though never a cadet or a general, Frances Hesselbein exudes the best qualities of both-excellence in leadership and a burning desire to serve others.  We’re honored that Frances has agreed to serve in this capacity-she’s a true patriot, a brilliant leader, and a genius at developing people and organizations,” said Lt. Gen. Franklin L. Hagenbeck, Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
 
Bringing an element of diversity to the role, Hesselbein is not only the first woman appointee; she is also the first non-graduate of West Point to hold the position of Chair for the Study of Leadership. Gen. Eric K. Shinseki (U.S. Army, Ret.) was appointed the first Chair for the Study of Leadership, followed by Duke University's Men's Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
 
“Frances’ service at our Academy will raise awareness of the common values shared by those serving in the military and in the social sector,” said Col. Thomas A. Kolditz, PhD, Professor and Head of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. “Mrs. Hesselbein is fond of saying that there are two institutions that sustain democracy-public education, and the U.S. Army.  We’re excited to host her at West Point, where we do our best to merge those two grand institutions.”
 
The West Point Class of 1951 established the Leadership Chair to advance the study and practice of leadership at the Academy through interaction with cadets and faculty. The execution of this responsibility, according to the Academy, is “limited only by our collective vision and creativity.”

During Hesselbein’s tenure, she will focus on engaging cadets and faculty with leadership experts, establishing avenues of cadet and faculty development, and ultimately advancing the practice of leadership.

About West Point
West Point, The U.S. Military Academy, is a four-year co-educational federal undergraduate liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. The world's preeminent leader development institution, it was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering.  Its mission remains constant—to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.  For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu

About the Leader to Leader Institute
The Leader to Leader Institute's mission is to strengthen the leadership of the social sector.  Established in 1990 as the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, the Institute furthers its mission by providing social sector leaders with the essential leadership wisdom, inspiration and resources to lead for mission, innovation and diversity and to build vibrant effective social sector organizations. For additional information visit www.leadertoleader.org.