War Room to Board Room

Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas is the Director of Community Development for the City of Birmingham, Alabama, where she leads people-centered initiatives impacting over 200,000 residents. Her career exemplifies adaptive leadership through successful transitions from military service to public health innovation and municipal government.Military Service & LeadershipA graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point (BS in Chinese and Spanish Languages), Dr. Venable-Thomas served over 15 years in the U.S. Army, including combat deployments to Iraq. As Battalion Human Resource Director in Balad, Iraq, she led operations for 430+ personnel across 30+ locations in a high-pressure environment with 60% turnover, improving data accuracy by 90%.Her signature achievement was creating "Operation Safe Return," a redeployment program that reduced domestic abuse, substance, and motor vehicle incidents by 99%. The program was adopted organization-wide, benefiting over 4,000 personnel. She was named 2010 Army Adjutant General Officer of the Year for this exceptional leadership.At West Point, she excelled in diversity recruitment leadership. As Diversity Outreach Executive Officer, she led a five-person team and increased the yield of accepted diverse candidates by 24%. As Southeast Outreach Officer, she developed marketing campaigns across 90 congressional districts in eight states, increasing under-represented candidates by 13%.Academic ExcellenceDr. Venable-Thomas holds multiple advanced degrees:Doctorate of Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2015-2018)Master's in Public Health Management, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health (2013-2015)Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia UniversityMaster's in Human Resources Management, Webster UniversityBS in Chinese and Spanish Languages, United States Military Academy at West Point (2003-2007)She was selected as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leaders Fellow (2019-2022), a prestigious national program supporting leaders addressing health inequities. Her doctoral research focused on health equity in the built environment, community-based design, and healing justice strategies.Civilian ImpactAt Enterprise Community Partners, Dr. Venable-Thomas served as Senior Program Director, supporting community development organizations nationwide in integrating creative and healing-centered approaches for equitable outcomes. She managed the Climate and Cultural Resilience Grant Program, working with organizations across the country to use creative placemaking strategies addressing climate resilience, equity, and community engagement.She has also served as a researcher at Harvard Graduate School of Design's Just City Lab, investigating urban justice and design's role in creating equitable cities, and as an international consultant in Vietnam evaluating cardiac care training programs.Current RoleAs Birmingham's Director of Community Development since April 2022, Dr. Venable-Thomas puts people first by engaging communities to build thriving places. Her work focuses on health equity in the built environment, community-based design, healing justice, and cross-sector collaboration. She leads strategic initiatives that combine her military operational excellence, public health expertise, and commitment to equitable development.Her leadership philosophy centers on change management, people-centered design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic communications—demonstrating how core leadership principles translate across military, academic, nonprofit, and government sectors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Samir Patel joining us. Samir is the managing partner of Trophy Point Investment Group, an Investor, entrepreneur, military officer, teacher, and traveler. He's an alum of United States Military Academy at West Point, Emory University - Goizueta Business School, and Georgia State University. He currently teaches Leadership at West Point and Real Estate at Georgia State University. Samir’s diverse background brings a unique perspective on leadership, education, and entrepreneurship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David E. White Jr. served as the 14th Deputy Director of the Peace Corps. He was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 20, 2023, and sworn in by Director Carol Spahn on December 29, 2023.He previously served as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources at the U.S. Department of State. Prior to joining the State Department, he served as Special Assistant to the President in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel (PPO). Earlier in the Biden-Harris Administration, White served on the National Security Council as Senior Advisor to the White House Coordinator for Operation Allies Welcome, where he facilitated whole-of-government efforts to provide housing, health care, education, employment, and other resources at scale for nearly 90,000 Afghan allies resettled in the United States. An attorney by training, White joined the Biden-Harris Administration as Deputy Associate Counsel in PPO.In 2019, White served as a policy advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. He later served in a similar capacity with President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign. Following their election, White served as an attorney on the Biden-Harris Transition Team.White began his career in public service as a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army. He served on active duty in a variety of domestic and overseas assignments, including as a Scout Platoon Leader in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2011 to 2012. After being wounded in combat, White served as second-in-command of the Warrior Transition Unit at West Point, where he coordinated care for other wounded, ill, and injured service members. His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge.White is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and earned his law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School. After law school, he clerked for Judge Paul J. Watford of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and worked as an attorney at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York City.Born and raised in New York’s Hudson Valley, White splits his time between Washington, DC and Cambridge, MA, where his wife, Dana McKinney White, is a professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Herman Bulls is an International Director and Vice Chairman at JLL, a global financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate operations and investment management. With over 35 years of experience, I help senior executives solve complex real estate challenges and achieve their strategic goals.He served as a Member of the Defense Policy Board at the US Department of Defense, providing advice and opinions on matters of defense policy. Additionally, I am the Vice Chairman of the Board at USAA, a Fortune 100 diversified financial services firm serving the needs of military members and their families. I also serve as Chairman of the board at Fluence Energy (Nasdaq:FLNC) and serve on the boards of Host Hotels (Nasdaq:HST) and Comfort Systems, USA (NYSE:FIX). I am a NACD Fellow and have been recognized as one of the most influential individuals in corporate America and one of the top 100 corporate governance professionals in the nation. My specialties include real estate, finance, strategy, leadership, governance, and communication. I am passionate about delivering value, creating impact, and building trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MAJ Charles Lewis, Ph.D., USAF. A former instructor and graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, MAJ Lewis will be sharing his valuable insights on career mapping, leadership principles, and his research around management. Get ready for a deep dive into strategic thinking and professional development! Our speaker brings more than ten years of leadership, management, and strategic analytical expertise to his current position as Air Force Material Command Budget Analyst in the US Air Force.He has an MBA and PhD from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and is currently working at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in addition to his Air Force duties. He has held a number of leadership and cost-analysis positions in the Air Force, taught management, and served as Duke's Deputy Director of Personnel.He is also the co-founder of Migrate Rollers, a business that has been in operation for more than eight years, and he has academic and military endeavors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyle Eberly - a United States Military Academy at West Point graduate, former military pilot, Googler, and the voice behind Sitreps 2 Steercos - who's redefining what a successful military transition looks like.Hear how Kyle transformed his military leadership skills into:Governance at tech giant GoogleInnovative consulting approaches at PwCGroundbreaking veteran advocacy work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alana is a Holistic Health Practitioner, Women’s Health Advocate, Author, and Entrepreneur. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. She served as a Surface Warfare Officer during her time in the Navy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wayne Robinson is a dynamic thought leader in talent and organizational transformations, Advocate of Empowerment, successful Entrepreneur, and Award-Winning Veteran. His journey epitomizes the essence of transition- igniting change and purpose in individuals facing life and career evolutions.As a seasoned Global Leadership Strategist, Robinson orchestrates the rise of exceptional leaders in critical industries like healthcare, technology, and business. At Moderna, as Senior Director of Global Talent, he marshals the brightest minds to spearhead groundbreaking healthcare solutions, with a vision to elevate global well-being.During his tenure at Google, Robinson played a pivotal role in founding The Google School for Leaders, cementing the company's executive echelon with strategic acumen to navigate complex global landscapes. At Deloitte, he co-founded the Deloitte Resilience Academy, redefining leadership development through grit and practical growth.Robinson's strategic leadership ethos is deeply rooted in his 26-year military journey, where he served as an Army Command Sergeant Major and later dedicated nearly a decade to supporting veterans. His initiatives, like Vets in STEM and Student Veterans of America, have set benchmarks in aiding veterans' transition into civilian life and expanding educational opportunities. His impact extends to advisory roles with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, where he provided strategic counsel on programs supporting veterans and their families' educational and training needs.Robinson's academic accolades include an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, complemented by certifications from MIT Sloan and The Wharton School. His unique blend of education and experience embodies the transformation driving change, empowerment, innovation, and integrity-driven leadership in shaping the future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BG Bernie (BBB) Banks is the Director for Rice University Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Former Associate Dean of Leadership for Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Independent Director for Customer’s Bank, Senior Advisory Partner for Sentinel Partner (PE Firm), Principal of Bank’s Talent Solutions, and former US Military Academy Professor and Department Head for Behavioral Science and Leadership, and Former White House Aide/Staff Officer. He was a Ranger-Qualified Aviation Officer and Artillery Officer, commanding organizations from the platoon to the battalion level. He holds a BS from the United States Military Academy, an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg, an MA from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a PhD and MPhil from Columbia University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Jolene Erlacher is an adjunct faculty member, a leadership coach, and a professional speaker. She works with U.S. Army Special Operations Soldiers and focuses her research on leading intergenerational teams. She is a long-time military spouse. She is a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jabe is an IFBB bodybuilder and personal trainer at Equinox, He is the founder of War Ready Clothing Brand, and a screen actor in the Los Angeles area. He was a Ranger-Qualified Airborne Artillery Officer and my battle buddy from the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He is a graduate of Indiana University and Purdue University in Indiana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TJ is a Senior Director, Engines Strategy and Growth Leader for Honeywell and U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Officer, Former National Guard Aviation Battalion Commander, and Former Product Director for Dow Chemical. He was an active UH-60 Blackhawk Aviation Officer before leaving active duty. He is a 2000 graduate of West Point and a 2011 graduate of The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Landon is a First Officer/Pilot for Frontier Airlines, Volunteer with Several Non-profits, and a Real Estate Developer. He was a Ranger Qualified Aviation Officer for the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment. He is a 2010 graduate of West Point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hon. Adrian Perkins, JD is a private equity partner and a teaching fellow at the University of Chicago. Adrian is a Board Member for Service to School, and HLS’s Visiting Committee, United States Conference of Mayors, and the Federal Communications Commission. He served as a Field Artillery Officer. He is a graduate of  the United States Military Academy at West Point and 2008 Class President.  He is also a graduate of Harvard Law School, where he was a part of the Harvard Business Law Review and a Pat Tillman Scholar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kafi is an Operations Lead for CEO Advisory + DEI at Accenture, Former Lead Associate at Booz AllenHamilton, and a Manufacturing Project Manager at Fairbanks Morse Engine and National Air Cargo. Sheserved as both an active and National Guard Military Police Officer and former FW West Point OutreachOfficer. She is a graduate of West Point, George Washington, and Georgetown University McDonoughSchool of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alijah Talley is part of the Affinius Capital(formerly USAA Real Estate Development) Team, an avid Real Estate Investor, and Executive Director of the Qonnection . He also served as Air Defense Officer and West Point Diversity Admissions Officer. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shawnette Rochelle is the President, an executive coach, and a public speaker at Excellence Unbounded. She also served as a Military Police Officer, Operations Research Analyst, and West Point Assistant Economics Professor. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, and Georgetown University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alice Garcia is a Senior HR Strategist at a Large Bank and a Real Estate Investor/Property Manager. She also served as a Business Strategy & Planning Director at USAA, an Adjutant General (HR) Officer and West Point Outreach Admissions Officer. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and St. Mary’s University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Harmon is a consulting manager at Simon Kucher. He also served as a Ranger NCO in the 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment and Reconnaissance Surveillance Leadership Course at Fort Benning. He graduated from the University of Dayton in Ohio and Georgia Institute of Technology – Scheller School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Albert Vallejos is a Regional Service Manager at Siemens Healthineers and Co-founder at Service First Jewelry. He also served as a Field Artillery Officer and a West Point Diversity Admissions Officer, Partnership Manager at Johnson & Johnson, and Project Manager at GE Healthcare. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and New York University Stern School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.