When The Honorable Tom Ridge was sworn in as the first office of Homeland Security advisor in the history of the United States of America, he knew he was accepting a mantle of the utmost dependability. In the words of President George W. Bush, he demonstrated the strength, experience, personal commitment, and authority to accomplish the critical mission of keeping his country a safer place to live. Protecting the American public, as well as better understanding the threat of terrorism today, are among the many accomplishments this Vietnam veteran has made throughout his distinguished career. Ridge speaks from his wellspring of seasoned experience about international terrorism and its relationship with America and the world today and going forward, as well as the principles of a strong leader in times of need.

Leading the charge through defense. When the office of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Council were established in 2001, Ridge was tapped to assume the duties as the nation's director of homeland defense, developing and coordinating a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen protections against terrorist threats or attacks in the United States. Drawing from his years as a highly effective statesman, Ridge filled his post with courage and honor.

Ridge was twice elected governor of Pennsylvania, serving from 1995 to 2001. He kept his promise to make Pennsylvania "a leader among states and a competitor among nations." His aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state's advances in the priority areas of economic development, education, health and the environment. He gives extensive presentations on these subjects, from the point of view of both a citizen and a governing official.

A thoughtful leader. Ridge signed into law the Education Empowerment Act, to help more than a quarter-million children in Pennsylvania's lowest-performing schools. His education technology initiatives brought universal learning capabilities to Pennsylvanians from pre-school to adult education. During his years in office the number of children receiving free or low-cost health care through Pennsylvania's nationally recognized Children's Health Insurance Program increased by 145 percent. Ridge's Land Recycling Program is also a national model. His "Growing Greener" is Pennsylvania's largest environmental investment ever, totaling nearly $650 million.

Ridge's leadership has since received international acclaim. Applying his experience as governor to his position with Homeland Security created jobs for more than 180,000 people from various agencies. He addresses this process with organizations and discusses the strategies for cultivating a uniform, successful business. He also provides the keys to his visionary leadership and applies them to the planning and preparation necessary for any organization to survive and thrive. Tom Ridge is a respected statesman and a dedicated soldier in pursuit of a more productive, peaceful world for all. His presentations are thoughtful, powerful, and ultimately inspiring.